Swa said:

I also took it at the time to be a stab at the record companies at the time - which upon viewing the 3 chains of gold video version of 7 holds up well to that thought.

Cool

The theme of the song reminds me of The Wailers song "Small Ax"

In it they sing "if you are the big tree, we have a small ax...sharpened to cut you down,

ready to cut you down."

Musicologists have said that indirectly, and by using Jamaican patois, The Wailers were

referring to the 3 major record companies operating in the country at the time, who were

perceived to rob artists...prompting the formation of many successful grassroots labels.

I see 7 like that...a similiar theme of Prince preparing for a future of independence, but

also one in which the business of music becomes more controlled by a handful of

companies,

and one in which he still conquers musically, in spite of this all...as he is doing with his

current tour

Respect.

NelsonR said:

After many years since Prince released 7, I have been wondering if this song is an indirect reference to the major record companies.

Sony, Warners, Universal, Polygram, MCA, BMG, and others which will come to mind later.

I was listening to a live session of him, and when he sings "we will watch them fall," afterwards, he sings, "we will still be here," and says something like:

"cause I got all y'all."

Was Prince looking ahead to the future, whereby he would not depend on contracts, but a direct relationship with his fans?

There might also be a connection with 7 and the Digital Garden.

Interesting thought, but not true.

"7" had nothing to do with Prince's issues with record companies. As when that song was written (and released) he didn't have any issues with them, and was enjoying his biggest commerical success since the Purple Rain era.

His problems came very soon after when it became apparent that the new contract he'd just signed for big bucks wasn't suited to the way he wanted to work and release material.

[Edited 1/4/11 10:30am]