Earth, Wind & Fire’s September: The Timeless Anthem of Funky Nostalgia

Do you remember the 21st night of September? Of course you do.

It’s practically impossible not to—whether it’s because of a meme, a random wedding playlist, or that one friend who insists on blasting it every September 21st like a musical alarm clock. 

Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1978 classic, “September,” has been an unstoppable cultural force, and with good reason.

Not only did it climb to No. 1 on the U.S. R&B chart and hit No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it’s also been the anthem of joy and nostalgia for generations.

But let’s break it down a little more, shall we?

How exactly did this bouncy tune become such an essential part of our musical lexicon?

And why does the 21st night of September still feel so significant, even when you’ve heard the song for the billionth time?

Check out our original article here for more insights into the song’s history and legacy.

What Makes “September” So Addictive?

You might assume there’s some deep philosophical meaning behind the lyrics of September.

(Do you remember the 21st night of September? Was it the fall equinox? A fateful moment in history?)

Turns out, Maurice White and his co-writers—Al McKay and Allee Willis—didn’t care too much about that.

The “ba-dee-ya” line, which feels like it’s full of hidden significance, is nothing more than a phonetic choice because it just… sounded good.

As Willis herself said, “Who the f*** cares what it means? It just works.”

White’s focus was on the groove, not on the existential weight of the words.

That’s a key part of September’s charm. The song isn’t trying to lecture you or make you think too hard—it’s pure musical joy.

The irresistibly funky rhythm, the infectious brass section, and the unforgettable falsetto of Philip Bailey?

All combined to create a timeless hit that transcends its era.

The 21st Night of September: A Date, a Mystery, and a Meme

So why the 21st? Why not the 22nd or the 15th? According to Maurice White, the choice was simple: the 21st just fit rhythmically better than other dates.

But, like all good mysteries, this lack of a clear explanation has only added to the song’s allure over the years.

Fans have speculated everything from astrological significance to the date being tied to major life events.

White’s widow, Marilyn, added fuel to the fire when she shared that September 21st was the due date of their son.

Whatever the reason, the date has since become a cultural phenomenon.

Every year, social media lights up with memes and videos celebrating “the 21st night of September.”

What started as a lyric in a feel-good song has now become a global event.

Is September in Guardians of the Galaxy?

If you’re humming September while watching Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, you’re not alone.

While September isn’t featured in the original film soundtrack, it’s on rotation at the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at Walt Disney World.

So yes, it’s possible you’ll be dancing along to it, even in outer space.

More Than Just a Party Anthem

Let’s not forget that while September is primarily known for its fun, carefree vibes, it’s also an absolute masterclass in musical composition.

The song blends elements of funk, soul, and R&B into a smooth, danceable track that never loses its energy. 

Al McKay’s four-chord progression is deceptively simple, but it’s the backbone that holds everything together.

The song’s production is a chef’s kiss moment for late ‘70s funk. The Phenix Horns (a crucial part of Earth, Wind & Fire’s signature sound) shine, adding layers of brightness and energy to the track, while Verdine White’s bassline grooves along with undeniable swagger.

Maurice White’s vision for the song, along with Charles Stepney’s lush string arrangements, makes it nearly impossible to sit still when the song comes on.

Cultural Impact: From Disco to Memes

Since its release, September has made countless appearances in pop culture.

It’s the kind of song you hear everywhere—weddings, movies, commercials, you name it.

Notably, the song was used in the animated hit Trolls (2016) and was featured in the closing credits of Night at the Museum (2006).

But it’s not just the media that keeps the song alive—it’s us, the listeners, who’ve turned September into an annual event.

Every year on September 21st, social media platforms explode with tributes to the song.

Whether it’s comedian Demi Adejuyigbe’s viral video dance tributes (which eventually involved the band themselves) or just people belting out “ba-dee-ya” in the middle of the street, September has transcended its original intent.

Los Angeles even declared September 21st “Earth, Wind & Fire Day” in 2019 to honour the band’s impact.

The Legacy of September

Forty-six years after its release, September remains a song that can make anyone smile.

Its appeal is universal—it doesn’t matter where you are in the world or how many times you’ve heard it.

The groove, the energy, and yes, even that “ba-dee-ya” nonsense, all come together to form something bigger than the sum of its parts.

Certified platinum and added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, September is not just a funky disco hit from the ‘70s—it’s a piece of musical history that refuses to fade.

It continues to sell millions of digital copies and has solidified its place on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

And as long as there’s a 21st night of September, we’ll keep dancing.

Why September Still Owns September (and Every Other Month)

September isn’t just a song—it’s a phenomenon. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the thousandth, it never gets old.

Its infectious groove, timeless melody, and sheer fun make it the perfect soundtrack for any moment of joy.

So, next time you hear those first notes, don’t think too hard about the meaning.

Just feel the music, dance a little, and remember the 21st night of September.

Earth, Wind & Fire September Lyrics

Verse 1
Do you remember
The twenty-first night of September?
Love was changin’ the minds of pretenders
While chasin’ the clouds away
Our hearts were ringin’
In the key that our souls were singin’
As we danced in the night, remember
How the stars stole the night away, oh yeah

Chorus
Hey, hey, hey
Ba-dee-ya
Say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya
Dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya
Never was a cloudy day

Post-Chorus
Ba-du, ba-du, ba-du, ba-du
Ba-du, ba-du, ba-du, ba-du
Ba-du, ba-du, ba-du-da
Ba-du, yeah

Verse 2
My thoughts are with you
Holdin’ hands with your heart to see you
Only blue talk and love, remember
How we knew love was here to stay
Now December
Found a love we shared in September
Only blue talk and love, remember
True love we share today

Chorus
Hey, hey, hey (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Ba-dee-ya
Say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (Oh)
Dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (Hey)
Never was a cloudy day
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 September
Ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya)
Golden dreams were shiny days (Dee-ya)

Bridge
The bells was ringin’, oh-oh
Our souls were singin’
Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow

Chorus
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 September
Ba-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 September
Ba-dee-ya (Ba-dee ya, dee-ya)
Golden dreams were shiny days (Dee-ya)

Outro
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya