Chicago — 25 or 6 to 4
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Length: 4:48
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Waiting for the break of day
Searching for something to say
Flashing lights against the sky
Giving up I close my eyes
Sitting cross-legged on the floor
25 or 6 to 4
Staring blindly into space
Getting up to splash my face
Wanting just to stay awake
Wondering how much I can take
Should I try to do some more
25 or 6 to 4
Feeling like I ought to sleep
Spinning room is sinking deep
Searching for something to say
Waiting for the break of day
25 or 6 to 4
25 or 6 to 4
Searching for something to say
Flashing lights against the sky
Giving up I close my eyes
Sitting cross-legged on the floor
25 or 6 to 4
Staring blindly into space
Getting up to splash my face
Wanting just to stay awake
Wondering how much I can take
Should I try to do some more
25 or 6 to 4
Feeling like I ought to sleep
Spinning room is sinking deep
Searching for something to say
Waiting for the break of day
25 or 6 to 4
25 or 6 to 4
Comments (169)add comment
Actually released in 1970 on the Chicago 2 album. ...their last album before they went foo foo top 40.
Stratocaster wrote:
You should check out Lexington Lab Band on YouTube. They pull this song off, note for note. Even the guitar solo!
The album Chicago Live at Carnegie Hall is PERFECTION
You should check out Lexington Lab Band on YouTube. They pull this song off, note for note. Even the guitar solo!
The album Chicago Live at Carnegie Hall is PERFECTION
Posted 8 years ago
springof63 wrote:
I haven't changed my mind - still a great record, a fantastic tune, and a frustratingly disappointing ending.
.
Having read some more of the comments since that post, leaves me wondering - When it comes to a song with a 'what's it about' feel to it, do most people just assume it must be about recreational pharmaceuticals? That's not a criticism, just a curiosity.
.
Wow it's 24 to 4 (in the afternoon) right now!!
(GMT)
springof63 wrote:
Fantastic tune. This was goin round in the back of my head every now & then for at least 20 years before i finally got a copy of it. BUT
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
I haven't changed my mind - still a great record, a fantastic tune, and a frustratingly disappointing ending.
.
Having read some more of the comments since that post, leaves me wondering - When it comes to a song with a 'what's it about' feel to it, do most people just assume it must be about recreational pharmaceuticals? That's not a criticism, just a curiosity.
.
Wow it's 24 to 4 (in the afternoon) right now!!
(GMT)Listening to Chicago somehow always brings out the old band geek in me. Perhaps it's the horns?
Rockalicious with lots of great jammage.
Release date 1970 though I believe.
Release date 1970 though I believe.
100mph of GREAT! Before they went soft top 40.
chesleyburt392 wrote:
That sounds like an incredible experience!
I went to a Jazz concert at Plattsburgh State (NY) 1974(?) I had my mother join me, and much of their repertoire that night was Chicago. My mother left with her eyes WIDE open and said "When is the next concert?"
She missed very few jazz concerts until her death (1993), but I have to say THIS was the best!
That sounds like an incredible experience!
I went to a Jazz concert at Plattsburgh State (NY) 1974(?) I had my mother join me, and much of their repertoire that night was Chicago. My mother left with her eyes WIDE open and said "When is the next concert?"
She missed very few jazz concerts until her death (1993), but I have to say THIS was the best!
Grammarcop wrote:
That sounds like an incredible experience!
You haven't lived until you've seen this performed by a fifth grade choir at the school's annual spring concert.
That sounds like an incredible experience!
Rarely give respect to internet comments, but still love this one about how the mighty fell. "When you have a band, there are two things you should stay away from: Cocaine and David Foster." That said, not sure how Maurice White would have felt about that.
One of the finest pieces of music ever made!
tinypriest wrote:
I Agree!!
Terry Kath plays that guitar solo as if he knows it will be historic, endlessly studied and revered, and rarely matched.
I Agree!!
Quixx_II wrote:
Good point. I'd forgotten.
before complaining about the ending, remember the context - this was a two-album concept piece, and the sting set up the next song. My first rock album...
Good point. I'd forgotten.
Slightly different version to the one I remember from back in the day. Still good, though. Turned it up to 11.
The last great album by them! Before the went foo foo top 40!
newbolddrive wrote:
Parenting Win.
They played the PNE a few years ago and I dragged my 11 year old. I danced my face off and she was mortally embarrassed.
Parenting Win.
Okay. So who ran off with one of my milk crates full of vinyl and gave it to Bill? Such a great tune; haven't heard it in many many years. Thanks.
Terry Kath plays that guitar solo as if he knows it will be historic, endlessly studied and revered, and rarely matched.
newbolddrive wrote:
I like your style. Took my young lad to see Paul Carrick and he was clearly the youngest in the house by at least 30 years. Never mind, he'll remember it fondly when I've gone, as will your young 'un.
They played the PNE a few years ago and I dragged my 11 year old. I danced my face off and she was mortally embarrassed.
I like your style. Took my young lad to see Paul Carrick and he was clearly the youngest in the house by at least 30 years. Never mind, he'll remember it fondly when I've gone, as will your young 'un.
They played the PNE a few years ago and I dragged my 11 year old. I danced my face off and she was mortally embarrassed.
ImaOldman wrote:
You should check out Lexington Lab Band on YouTube. They pull this song off, note for note. Even the guitar solo!
I worked for a band in 1970 that could play this note for note. Except for the guitar parts, poor guy never had a chance.
You should check out Lexington Lab Band on YouTube. They pull this song off, note for note. Even the guitar solo!
I worked for a band in 1970 that could play this note for note. Except for the guitar parts, poor guy never had a chance.
Wikipedia claims
"Lamm said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 AM (twenty-five or [twenty-]six [until] 4).[3][4] Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code."
I learned something new today.
"Lamm said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 AM (twenty-five or [twenty-]six [until] 4).[3][4] Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code."
I learned something new today.
andypoos wrote:
erm, no;
I don't think so.
but, better than what ?
but I do think that "I'm a man" leaves Traffic miles behind.
Chicago Transit Authority....
and then Clapton saw Hendrix.
'nuff said.
Apparently not " 'nuff said". I can't decipher what you're saying at all. Are you saying Terry Kath was good or not? What does Clapton have to do with this? I'm confused.
erm, no;
I don't think so.
but, better than what ?
but I do think that "I'm a man" leaves Traffic miles behind.
Chicago Transit Authority....
and then Clapton saw Hendrix.
'nuff said.
Apparently not " 'nuff said". I can't decipher what you're saying at all. Are you saying Terry Kath was good or not? What does Clapton have to do with this? I'm confused.
Deeper cut would be appreciated, Bill. Better end soon or the Ballet for Girl in Buchannon.
I remember way back in high school... my guitar teacher always cringing at that ending, stating that the horns were out of tune.
Best trombone band ever! Full 10 for this masterpiece.
Got damn. 50 years. Still remember the first time I heard it.
My first concert, ever, Chicago Transit Authority, at the KRNT Theater in Des Moines, Iowa. Attended with my school band and taped it on the Realistic cassette recorder that I smuggled in. The recording quality was just as bad as you could imagine, probably worse, but the performance was incredible and indelible.
Oh wow. Student flat London 1968. Album still in box upstairs. Lots of memories. Thanks Bill.
Phunky thrashin'
Banana approves , easy 9
Banana approves , easy 9
ecojot wrote:
erm, no;
I don't think so.
but, better than what ?
but I do think that "I'm a man" leaves Traffic miles behind.
Chicago Transit Authority....
and then Clapton saw Hendrix.
'nuff said.
Hendrix allegedly said that Terry Kath was better
erm, no;
I don't think so.
but, better than what ?
but I do think that "I'm a man" leaves Traffic miles behind.
Chicago Transit Authority....
and then Clapton saw Hendrix.
'nuff said.
You haven't lived until you've seen this performed by a fifth grade choir at the school's annual spring concert.
I wish I had figured out many decades earlier that the title referred to the time. It seems obvious now, but for all that time it seemed like some kind of code, I was too dumb to figure out.
Was working at Shady Grove Music Fair on August 3, 1970 when these guys came to play. They had just released the second album and were scheduled to play for an hour and forty-five minutes. But the place filled up with a lot of people and a lot of marijuana smoke and they kept going for almost three hours. What a night! This song brings it all back to me.
TERRY KATH
Hendrix allegedly said that Terry Kath was better
before complaining about the ending, remember the context - this was a two-album concept piece, and the sting set up the next song. My first rock album...
Another band that has tapped Steven Wilson to sprinkle his remixing magic.
I think of 'Beginnings'. 'Lowdown'. 'Questions 67 and 68'. 'Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.'
Hannio wrote:
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
That's the best comment I've read all year! Love it. (I guess it helps that I agree 100%.)
Hannio wrote:
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
That's the best comment I've read all year! Love it. (I guess it helps that I agree 100%.)
westslope wrote:
Love that wah wah pedal!
To the youngsters: 1/2 a century ago some of us knew how to party.
To the youngsters: 1/2 a century ago some of us knew how to party.
Love that wah wah pedal!
To the youngsters: 1/2 a century ago some of us knew how to party.
To the youngsters: 1/2 a century ago some of us knew how to party.
Proclivities wrote:
"Moribund Pomposity" would make a good band name, or at least a good title for a novella.
Moribund Pomposity is the name of my Kanye West cover…
wait, even I can't finish that joke.
"Moribund Pomposity" would make a good band name, or at least a good title for a novella.
Moribund Pomposity is the name of my Kanye West cover…
wait, even I can't finish that joke.
Hannio wrote:
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
"Moribund Pomposity" would make a good band name, or at least a good title for a novella.
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
"Moribund Pomposity" would make a good band name, or at least a good title for a novella.
Eric_Gustafsson wrote:
AM radio full blast in the family car!!!
AM radio full blast in the family car!!!Bands like these have all but disappeared. Shame. So delightful to hear them here. 
This is ONE GREAT SONG!
This is ONE GREAT SONG! springof63 wrote:
i always liked the ending,
it seems appropiate for the subject
to me at least
Fantastic tune. This was goin round in the back of my head every now & then for at least 20 years before i finally got a copy of it. BUT
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
i always liked the ending,
it seems appropiate for the subject
to me at least
idiot_wind wrote:
I presume that your comment is wry or ironic. It is NOT one of those drug songs. It was said to be, but it's not.
ha!
One of those drug songs!
One of those drug songs!
I presume that your comment is wry or ironic. It is NOT one of those drug songs. It was said to be, but it's not.
Saw them last year outside in Jacksonville FL and they played this. Two hours of solid music on a warm spring evening with beer and my wife. Only one thing missing.....
ha!
One of those drug songs!
One of those drug songs!
The_Enemy wrote:
Nice link!
I didn't know anything about Kath and the article made me stop to really listen to this song.
Documentary about Kath
Nice link!
I didn't know anything about Kath and the article made me stop to really listen to this song.
Documentary about Kath
Steely_D wrote:
Nice link!
I didn't know anything about Kath and the article made me stop to really listen to this song.
Or anything from the Kath period.
"‘Hi, I’m Jimi Hendrix. I’ve been watching you guys and I think your guitarist is better than me.”
"‘Hi, I’m Jimi Hendrix. I’ve been watching you guys and I think your guitarist is better than me.”
Nice link!
I didn't know anything about Kath and the article made me stop to really listen to this song.
springof63 wrote:
I heard this song earlier this week and I was thinking the same thing.
Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
I heard this song earlier this week and I was thinking the same thing.
awesome.
Love it. Really miss this fusion from Chicago!!
Hannio wrote:
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
It's definitely the early jazz-rock Chicago, before Peter Cetera and soft rock turned the band into a freakin' joke that still infects most people's memories of the band.
I would definitely not associate the phrase "moribund pomposity" to this song. I think we can agree that it was a different time. This still works well for me.
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
It's definitely the early jazz-rock Chicago, before Peter Cetera and soft rock turned the band into a freakin' joke that still infects most people's memories of the band.
I would definitely not associate the phrase "moribund pomposity" to this song. I think we can agree that it was a different time. This still works well for me.
We used to play this in jr high band. It was fun.
ChrisVIII wrote:
Not if you were 15 in 1985! That's when I bought the greatest hits album!
I can't believe this song is that old and I've never heard it before... this is gold !
Not if you were 15 in 1985! That's when I bought the greatest hits album!
springof63 wrote:
The song with the worst ending was 'Spinning Wheel."
Fantastic tune. This was goin round in the back of my head every now & then for at least 20 years before i finally got a copy of it. BUT
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
The song with the worst ending was 'Spinning Wheel."
Wow. I'm back in a high school gym for the big regional playoff game, and the band is cranking this as the players take the court and go through their lay-up drills. And the cheerleaders have an excellent choreographed routine going.
Oh yeah, we're probably also getting a late-season snowstorm, and we'll all come out to our cars with snow up to the bumpers.
Other than that, this song doesn't really do anything for me!
Oh yeah, we're probably also getting a late-season snowstorm, and we'll all come out to our cars with snow up to the bumpers.
Other than that, this song doesn't really do anything for me!
Fantastic tune. This was goin round in the back of my head every now & then for at least 20 years before i finally got a copy of it. BUT
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
it has possibly the worst 'ending' i've ever heard (just the last 4 bars). Was that 'ending' really the best they could come up with for such a great record? i'd like to think 'no'!
I can't believe this song is that old and I've never heard it before... this is gold !
You can always tell when Lamm writes a song: it's meta.
"Waiting for the break of day..."
"Saturday in the park, I think it was the 4th of July..."
"I was walking down the street one day..."
BILLG - MORE CHICAGO!! How about "Lowdown" or "What's This World Coming To" <-the most amazing Chicago-like tune they did.
Or anything from the Kath period.
"‘Hi, I’m Jimi Hendrix. I’ve been watching you guys and I think your guitarist is better than me.”
"Waiting for the break of day..."
"Saturday in the park, I think it was the 4th of July..."
"I was walking down the street one day..."
BILLG - MORE CHICAGO!! How about "Lowdown" or "What's This World Coming To" <-the most amazing Chicago-like tune they did.
Or anything from the Kath period.
"‘Hi, I’m Jimi Hendrix. I’ve been watching you guys and I think your guitarist is better than me.”
Timeless tune!
More Chicago from albums one, two and even three would be appreciated.
Back when I was in high school in the 60's, my 50 year old mom even liked Chicago. She quit bad mouthing what was considered modern music at the time after listening to Chicago. Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones never really made her list of good music. But after listening to Chicago II, she started liking the Beatles, Elton John and a few others from the 70's. But Chicago II was the start.
Back when I was in high school in the 60's, my 50 year old mom even liked Chicago. She quit bad mouthing what was considered modern music at the time after listening to Chicago. Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones never really made her list of good music. But after listening to Chicago II, she started liking the Beatles, Elton John and a few others from the 70's. But Chicago II was the start.
That's the wrong album cover.
The Chicago Live at Carnegie Hall, maybe one of the best live albums ever if you like Chicago.
This is the signature song because before air guitar everyone who picked up a real guitar could play this bass line.
Chicago has many great songs.
This is the signature song because before air guitar everyone who picked up a real guitar could play this bass line.
Chicago has many great songs.
One of america's greatest ROCK bands and one of the greatest guitarist of all-time. Terry Kath.
Haven't listened to Chicago since they were one of only 4 albums that I owned (along with Steve Miller, Jefferson Starship, and someone else forgettable). Haven't wanted to listen to them in over 30 years. But this song brings it back as to why I liked them. Great to hear this today.
Supposedly there new album goes back to these roots. If so, I will be looking to add it to my collection. I gave up after Chicago 3. It just wasn't the same after the first two albums.
Hannio wrote:
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
That's the best comment I've read all year! Love it. (I guess it helps that I agree 100%.)
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
That's the best comment I've read all year! Love it. (I guess it helps that I agree 100%.)
Krakus wrote:
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
Timeless classic! Had no clue this was Chicago
This, in all its moribund pomposity, is the quintessential Chicago song. What the heck do you hear when you think of Chicago?
philipr wrote:
I like to think if it as having a wider experience of life :)
The problem with RP is that you c'ant forget one point : I AM SO OLD (BG, where is the crying emoticon please ?)
I like to think if it as having a wider experience of life :)
SmackDaddy wrote:
Despite the presence of Paul
LOL!
Swarmy canuck.
Despite the presence of Paul
LOL!
Swarmy canuck.
Talk about a blast from the past.
Hey SmackDaddy...I still watch Dave.
Hey SmackDaddy...I still watch Dave.
treehugger wrote:
Paul Shaffer's band plays this pretty regularly, and apparently some people still watch Dave's show.
Despite the presence of Paul
Paul Shaffer's band plays this pretty regularly, and apparently some people still watch Dave's show.
Despite the presence of Paul
GawgaBoy wrote:
Agreed. Seems to be the case with so many artists/bands.
They put out a few great albums and then start churning out schmaltzy "product".
Rod Stewart, Elton John, Stevie Wonder . . . and so on . . .
. . . They were SO GOOD those first few albums, it just always hurt to see where they went.
Agreed. Seems to be the case with so many artists/bands.
They put out a few great albums and then start churning out schmaltzy "product".
Rod Stewart, Elton John, Stevie Wonder . . . and so on . . .
I am always ready to listen to the first three sides of the album. And that's the problem Bill, I will probably have to go listen to the rest of side 3 now.
They were SO GOOD those first few albums, it just always hurt to see where they went.
Edit: correct album side
They were SO GOOD those first few albums, it just always hurt to see where they went.
Edit: correct album side
10++
Love this song. Love early Chicago before they turned totally maudlin. And yes, the late great Terry Kath was apparently Jim's favorite guitarist. Should be in Rock Hall as musical pioneers in the same vein as Traffic, but apparently Jann Wenner and longtime manager James Guercio have a feud.
I highly recommend seeking out YouTube videos of a 2004 tour featuring Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago. Though they each did separate performances, the two bands jammed together at the end – and they really cooked, especially on the early Chicago numbers such as "Beginnings," "Saturday in the Park" and – yes – "25 or 6 to 4" (EWF Bassist Verdin White is amazing in these) Here's the link to the last video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_yfyL1eU08
I highly recommend seeking out YouTube videos of a 2004 tour featuring Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago. Though they each did separate performances, the two bands jammed together at the end – and they really cooked, especially on the early Chicago numbers such as "Beginnings," "Saturday in the Park" and – yes – "25 or 6 to 4" (EWF Bassist Verdin White is amazing in these) Here's the link to the last video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_yfyL1eU08
The problem with RP is that you c'ant forget one point : I AM SO OLD (BG, where is the crying emoticon please ?)
treehugger wrote:
Paul Shaffer's band plays this pretty regularly, and apparently some people still watch Dave's show.
Paul who? Dave? Dave's not here, man.
Paul does play a lot of Chicago, probably because he has horns to work with, and there is a dearth of horn-centric popular music out there. Much to my chagrin.
I read his book, it's pretty funny. He was quite a prodigy.
Paul Shaffer's band plays this pretty regularly, and apparently some people still watch Dave's show.
Paul who? Dave? Dave's not here, man.
Paul does play a lot of Chicago, probably because he has horns to work with, and there is a dearth of horn-centric popular music out there. Much to my chagrin.
I read his book, it's pretty funny. He was quite a prodigy.
Timeless classic! Had no clue this was Chicago
Never would have guessed this was Chicago, laughed at Bill's comment "..then they aged"
Watching 'Clear History' with it's tangled web of Chicago's music and implied number of BJs given to the band made me laugh while reminding me why l enjoy the band and Larry David's wild and wicked humor.
I can't stand Peter Cetera's singing in the later Chicago music, but I very much like his earlier stuff like this.
I read a story where Jimi Hendrix said Terry Kath was one of his fave guitarists.
jbunniii wrote:
Paul Shaffer's band plays this pretty regularly, and apparently some people still watch Dave's show.
Seriously? Who the hell still listens to Chicago?
Paul Shaffer's band plays this pretty regularly, and apparently some people still watch Dave's show.
1. Horns
2.Terry Kath
3. perpetuity
2.Terry Kath
3. perpetuity
Passing through Illinois on a recent road trip, I stopped at a Love's truck stop, where I heard this song for the first time in decades. Seriously? Who the hell still listens to Chicago? People who work at truck stops in Illinois, apparently. (And now, apparently Radio Paradise listeners!)
Anyway, after the road trip, the song got stuck in my head so I exorcised it by taking the compilation The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning for a spin on Spotify. The first half was a surprisingly fun listen, bringing back memories of hearing most of their 1970s songs on AM radio when I was a kid. The second half with Peter Cetera in charge, well, it was no better than ever. Fortunately, Spotify omitted about ten of the tracks from that section.
I still have no idea what "25 or 6 to 4" means, and I still don't care.
Anyway, after the road trip, the song got stuck in my head so I exorcised it by taking the compilation The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning for a spin on Spotify. The first half was a surprisingly fun listen, bringing back memories of hearing most of their 1970s songs on AM radio when I was a kid. The second half with Peter Cetera in charge, well, it was no better than ever. Fortunately, Spotify omitted about ten of the tracks from that section.
I still have no idea what "25 or 6 to 4" means, and I still don't care.
Always liked the Chicago Transit Authority, as I'll always remember the band's name. That probably comes from growing up in Chicago and taking the bus... daily to high school. Anyway, I always get a bit a smirk about them because my oldest brother went to see a battle of the bands at Carl Schurz High School, just down the block from our house. It must have been in 1967 or 1968 as wiki says they formed in 1967 and moved to California in 1968. Anyway, they lost... although I remember him commenting on their different (horn) sound.
middle school flashback 
25 or 6 minutes to 4 AM.
About writing a song in the early morning.
GREAT Guitar and Drums
About writing a song in the early morning.
GREAT Guitar and Drums
Ahhh . . . even I can play that bass line.
jmsmy wrote:
Totally agree.. Or play "Fancy Colours" for something different.
The most under rated rock band through the years.
CTA, II, III and V all great albums.
Bill you should play Dialogue sometime - Very relevant to 2008 and 2010.
Totally agree.. Or play "Fancy Colours" for something different.
Great guitar solo by the late great Terry Kath
I just noticed Tiger Bomb is next in rotation on my itunes. Think I'll go there instead of letting my brain cells die listening to mullet rock.
Nostalgia. Puts a smile on your face. Def did not dig them then. Now, I do.
I was taught in college that this was the future of fusion jazz.
Here I am (circled, lower left) on the movie crew at the 1970 Goose Lake International Pop Festival in Michigan's Irish Hills (south of Jackson). I was up close and personal for a kick-ass performance by Chicago Transit Authority, as they were then known.
(Bob Seger pictured on stage.)
Appreciated all the history that was posted here ...
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Cool! I just got quoted on the air!! :)
Aaahhh, Chicago when they were still fusion. Before the pop virus ate the heart of the band. Thanks for playing this!!
Cool! I just got quoted on the air!! :)
Cool story jen!
Must be nostalgia day at Radio Paradise. Bill is targeting us 1/2 century and older types with a line up that approaches deadly precision. -hehe-
Awesome. Really freakin awesome.
Like the horns. Dislike song. Not big on the band. Appreciate the talent though...
My mom told me she was at a Chicago concert while pregnant with me and that my first kick was during this song. No wonder I like it so much!
A song about writing a song
Street lingo for speed that is.
Stratocaster wrote:
25 was street lingo in the late '60s. To me, the lyrics of this song fits that.
All these wild-ass guesses on the meaning of the title...
Why don't we ask Robert Lamm what it means?
FROM "THE STRAIGHT DOPE": The song "25 or 6 to 4" appeared on "Chicago II" and was written by organist/vocalist Robert Lamm. The title and lyrics have puzzled many since it appeared in 1970. Some say it's a drug reference, suggesting a unit of measurement involving the quantity of joints that can be rolled from a what-used-to-be dime bag. Some feel it's about looking for spiritual revelation, undergoing a mysterious soul-searching journey.
Lamm says it's simpler than that. "The song is about writing a song. It's not mystical," he says.
As for the curious title, Lamm says, "It's just a reference to the time of day"—as in "waiting for the break of day" at 25 or (2)6 minutes to 4 a.m. (3:35 or 3:34 a.m.)
I think we can take Lamm's word for the whole thing. Because, when it's that early in the morning, does anybody really know what time it is?
No matter what it means, it's a true classic, and a 10 for me.
25 was street lingo in the late '60s. To me, the lyrics of this song fits that.
When Terry Kath lost at Russian Roulette, that was the end of Chicago. What a shame!
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Amen, brings back many a fond memory from up in the mtns of Colorado
Aaahhh, Chicago when they were still fusion. Before the pop virus ate the heart of the band. Thanks for playing this!!
Amen, brings back many a fond memory from up in the mtns of Colorado
I keep hearing Led Zep. Learn something new everyday...
parrothead wrote:
I liked the acid trip story better.
Ransom Stoddard: "You're not going to use the story, Mr. Scott?
Maxwell Scott: "This is The West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
I liked the acid trip story better.
Ransom Stoddard: "You're not going to use the story, Mr. Scott?
Maxwell Scott: "This is The West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
All these wild-ass guesses on the meaning of the title...
Why don't we ask Robert Lamm what it means?
FROM "THE STRAIGHT DOPE": The song "25 or 6 to 4" appeared on "Chicago II" and was written by organist/vocalist Robert Lamm. The title and lyrics have puzzled many since it appeared in 1970. Some say it's a drug reference, suggesting a unit of measurement involving the quantity of joints that can be rolled from a what-used-to-be dime bag. Some feel it's about looking for spiritual revelation, undergoing a mysterious soul-searching journey.
Lamm says it's simpler than that. "The song is about writing a song. It's not mystical," he says.
As for the curious title, Lamm says, "It's just a reference to the time of day"—as in "waiting for the break of day" at 25 or (2)6 minutes to 4 a.m. (3:35 or 3:34 a.m.)
I think we can take Lamm's word for the whole thing. Because, when it's that early in the morning, does anybody really know what time it is?
No matter what it means, it's a true classic, and a 10 for me.
olivertwist wrote:
Definitely a soft spot in my heart for early Chicago.
Reminds me of my older sister.
Chicago really could rock out a bit before they went the soft-rock route. Great guitar in this one.
Definitely a soft spot in my heart for early Chicago.
Reminds me of my older sister.
Do they still call it "fuzz" and "wah-wah"? ....whatever ....man, i luuuuve that guitar thing.
Why did my mind wait for it to break into Saturday, in the Park" ? Did that happen in the LP?
God, I love being old. Makes me feel like I own all this music...
Why did my mind wait for it to break into Saturday, in the Park" ? Did that happen in the LP?
God, I love being old. Makes me feel like I own all this music...
Chicago really could rock out a bit before they went the soft-rock route. Great guitar in this one.
There's the reason Jimi thought so much of Terry. Crushing solo!!!!!!
RedGuitar wrote:
Someone told me it was symbolic of an acid trip. The 25 from LSD-25, The 6 to 4 meaning 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM duration of the trip, and much of the lyric referring to it. Dunno, just sayin' what I was told many years ago. The marathon recording session story sounds better.
I was always told it was coke not acid. Makes more sense with the stay awake/try do some more line. But Lamm says differently: https://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1842/what-does-the-chicago-lyric-25-or-6-to-4-mean
Someone told me it was symbolic of an acid trip. The 25 from LSD-25, The 6 to 4 meaning 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM duration of the trip, and much of the lyric referring to it. Dunno, just sayin' what I was told many years ago. The marathon recording session story sounds better.
I was always told it was coke not acid. Makes more sense with the stay awake/try do some more line. But Lamm says differently: https://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1842/what-does-the-chicago-lyric-25-or-6-to-4-mean
Okay. So who ran off with one of my milk crates full of vinyl and gave it to Bill? Such a great tune; haven't heard it in many many years. Thanks.
Ha!