Meaning of "Seven" by They Might Be Giants

The lyrics of "Seven" can be interpreted as a playful exploration of the idea of numbers coming to life and the absurdity that ensues when this happens. By personifying the number seven and having multiple instances of it invade the protagonist's house, the song creates a surreal and humorous scenario. The repeated demand for cake from the sevens could symbolize insatiable desires or overwhelming demands that can quickly consume one's resources. The line about letting the sevens eat all the cake to subtract them could suggest that sometimes the best way to deal with overwhelming situations is to let them play out naturally rather than fighting against them.