Released: 2012
At first glance, Zella Day’s hauntingly beautiful cover of “Seven Nation Army” (originally by The White Stripes) could be interpreted as a defiant protest against overwhelming forces that threaten personal liberty. The song’s cryptic lyrics and powerful imagery serve to underscore the depth of Day’s resolve and to highlight her determination to buck tradition and pave her own path.
Commencing with the bold declaration, “I’m gonna fight ’em off / A Seven Nation Army couldn’t hold me back”, Day sets the tone for the song. “Seven Nation Army” is used here as hyperbole, effectively representing any considerable adversary or obstacle she’s facing. There’s symbolism in the phrase too—alluding to the biblical story of Jericho, where trumpets blew down the walls of a city, an undefeatable army. The message is clear, nothing will constrain her.
However, the song isn’t just about rebellion, but also about self-reflection. “And I’m talkin’ to myself at night / Because I can’t forget”, Day reveals that the struggle isn’t merely external – it’s also internal. The image of her “back and forth through my mind / Behind a cigarette” alludes to her wrestling with her own demons and fears. It can also be interpreted as a quiet defiance against societal norms and conventions, a refusal to let anything – even her own insecurities – hold her back.
Day extends this theme of defiance and autonomy to encompass the concept of truth. “Don’t wanna hear about it / Every single one’s got a story to tell”, she sings in the second verse. The references to everyone from “the Queen of England to the hounds of hell” knowing her story suggests she’s the talk of the town, a point of public scrutiny. Yet, she refuses to be defined by others’ perspectives, asserting “And that ain’t what you want to hear / But that’s what I’ll do”.
The chorus “And the feeling’s comin’ from my bones / Says find a home” suggests a desire for a place of belonging or refuge. Yet, it’s not necessarily a literal home—she could be referring to finding comfort within herself, disregarding the external fray.
Finally, the song concludes on a raw note, with the refrain “I’m goin’ to Wichita / Far from this opera for forevermore”. Here, “Wichita” could symbolise any place that provides solace or escape; a stark juxtaposition to the “opera”, a reference possibly to the melodrama and theatrics of the external world she’s opting out of. The blood and sweat she mentions in the ensuing lines are emblematic of her struggles and toils, forging her identity against the adversities she’s faced.
Overall, Zella Day’s rendition of “Seven Nation Army” is a resounding anthem of self-assertion, depicting the internal and external battles one faces when striving for personal autonomy and authenticity. The potent metaphor and rich imagery enhance the beauty and the spirit of the song, making it a compelling narrative of resilience and defiance.
