“25 or 6 to 4” – A Classic Rock Anthem of Creative Desperation
When it comes to iconic rock anthems, Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4” is undeniably one of the most powerful and recognizable. Released in 1970 as part of their album Chicago (sometimes referred to as Chicago II), this song helped solidify the band’s reputation as one of the leading forces in rock music, particularly in their unique fusion of jazz, rock, and classical elements. Written by keyboardist Robert Lamm, the song climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a commercial success and a lasting staple of classic rock radio.
What makes “25 or 6 to 4” so intriguing isn’t just its infectious horn section and driving rhythm, but the cryptic nature of its title and lyrics. The song’s title, “25 or 6 to 4,” refers to the time of day – Lamm wrote it during the early hours of the morning when he was struggling to come up with lyrics for another song. The phrase means it was either 25 or 26 minutes until 4:00 AM, capturing the hazy, sleepless feeling of trying to finish a piece of music as dawn approaches. This sense of creative frustration is central to the song’s theme, giving it a raw, desperate energy that has resonated with listeners for decades.
Musically, “25 or 6 to 4” is a masterpiece of tight instrumentation and rock intensity. The opening guitar riff, performed by Terry Kath, is instantly recognizable—one of the most iconic riffs in classic rock. Its heavy, descending pattern sets the tone for the song, giving it a sense of urgency and tension. Kath’s guitar work throughout the track is fiery and aggressive, culminating in an explosive solo that remains one of the finest examples of rock guitar improvisation. His playing, combined with the rhythmic drive provided by Danny Seraphine on drums and Peter Cetera’s thumping bass, gives the song a hard edge that contrasts with the more elaborate and orchestrated elements typical of Chicago’s music.
Adding to this rock foundation is Chicago’s renowned horn section, which gives the song its distinctive, brassy flair. The horns—led by James Pankow (trombone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), and Walter Parazaider (saxophone)—punctuate the verses and chorus with sharp, staccato blasts, providing a dynamic interplay with the rhythm section. Their presence transforms “25 or 6 to 4” from a straightforward rock song into something more complex, bridging the gap between rock and jazz in a way that few bands could accomplish. The horn section became one of Chicago’s trademarks, and in this song, they show just how essential they are to the band’s sound.
Lyrically, Robert Lamm captures the disorienting experience of working through creative blocks late into the night. Lines like “Sitting cross-legged on the floor” and “Should I try to do some more?” perfectly convey that feeling of exhaustion and persistence, of pushing oneself to create something meaningful even when the mind is drained. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, combined with the relentless forward motion of the music, creates an almost hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into the songwriter’s late-night struggle. Yet, despite the simplicity of the lyrics, the emotional weight they carry—coupled with the intensity of the music—makes the song feel much more profound than a simple reflection on the passage of time.
One of the fascinating aspects of “25 or 6 to 4” is its ability to work on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s an exhilarating rock track with an unforgettable riff, a blistering guitar solo, and powerful horn arrangements. But beneath that, it’s also a song about the creative process—the highs and lows, the frustration, the exhilaration, and the triumph of pushing through when inspiration is elusive. For any artist, musician, or writer who has found themselves up late at night trying to make something out of nothing, “25 or 6 to 4” is a song that hits close to home.
The song’s success not only helped boost Chicago’s career but also cemented their place in rock history. It became one of the band’s signature songs, regularly featured in their live performances and covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s combination of rock, jazz, and classical elements made it a standout in Chicago’s catalog, and it remains a favorite among both diehard fans and casual listeners. Even after more than five decades, “25 or 6 to 4” continues to be a staple of classic rock radio, a testament to its enduring appeal.
For Chicago, “25 or 6 to 4” marked a high point in their early career, showing off their ability to blend genres in a way that felt fresh and exciting. It was a song that showcased the individual talents of the band members—particularly Terry Kath, whose guitar work is still celebrated as some of the finest in rock history—and the unique chemistry that made Chicago such a distinctive and influential group.
Today, when people hear the opening riff of “25 or 6 to 4,” they’re transported back to a time when rock was expanding its horizons, blending with other genres to create something bold and new. The song’s timeless energy and sense of urgency continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, proving that even when written in the early hours of the morning, true creativity can shine through.
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