The Ultimate Guide to Understanding “Seventy Times 7” by Brand New

A Brief Overview of “Seventy Times 7”

“Seventy Times 7” is a song by American rock band, Brand New, released in 2001. It is a track on their debut album, “Your Favorite Weapon.” The song is known for its raw, angry lyrics that are seemingly directed towards another musician, but the true inspiration behind the song’s lyrics is a mystery to most.

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Understanding the Lyrics

The song’s title is a reference to a Biblical verse in Matthew 18:21-22, in which Jesus instructs his disciples to forgive up to seventy times seven. However, the song’s lyrics do not necessarily reflect forgiveness. Instead, they seem to express a deep bitterness towards someone who has wronged the writer.

In the chorus, lead singer Jesse Lacey sings, “Is that what you call tact?/You’re as subtle as a brick in the small of my back/So let’s end this call and end this conversation.” These lines suggest that the person he is addressing is anything but tactful in their actions.

The second verse goes, “Since when did honesty become such a problem with you?/This riddle of revenge, please understand that it has to be this way.” This verse suggests that the writer has been wronged by the subject of the song, and that the only way to right the wrong is through revenge.

The Identity of the Subject

One of the greatest mysteries surrounding “Seventy Times 7” is the identity of the subject of the song’s lyrics. Rumors have circulated for years that the song is directed towards Taking Back Sunday lead singer, Adam Lazzara.

In an interview with Alternative Press, Lacey confirmed that the song was indeed about Lazzara. He explained that the two had been friends at one point, but Lazzara had betrayed him by dating Lacey’s ex-girlfriend.

The Aftermath

In the years since the release of “Seventy Times 7,” the feud between Brand New and Taking Back Sunday has become the stuff of legend. Fans on both sides have taken sides, and the rivalry has been compared to other high-profile feuds in the music industry, such as Tupac and Biggie or Oasis and Blur.

However, in recent years, both Lacey and Lazzara have expressed regret over their feud. In an interview with Kerrang!, Lacey stated, “I look back at that stuff and it just seems so silly and juvenile. It’s not worth it.”

The Legacy of “Seventy Times 7”

Despite the controversy surrounding its lyrics, “Seventy Times 7” has become one of Brand New’s most beloved songs. Its raw emotion and catchy melody have made it a staple of the emo and pop-punk genres, and it continues to be one of the band’s most popular songs, even 20 years after its release.

In an interview with Alternative Press, Lacey reflected on the song’s lasting legacy, saying, “It’s strange to think anyone would pay attention to anything we do, but the fact that people still care about that song, it’s just beyond our wildest dreams.”

Conclusion

“Seventy Times 7” is more than just a catchy song. It is a representation of the often-complicated nature of relationships, both romantic and platonic. Its lyrics capture the pain and betrayal that can arise when someone we trust does us wrong, and the difficulty of forgiving those we feel have wronged us.

Despite the controversy surrounding the subject of the song’s lyrics, “Seventy Times 7” has become a beloved classic in the emo and pop-punk genres, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans.