'when i was seven' is a powerful piano and rap driven autobiography of growing up in a broken household. Through the song's narrative, we hear the artist recounting his childhood, and slowly understand the struggles of the mother in trying to and eventually leaving the family - but also the artist, left behind to pick up the pieces. Reminiscent of eminem's 'mockingbird', the confessional tone of the song draws listeners in and lends itself to repeat listens.
When I Was Seven is a pivotal inflection point in yams' growth as an artist, signalling his evolution away from his acoustic, singer-songwriter roots and toward a fresher, R&B-inspired sound. The narrative-driven, emotionally-laden lyrics are elevated by yams' thoughtful and tasteful production; with both coupled together, he takes the listener down a deeply personal journey of familial loss, heartbreak and trauma, revealing a powerful beauty in vulnerability.