25 or 6 to 4

Chicago

About 25 or 6 to 4

"25 or 6 to 4" is a song written by American musician Robert Lamm, one of the founding members of the band Chicago. It was recorded in 1969 for their second album Chicago, with Peter Cetera on lead vocals. The album was released in January 1970 and the song was edited and released as a single in June, climbing to number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. It was the band's first song to reach the top five in the US. It has been included in numerous Chicago compilation albums. In 2015, Dave Swanson, writing for Ultimate Classic Rock, listed the song as number one on his top ten list of Chicago songs. Classic Rock Review says the song is "one of the most indelible Chicago tunes". In 2019, Bobby Olivier and Andrew Unterberger, music critics for Billboard magazine, ranked the song number one on their list of "The 50 Best Chicago Songs". An updated version of "25 or 6 to 4" was recorded for the 1986 album Chicago 18 with James Pankow listed as co-writer, and new band member Jason Scheff on lead vocals. The single reached number 48 on the US chart. This version was also used as the B-side for the band's next single in 1986, "Will You Still Love Me?"Through the 2010s, "25 or 6 to 4" continued to be a staple in Chicago's live concert set list and in Peter Cetera's solo concert set list. In 2016, the group's former drummer Danny Seraphine reunited on stage with Chicago to perform "25 or 6 to 4" and two other songs at their induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 


Year:
1970
4:50
2,103 
#6

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Waiting for the break of day
Searching for something to say
Dancing lights againnst 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 have tried 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

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Chicago

Chicago (i/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ or /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/) is a rock band from the city of the same name. They were originally founded as Chicago Transit Authority before shortening their name before their breakout second album. They became known for their use of horns in their songs such as 25 or 6 to 4. The band nearly split following founding member Terry Kaths death but they decided to stay together. They became known for their rock ballads throughout the 80s. The band still tours to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: Robert Lamm

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Origin
The song "25 or 6 to 4" was released by American rock band Chicago in 1970.
Album Information
It was part of their second album, "Chicago," often referred to as "Chicago II."
Writer
The song was written by Robert Lamm, one of the founding members of the band.
Musical Genre
"25 or 6 to 4" can be categorized as Jazz rock and is known for its notable use of brass and guitar.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, the song reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
Song Theme
The song's ambiguously worded title reportedly refers to time, specifically 25 or 26 minutes before 4 o'clock, and is a song about writing a song.
Interpretation
Many fans and critics have speculated on the meaning of '25 or 6 to 4,' with suggestions ranging from a drug reference to a gambling term, but Lamm has repeatedly insisted it's about the struggle of writing music in the middle of the night.
Cover Versions
"25 or 6 to 4" has been covered by several artists over the years, across different music genres, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Re-recording
In 1986, Chicago re-recorded the song with their new singer and bassist Jason Scheff. This version was included in their album "Chicago 18."
Pop Culture Reference
"25 or 6 to 4" has frequently been used in films and TV shows, underlining the song's enduring resonance and popularity.
Music Video
The music video for the 1986 version directed by Peter Sinclair, features the band performing the song intercut with scenes of a fashion photographer shooting models.

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    25 or 6 to 4

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #4


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