7 Days

Alessia Cara's song '7 Days' is a poignant reflection on modern society, questioning the state of the world and our collective values. The lyrics are framed as a conversation with a higher power, often referred to as 'Mr. Man Upstairs' or 'Mr. Maker.' Cara uses this dialogue to explore themes of disillusionment, societal decay, and the search for meaning in a world dominated by superficiality and materialism.

The song opens with a series of rhetorical questions directed at God, pondering whether He is observing humanity's struggles and failures from a distance. Cara critiques the culture of making 'boring people famous' and the harmful messages sent to young girls about beauty and worth. She also touches on the divisive nature of religion and race, suggesting that these issues have led us astray from living a life 'with no filter.' This metaphorical 'filter' represents the artificiality and pretense that pervade modern life, exacerbated by social media and celebrity culture.

As the song progresses, Cara delves deeper into the consequences of our actions, questioning whether God is disappointed in the greed and chaos that define our era. She wonders if the 'anti-social media' and the 'spectacle of cut and paste' have made our world a place of poor taste and shallow values. Despite the bleak outlook, there is a glimmer of hope as Cara acknowledges that humanity is 'coping' and 'growing,' albeit in a chaotic manner. She pleads for divine patience and understanding, asking if the world, with all its flaws, was worth the 'seven days' of creation.

'7 Days' serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities and contradictions of contemporary life. It challenges listeners to consider their own roles in the societal issues Cara highlights and to seek a deeper, more authentic existence. The song's introspective nature and critical lens make it a powerful commentary on the state of the world and our place within it.