Old Number Seven

The song 'Old Number Seven' by The Devil Makes Three is a raw and poignant exploration of a life marred by hardship and the solace found in alcohol. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a troubled upbringing, marked by poverty and a sense of inferiority. The protagonist reflects on growing up on a dirt road, wearing second-hand clothes, and harboring a deep-seated anger and disillusionment. This background sets the stage for the protagonist's descent into a life of heavy drinking, using Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, referred to as 'Old Number Seven,' as a means to escape the harsh realities of life.

The chorus, 'Thank you Jack Daniels Old Number Seven, Tennessee Whiskey got me drinking in heaven,' serves as a bittersweet ode to the temporary relief that alcohol provides. The protagonist acknowledges that while the whiskey offers a fleeting sense of peace and escape, it also leads to a deeper sense of despair and moral decay. The imagery of angels looking good and the fear of being 'deported to the fiery deep' suggests a struggle between seeking solace and the inevitable consequences of overindulgence.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's relationship with alcohol becomes more entrenched. The bar stool growing roots symbolizes a sense of being stuck and unable to move forward. The desire to 'fall to sleep' and the plea for the angel's wings to wrap around him highlight a yearning for comfort and escape from the pain. The repeated refrain of 'drinking in heaven' underscores the paradox of finding temporary bliss in something that ultimately leads to further suffering. The song captures the cyclical nature of addiction and the complex emotions that accompany it, making 'Old Number Seven' a powerful narrative of struggle and escapism.