What is 25 or 6 to 4?

25 or 6 to 4

"25 or 6 to 4" is a song by the rock band Chicago, released in 1970 on their album Chicago II. It is one of their most well-known and enduring hits. The song's title refers to the time of day, specifically 3:35 or 3:34 AM.

• Composition and Lyrics: The song was written by Robert Lamm, the band's keyboardist and vocalist. The lyrics describe a state of insomnia and creative struggle, specifically the feeling of being stuck while trying to write a song late at night. The lyrics are relatively abstract and open to interpretation, which has contributed to the song's lasting appeal.

• Musical Style: "25 or 6 to 4" features a prominent brass section, a signature element of Chicago's sound. The song's arrangement builds dynamically, starting with a relatively quiet introduction and gradually increasing in intensity. The song contains strong rock elements including a guitar solo.

• Instrumentation: Key instruments in the song include the electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, and the aforementioned brass section, which typically features trumpets, trombones, and sometimes a saxophone.

• Chart Performance and Reception: "25 or 6 to 4" reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, becoming one of Chicago's biggest hits. It has remained a popular song on classic rock radio and continues to be recognized as one of the band's signature tracks.

• Interpretations and Legacy: The song has been interpreted in various ways, with some listeners suggesting drug references based on the time of night and the feeling of disorientation conveyed in the lyrics. However, Lamm has consistently stated that the song is simply about the creative process and the struggle to write music. Its enduring popularity has made it a staple of Chicago's live performances and a defining song of the early 1970s rock era.