Today's Date Was Immortalized by Iconic '70s Timeless Classic Hit 47 Years Ago Yasmine ColemanSeptember 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM 0 Getty Images In 1978, one of the most enduring songs in American pop and R&B history was giving shape to its legendary status: Earth, Wind & Fire's "September.
- - Today's Date Was Immortalized by Iconic '70s Timeless Classic Hit 47 Years Ago
Yasmine ColemanSeptember 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM
0
Getty Images
In 1978, one of the most enduring songs in American pop and R&B history was giving shape to its legendary status: Earth, Wind & Fire's "September."
The song became so infectious that it can still automatically put you in a good mood—47 years later—and has been immortalized by fans, culture, and countless playlists ever since its release.
A Song That Transcends Time
Although "September" was released later in November 1978, the recording immortalized today's date, September 21, with its iconic lyrics—the tune begins with the famous line: "Do you remember the 21st night of September…"
The "hit became number one on the U.S. R&B chart and reached the eighth position on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis," according to Genius.
Many fans assume that September 21 refers to an event of historical or personal significance. But according to a 2014 NPR interview withWillis, the date was chosen simply because it felt right in the lyric—partly for its rhythm, partly for its poetic resonance—but not linked to a specific story or event. The phrase "Ba-dee-ya," similarly, was retained precisely because it fit the mood and groove—even if it doesn't have literal meaning.
Let's take a look back at the lyrics below:
[Verse 1: Maurice White]Do you rememberThe twenty-first night of September?Love was changin' the minds of pretendersWhile chasin' the clouds awayOur hearts were ringin'In the key that our souls were singin'As we danced in the night, rememberHow the stars stole the night away, oh yeah
[Chorus: Philip Bailey]Hey, hey, heyBa-dee-yaSay, do you remember?Ba-dee-yaDancin' in SeptemberBa-dee-yaNever was a cloudy day
[Post-Chorus: Philip Bailey & Maurice White]Ba-du, ba-du, ba-du, ba-duBa-du, ba-du, ba-du, ba-duBa-du, ba-du, ba-du-daBa-du, yeah
[Verse 2: Maurice White]My thoughts are with youHoldin' hands with your heart to see youOnly blue talk and love, rememberHow we knew love was here to stayNow DecemberFound a love we shared in SeptemberOnly blue talk and love, rememberTrue love we share today
[Chorus: Philip Bailey]Hey, hey, hey (Yeah, yeah, yeah)Ba-dee-yaSay, do you remember?Ba-dee-ya (Oh)Dancin' in SeptemberBa-dee-ya (Hey)Never was a cloudy dayAnd we'll say ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Say, do you remember?Ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Dancin' in SeptemberBa-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Golden dreams were shiny days (Dee-ya)
[Bridge: Maurice White]The bells was ringin', oh-ohOur souls were singin'Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow
[Chorus: Philip Bailey]And we'll say ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Say, do you remember?Ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Dancin' in SeptemberBa-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Never was a cloudy day (Dee-ya)And we'll say ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Say, do you remember?Ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)Dancin' in SeptemberBa-dee-ya (Ba-dee ya, dee-ya)Golden dreams were shiny days (Dee-ya)
[Outro: Philip Bailey & Maurice White]Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-yaBa-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-yaBa-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-yaBa-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-yaBa-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-yaBa-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
It ain't September 21st till you see this on your timeline pic.twitter.com/qAbNgUP355
— vids that go hard (@vidsthatgohard) September 21, 2025
Related: Legendary '80s Singer, 72, Brings Down the House With 'Mindblowing' Performance
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: VoXi MAG
Read More >> Full Article on Source: VoXi MAG
#US #ShowBiz #Sports #Politics #Celebs