Seventeen=Year Locust, the cicada septendecim, whose life cycle occupies seventeen years beneath the ground with only a few weeks above the earth. the female lays her eggs in the bark of shrubs and trees, the young hatch, drop to the ground, and burrow under for 17 years, during which time they live on roots. Because of their periodic appearance above the ground their appearances can be predicted and protection against their ravages prepared.
Found this in the booklet from the album:
Seventeen=Year Locust, the cicada septendecim, whose life cycle occupies seventeen years beneath the ground with only a few weeks above the earth. the female lays her eggs in the bark of shrubs and trees, the young hatch, drop to the ground, and burrow under for 17 years, during which time they live on roots. Because of their periodic appearance above the ground their appearances can be predicted and protection against their ravages prepared.