10 Years After "Once I Was 7 Years Old": The Shocking New Direction Of Lukas Graham In 2025

The question "Once I was 7 years old" is more than just a nostalgic lyric; it is the opening line to one of the most globally recognized soul-pop songs of the last decade, "7 Years," by the Danish band Lukas Graham. As of December 2025, the song is celebrating its 10th anniversary since its initial international release, a milestone that coincides with a major new phase for the band, including a brand-new single released in April 2025 and a recently completed world tour. The song's enduring legacy is a testament to its raw, autobiographical narrative, but the band's current activities show that lead singer Lukas Graham Forchhammer is still writing his life story, with new music and collaborations that build directly on the success of his breakthrough hit. The track "7 Years" became a cultural phenomenon due to its unique life-progression storyline, charting the singer’s journey from childhood dreams to his hopes for fatherhood at 60. Its massive success catapulted the Copenhagen-based band to international stardom, earning them three Grammy nominations. However, the story of Lukas Graham is far more complex than a single hit, rooted deeply in the unconventional upbringing of its frontman and a relentless push for new, equally heartfelt material in the years that followed.

Lukas Graham Forchhammer: A Biography of the Voice Behind the Phenomenon

The heart and soul of the band, Lukas Graham Forchhammer, is a figure whose personal history is as compelling as his music. His life story provides the rich, authentic material that fuels the band's biggest hits, including the introspective lyrics of "7 Years."

• Full Name: Lukas Graham Forchhammer
• Date of Birth: September 18, 1988
• Nationality: Danish-Irish
• Primary Role: Lead vocalist, songwriter, and former child actor.
• The Band: Lukas Graham is a Danish soul-pop band, though it is often referred to by the lead singer's name. The core members are Lukas Forchhammer (vocals) and Mark "Lovestick" Falgren (drums).
• Unique Upbringing: Forchhammer was raised in the Christiania commune in Copenhagen, a self-governed, bohemian neighborhood known for its unconventional lifestyle and free-spirited residents. This environment deeply influenced his worldview and the raw, narrative style of his songwriting.
• Early Career: He began his career as a child actor, notably starring in the Danish family film *Krummerne*.
• The "7 Years" Connection: The song "7 Years" was intentionally released on Forchhammer's 27th birthday, September 18, 2015, adding a personal and cyclical significance to the track that chronicles his life progression.

Forchhammer's upbringing in Christiania—a place he has described as a community where he was "always dirtier than the other kids"—gave him a unique perspective on life, freedom, and family, themes that resonate throughout his entire discography.

The Enduring Narrative of "7 Years" and Its Global Impact

"7 Years" transcends a typical pop song; it functions as a chronological, four-part memoir set to music. The lyrics follow the singer's life from age 7, to 11, to 20, to 30, and finally, looking ahead to 60 years old. The song's structure and themes are:

1. Age 7: Focuses on childhood friendships and his mother's advice to make friends. ("Once I was seven years old, my mama told me / Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely.")
2. Age 11: Shifts to the ambition of becoming a famous musician and his father's influence. ("Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me / Go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely.")
3. Age 20 & 30: Describes the life of a struggling artist, the pursuit of fame, and the eventual realization of success, alongside the pain of losing his father. This is the emotional core of the song.
4. Age 60: The final, poignant verse expresses his hope for a peaceful retirement surrounded by family. ("Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold / Or will I have a lot of children who will hold me.")

Released as the lead single from the band's second album, *Lukas Graham*, the track achieved unprecedented global success. It topped charts in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, and peaked at No. 2 on the US *Billboard* Hot 100. The song’s official music video has amassed over a billion views, cementing its status as a digital-era classic. The universal appeal of "7 Years" lies in its relatability. It taps into the shared human experience of aging, ambition, and the search for meaning, making it a timeless piece of topical authority in the soul-pop genre.

From "The Pink Album" to the 2025 Single: Lukas Graham's Latest Chapter

While "7 Years" remains the band's defining song, Lukas Graham has been far from idle. Their recent output provides the freshest and most essential updates for fans in late 2025.

The Latest Album: 4 (The Pink Album)

The band's fourth studio album, *4 (The Pink Album)*, was released on January 20, 2023. The album marked a return to the deeply personal songwriting that characterized their earlier work, exploring themes of fatherhood, loss, and the complexities of adult life. While it didn't replicate the commercial success of their sophomore effort, it was critically praised for its maturity and emotional depth, confirming the band’s commitment to authentic storytelling.

The 2024 and 2025 Single Releases

The most current news revolves around two key track releases that solidify the band's ongoing relevance:

1. "Seven Years (LG Malique)" (2024)

In 2024, Lukas Graham revisited his biggest hit in a surprising collaboration with the artist LG Malique. This track is an impassioned remake that features a captivating rhythmic flow and new lyrical perspectives, demonstrating the song's versatility and enduring influence. This collaboration shows the band's willingness to evolve the narrative of "7 Years" and introduce it to a new generation of listeners through a fresh, updated sound.

2. "You You You" (2025)

In a major update for fans, Lukas Graham released the new single "You You You" on April 18, 2025. This release is a significant part of their current trajectory, showcasing a bright, soul-pop gem that continues the band's tradition of heartfelt, well-produced music. The single, which was released via Virgin Music Group, confirms that the band is actively creating new material and moving forward with a strong creative vision, even a decade after their breakout hit. The combination of celebrating the 10th Anniversary of "7 Years" in 2025, the release of a new single, and the continued touring schedule means that Lukas Graham is currently in a high-activity phase. The song "Once I was 7 years old" may be a look back, but the band’s 2025 activities are firmly focused on the future. The enduring lesson remains: the most impactful music is often the most honest, and Lukas Graham Forchhammer continues to share his life's journey, one soulful, autobiographical song at a time.