When this came out my friends and I were sure it was about an LSD trip. This song describes a "trip" to a T. The lyrics say it all. But Chicago says it was about song writing.....okay. This may be heresy but I like the album version better
I always thought that with the trip aspect, they were reading the minute hand on the 6 for 3:30 AM but couldn't tell for sure if it was 25 minutes or 6 until 4 AM. However, 25 minutes or 26 minutes until 4 AM works too. Oh to be 20 years old and living in 1973 again.
The guitarist Terry Kath is very underrated today by most. Jimi Hendrix is on record as calling Terry Kath one of his favorite guitarists, and also "the best guitarist in the universe". High praise coming from Jimi.
Terry Kath was planning on leaving Chicago and starting his own group and he and Jimmy Hendrix were talking and planning a record together, can you imagine?
He was up late, struggling with writer's block. He had the tune, but not the lyrics. So he wrote a song about having writer's block. The numbers are how we told time in the 70s. 25 to 4 would now be called 3:35. On the dial/analog clocks, it can be easier to figure time after the half hour as minutes until the next.
I saw Chicago in 1970 and 1971. Terry Kath was absolutely phenomenal. His sound filled the stadium. They were all very fair about giving each other the spotlight. I climbed up on their ground amplifier and danced through the whole concert. Couldn't hear a thing for a day of so. One of the best concerts I've ever seen and I've seen many.
Back in my day, as a trumpet player, we couldn't wait to play Chicago in Band. At one point 25 or 6 to 4 was the go to song for Marching Band. In college marching band in 1976, we dd an entire Chicago Show , formed the Chicago logo or "Script" on the field...I was right in front at the bottom of the "a" and got on national TV for a few seconds lol.
Ah, 5 seconds of fame! Back in the days before social media, when getting "on camera" was a noteworthy moment. I got my 5 seconds of fame when I was on camera, cheerleading at a 49ers-Raiders game at Candlestick Park. (This was just before NFL teams starting hiring their own cheerleaders, so they would invite local high school squads to come cheer at the games.) I also got an autograph from Jim Lange (of "The Dating Game" fame) at that same game.
I'm old I was born in 1960 grew up listening to southern rock, r and b, and a lot of other genera's of music. I first heard them in 1977 it took a while for me to warm up to horns in a rock group but I started digging it. And if I'm not mistaken Robert Lamm the founding member was trying to write a song in the middle of the night and it was about 25 or 6 to 4:00 in the morning. .Love your reactions keep up the good work.
I'm from Chicago and these guys kicked ass from the beginning! They called themselves the CTA at first which was the CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY but they got sued for that and they cut it to be just CHICAGO! Everyone of them could play their instrument like nobody!
Chicago's early years were far and away their best and most unique on the music scene of the early 70s. If you love the 70s, you'll want to dive into Chicago.
Chicago was one of my favorites in the 70's! Terry Kath on guitar was amazing. You put him together with those horns and the vocals and it is musical magic.
You should listen to the studio recording of this song. Live versions can never duplicate the mix done in the studio and that's the way we heard it on the radio in 1970. This song was recorded in August for the self titled album "Chicago". The album was released in January 1970 and this song was released as a single in June1970. This live version is inferior to the studio recording. The band is from Chicago and was originally known as 'Chicago Transit Authority'. The CTA is the name of the mass transit system of Chicago, IL. They threatened to legal action if the band didn't cease and desist using that name, so they shortened it to 'Chicago'. The name of their debut double album is Chicago Transit Authority, recorded January 27-30, 1969 and released April 28, 1969 on the Columbia Records label. It didn't do well at first but fortunately, this during the advent of FM radio and eventually it sold 2 million copies on its initial pressing. The impact of FM radio can not be understated, it is what was directly responsible for the explosion of album sales and relegated the 45 rpm disc to a marketing tool to initiate /invigorate album sales. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of the music business.
I agree uts à better foundation to start with studio versions, or hear them soon at least. It's what they clearly felt was their best, and how they wanted it heard. Most every live performance has at least one high point that makes it worth a listen. In this case, for me, Terry's solo , was one that made me feel a funny unfamiliar way. I thought it was cute how Peter kept trying to lasso him near the end. I've had that in several bands, other players will kindly say " you know the best way to end a solo, " or " I've always felt a solo in 12 bar blues should be no more than 12 bars ". Well.... Too bad you didn't oick the guitar as your instrument years ago, you could do that, and instead tell me " i don't think its a good look or sound when youre droning us with a sledgehammer of the root note, just because you don't want my super duper solo to continue. " But . Nope thats me. Lo
@@clydeb7713 The problem with live versions is most venues aren't built with input from acoustical engineers, thus they lack the full sound produced on a studio recording.
One of the best bands ever. I am 71 living in Canada. Thanks for the blast from the past. You have so much personality. Thanks for making this so much fun.
25 of 6 to 4 is the time of day (25 or 26 minutes to 4am, ie 3:35 or 3:36 in the morning) The song is about trying to write a song but suffering from writer's block.
Writing a song. This is about time past the middle of the night and into the early morning trying to finish a song. Breakdown: 25 or 6 to 4; 25 minutes untill 4:00 or 26 minutes untill 4:00 ; 25 or 6 to 4.
Yes, the explanation about the numbers being the time on the clock in the a.m. is correct. This was the first iteration of Chicago with the brass section...which I love! In the second remake of the band, they were virtually gone! Both eras produced excellent music!
CHICAGO "25 or 6 to 4" Tanglewood !!! Terry was on FIRE 🔥. Peter on bass is the lead singer for it. Also from this concert ..Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon. Tanglewood 1970... It is 14 minutes but the record company cut 2 three minute songs out of it and you will see people asking for Make Me Smile which is just a small part of it. Terry (Guitar) is the lead singer on that one.
25 or 6 till 4 means 3:35 or maybe 3:36 in the morning. The story goes that the band was trying to finish their album and were short one song. It was the middle of the night, and everyone was tierd and no one had any ideas, so keyboardist Robert Lamm turned to guitarist Terry Kath (the one who put the show on in this video), and asked him what time it was. Kath responded, "I dunno... maybe 25, maybe 26 until 4". It inspired Lamm to write this song, which is literally about sitting around a recording studio in the middle of the night, trying to write one last song despite being exhausted and out of ideas.
After the release of this first eponymous (double) LP, in response to threatened litigation by the city's transportation authority, the band decided to shorten its name to "Chicago".
I love how when Terry Kath goes into his amazing guitar solo how the horn section is just watching him and seeing that he is in the zone And he definitely was in the zone in that solo he was playing that with his eyes closed
Oh girlfriend, I feel you. I was 9 and my parents played music loud! They had seen Chicago multiple times and it took me years to understand the words.
Had this on cassette,yeah CASSETTE,and played it on a tape recorder(horrible,HORRIBLE sound!)…BUT I was on a beach with my best friend in 1971 at a time when we were full of hope,dreams,giggles,and talk of our boy crushes! So even though the sound was tinny and none of my dreams came true,it was a wonderful time and the memory of it is so very precious to me! Hearing this song on this particular evening was truly a gift! WOW,and now,here come the tears. That best friend died 4 years ago. Memories just warm this old heart! Thanks,Britt,for the song,the band,and another great reaction!!
You have witnessed what is widely regarded as one of the greatest live guitar solos of all time. Terry Kath was a genius and taken from us way too soon. RIP guitar master. 🎸🔥
I believe and also read somewhere that it is a reference to an LSD trip. The "25" is from LSD 25th compound. " 6 to 4" is probably referring to the time frame of the " trip" . Six pm through four am. " ... waiting for the break of day..." It's all layered in the lyrics.
I've heard there are varying stories as to what the lyrics mean. One is that the writer said he was up super late, was trying to look at the clock to see what time it was, but couldn't quite tell if it was 25 minutes to 4 a.m., or (2)6 minutes to 4. Others have said it's a coded drug reference. I'm sure there are other variations as well.
The coded drug reference story is nonsense. It's like the inferences of drug songs on SGT. PEPPERS -- Paul McCartney once noted that all the famous ones were wrong but that the actual references were missed by most. Bobby Lamm, who wrote "25 or 6 to 4" has on many occasions explained that the song was about having writer's block in the early morning while trying to write the lyrics, and at one point he looked at his clock and that was what time it was.
I got to see them concert in 2017 and that solo was something special to see and hear as the three brass guys surrounded him joining in on the accents during that solo.
This was written by Robert Lamm, who is a keyboard player and singer for Chicago. It's about trying to write a song, with the title referring to the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4). Lamm explained on The Chris Isaak Hour: "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night. I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song that I was writing. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus. Peace out.
COLOUR MY WORLD and SATURDAY IN THE PARK are classic songs by Chicago. They don't have the raw power or blistering spirit of this song but are good on their own terms. And if you haven't reacted to him yet, then, Jeff Healey playing hus song SEE THE LIGHT is waiting for your ears. Keep in mind that he is a blind musician. But you will see the light after this performance. Guaranteed.
Chicago was designed to have songs that had horn parts that were integral to the whole piece rather than just as background. Being around when they came out in the late 60's, it was an adventurous time, as music, in general, became quite diverse, from having a bit of jazz influence to a bit classical, to mideval, flavorings. It was really wide open, and alot of great music came out of that time.
Back in the day we referred to time of day as minutes before or after an hour. 25 or 6 to 4: is 3:35 or 3:36 am... Terry Kath was a brilliant guitarist, even Hendrix recognized him.... Unfortunately he died a tragic death.... James Pankow the trombonist is a graduate from the same high school I attended Notre Dame High School in Niles, IL.
They are from Chicago, brilliant hughly trained musicians! Terry Kath has a wonderful "Ray Charles" quality to his voice! I'm a Man listen live at Tanglewood and Colour My World totally showcase his voice!❤❤❤
If you pay close attention to the beginning, during the "sound check moment", you'll see that the drummer was having an issue with one of his stands. This is where the professionalism and improvisational skills of the late great Terry Kath shows itself. No one likes dead air, so rather than allow that to happen while they fix the drum issue, he begins to play a loose guitar line, to which the others join in on. As soon as the drummer signals he's ready by using his high hat, they seamlessly roll into the song.
25 or 6 to 4 is referring to reading an analog clock that has hands on it. If you like horns, check out Blood, Sweat and Tears "Spinning Wheel" and Ides Of March "Vehicle".
Lamm said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m., phrased as, "twenty-five or [twenty-]six [minutes] to four [o’clock]," (i.e. 03:34 or 03:35).[3][4] Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code.[5]
Now that you have experienced the incredible Terry Kath shredding on guitar, check out their debut album when they were known as The Chicago Transit Authority and play these two tracks: "Introduction" and "Poem 58". Guitar player Terry Kath wrote "Introduction" and sang lead vocals. He was called "The White Ray Charles" by his bandmates. Soulful baritone voice! "Poem 58" is nine minutes of PURE FUNK led by Terry Kath on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums, and Peter Cetera on bass. Kath's guitar will have you needing an ice pack for your jaw after you pick it up from the floor! When they were "The Chicago Transit Authority", they were the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in LA. One night between sets, Jimi Hendrix, who was in the audience, went to their dressing room after catching their first set. He walked up to their sax player Walt Parazaider and said, "You guys have a horn section that sounds like one set of lungs and a guitar player that's better than me! You wanna go on the road?" They said "YEAH!". And that's how they became Hendrix's opening act on a national arena tour.
25 or 6 to 4 is nearing the hour of 4:00 A. M... They are probably talking about, finishing up either this song, or another song they're sitting up all night writing.
Always enjoyable to watch...thank you for posting these. I was a HS freshman in 1968 and saw many greats on tour (including Chicago) at Tanglewood which was/is a spectacular outdoor music venue. If I recall correctly most shows at Tanglewood (like this one) were general admission ranging 2-8 dollars per person. I really wish I had kept all my ticket stubs from those years(no one thought od selling tshirts yet LOL), what a wall poster of memories that would be.
Think of 25 or 26 minutes to 4 AM. Early morning writing a song and looks at the clock with blurry eyes and can’t tell exactly where the minute hand is.
wiki: Lamm (Robert Lamm, who wrote the song) said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m., phrased as, "twenty-five or [twenty-]six [minutes] to four [o’clock]," (i.e. 03:34 or 03:35). Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code.
I saw them in the spring of 1970 in the Field House my freshman year at Oklahoma University. I think every student on campus was there as well as many others. That was a long and epic concert that has stuck with me all these years. I started with them as the Chicago Transit Authority in ‘68 and still enjoy listening to several of their albums on vinyl saved from back in the day. It’s great that younger folks can experience all the great music we teenagers had in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
I believe the confusion over the title and chorus of this song may be a result of younger reactors having experience in large measure to digital timekeeping and clocks. I have heard many express that they have difficulty reading and analog clock. Those of us who are a little older comprehend the title and chorus more readily.
I have had this song on my daily play list for a few weeks now; it's my current obsession (along with Seven Bridges Road (Live) by the Eagles and Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills, and Nash). Britt, if you like brass, may I direct you toward Streetlight Manifesto? One of the finest brass sections still playing today. They are absolutely KILLER live. I had a spiritual experience in the pit last year - in Chicago lol They don't have a bad song, really, but good ones to start with are "We Will Fall Together", "The Hands That Thieve", "Everything Went Numb", "Point/Counterpoint", or "Here's To Life".
The three brass players all went to DePaul University in Chicago where they met up with bar band mates Kath, Lamm and Seraphin, (guitar keys and drummer). Bassist Cetera was later joined and the original seven moved to LA in 1968 shortly before releasing their first album.
Terry Kath on guitar absolute legend his guitar solo is one of a kind he was ahead of his time and it was so sad to see him go when he passed No doubt about it he’s a top-five guitarist of all time in my opinion And Peter Cetera one of a kind vocalist should check out 80s Chicago and Cetera’s vocals on songs like you’re the inspiration hard habit to break hard to say I’m sorry songs like that
A PURE banger. In high school in the early 70's the jazz ensemble would (on special days) blast this from the band room between classes, without the vocals.
This is a song about writer's block... which is brilliant. As others have pointed out 25 or 6 to 4 was the time. The song was written by keyboardist Robert Lamm while being up all night trying to write a song. And yes, the band was from Chicago, originally called "Chicago Transit Authority," shortened to "Chicago" shortly after. While i live in the ciry of Boston (which also has a great band named after the city), Chicago is definitely worth a visit. Ive onky been there a couple of times on business, but i enjoyed it. Terry Kath (guitarist) sadly accidentally shot himself to death in early 1978. He was also a very soulful singer. A couple of hits featuring his voice on vocals are "Make me Smile" and "Colour My World" (not sure why the British spelling of "Colour" but ive always seen it printed that way (and believe it is spelled that way on the album).
I saw Chicago live in 1988 at an area festival, and they had just released "Chicago 18" as well as gotten a new bassist and vocalist named Jason Scheff. The album included a remake of this song, which I thought was very cool ... and the crowd singing it in unison under the stars was MAGICAL.
Its abot writing a song al thru the nightIt’s just a reference to the time of day” - as in “waiting for the break of day” at 25 or (2)6 minutes to 4 a.m. (3:35 or 3:34 a.m.)
Saw then Chicago Transit Authority perform at New York State Teachers College in Fredonia, NY. Fredonia is known for their music programs. Before performance began the band leader asked if anyone in the audience could play piano (not keyboard like today) as their pianist was ill. Students in the Audience kept calling for one guy and eventually got him up on the stage. With no rehearsal he played for the entire performance. About half way through the band leader told the audience between songs that the student was hired on the spot if he wanted a job. Then he mentioned that every member of the band needed to play several different instruments to which the student replied he could. I’ve never forgotten that concert. I was astounded that the student body paid $50K for one night. Little did I know what a good deal that was even then for a big band with the much talent. If you ever get a chance to hear a master or high def recording of Chicago on a high end stereo system with big speakers for presence, it’s worth your time.
Love this song. I was a freshman in High School and this song was duking it out on the lunchrooms jukebox with The Jackson Five’s 1-2-3 and the Osmond's One Bad Apple….sigh… memories 😊
That is a great bass grove. Great horn section. Great guitar. Great vocals. It's a gang of bangs! There's a joke in there somewhere. This guitar solo feels like a response to the Free Bird guitar solo.
Chicago was the first concert I ever went to. Saw them at the art deco style Fisher Theater in Detroit. Bought a bunch of their albums including the Chicago Transit Authority album when the band was originally of the same name.
A great band with a very unique sound ! Glad you found them Britt, they have many great songs but this one is my favorite. Thanks for checking them out. Jamie644 has the best answer to your question about 25 or 6 to 4 in my opinion.
People have already explained about the staying up all night to write a song before the deadline the next morning, and the reason for the "25 or 6 to 4" is, he looks at the clock at one point and because he's so tired, he can't tell if it's 25 or 26 minutes until 4 in the morning, his vision is blurry from staying up. Also, Peter Cetera was in some pain during the recording, his jaw had been broken in three places by some Marines at Dodger Stadium (that's a whole other story), and after he finished a long stay in Intensive Care and healing at home, they cut out the wires, he was afraid to fully open his mouth so he changed his singing style and sound which actually helped his career. Anyway, loved the review, love you, take care and stay safe ❤️
Whenever I see a Twitter post asking "Name something from the 70s that kids today won't understand." I always reply "the language of using an analog clock" and use the title of this song as an example.
This group was originally named "Chicago Transit Authority" after the Chicago public transportation system. So many people told them the name was too long, so they shortened it to just Chicago. That's what all the DJ's were calling them anyway.
This is a live recording of a song from the (off the top of my head*) 1969 studio album Chicago Transit Authority, which is a masterpiece. Jimi Hendrix was a huge fan and said of them “their brass section is one lung and their guitarist is better than me”. But it is true to say they were lyrically weaker than they were musically. Not always though. ‘Does anyone know what time it is’ which opens the album is really a rather beautifully written lyric as well as being a musical banger. My personal favorite is ‘Beginnings’. Good to see this music being appreciated by a new generation. * I just checked and yes it was recorded in New York City in the January of ‘69. They tracked the entire album in three days, which is fairly astonishing.
The song reference the time of day, specifically 25 or 26 minutes to 4 o'clock in the morning when they were recording the song. Interesting fact; Peter Cetera the singer, his mouth was wired shut when recording this song from a broken jaw.
When the song was composed it was done after a long night of partying and the time the party was over it was either 25 or 26 minutes to four,... hence the title
That Guitar solo,, o.o Wow. Some can make there guitars weep, he just made his Bawl to the ugly cry, We are talking Colicky Baby wailing here and it was legendary.
It doesn't get any better than Terry on this one. People not understanding the time terminology always make me smile and think of a time when we were kids and my bother asked my sister what time it was. She said 8 11 and he got mad and said, "You can't get a straight answer out of anybody around here." 😀
“’25 or 6 to 4′ is a song about writing a song,”the bands trombonist James Pankow said. “Robert was laying on the floor of his house in the Hollywood Hills looking over the city of Los Angeles just before dawn. He had been up all night.” “I just, I looked across the room and there was an old Grandmother’s clock on the wall,” he continued. “I couldn’t quite make out what the time was, but the hands on the clock were somewhere around 25 or 26 to 4 a.m., and I just began to just jot down what the hell I was doing there, and I thought, ‘Well, for now, I’m just going to describe the process of writing this song, and I’ll figure out what the lyrics are going to be later,’ but I didn’t need to.*This information comes from Jay McDowell, writer for The American Songwriter site. February 1, 2024.
They were from Chicago and their original name was "Chicago Transit Authority" which is the name of the public transportation department in Chicago. CTA then sued, or threatened suit for appropriating it for the band. So, the band changed/shortened their name to Chicago, from their 2nd album on. Peter Cetera, who sang the song masterfully, is a great tenor voice who later on went solo and had several hits in his single iteration. But Terry Kath, the lead guitarist, is one of a kind and is sorely missed, after his passing. I loved your reaction, Britt. Please check out "A Girl from Buchanon" as well.
It took me until my 49th year of life to realize what this song meant...from comments of another reactor, hahahha!!! Ohhh..I love your "Bang Breakdown" in the beginning, that was hilarious!!
I like to think of Chicago as the rock version of the 'big band'. All great musicians, great vocals and harmonies, well constructed lyrics and music. Thanks for sharing.
The song is about staying up all night to finish writing a song. The title means 25 or 26 minutes to 4 am.
Thank you. I have listened to this song forever.
Bingo !!
Came to say this same thing. You beat me to it. 😂
When this came out my friends and I were sure it was about an LSD trip. This song describes a "trip" to a T. The lyrics say it all. But Chicago says it was about song writing.....okay. This may be heresy but I like the album version better
I always thought that with the trip aspect, they were reading the minute hand on the 6 for 3:30 AM but couldn't tell for sure if it was 25 minutes or 6 until 4 AM. However, 25 minutes or 26 minutes until 4 AM works too. Oh to be 20 years old and living in 1973 again.
The guitarist Terry Kath is very underrated today by most. Jimi Hendrix is on record as calling Terry Kath one of his favorite guitarists, and also "the best guitarist in the universe". High praise coming from Jimi.
Jimi also said basically tge same thing about Billy Gibbons of ZZTop
Terry Kath was planning on leaving Chicago and starting his own group and he and Jimmy Hendrix were talking and planning a record together, can you imagine?
Before Chicago was famous, they used to tour with Hendrix as an opening act
He was up late, struggling with writer's block. He had the tune, but not the lyrics. So he wrote a song about having writer's block.
The numbers are how we told time in the 70s. 25 to 4 would now be called 3:35. On the dial/analog clocks, it can be easier to figure time after the half hour as minutes until the next.
To expand on this. He is saying it is either 25 (or 26) to 4:00 in the morning.
@@kevinbraiden9142 I think he does that to maintain the rhythm of the lyrics.
Terry Kath was an amazing and in my opinion, grossly underrated guitarist. Another great artist tragically taken way too soon. RIP Terry Kath. ✌🏼😎
Yup - One of the best and most underrated classic rock guitar solos here.
Jimi Hendrix used to practiacally stalk Terry.
There's a really good documentary out there somewhere about him. I can't remember the platform I saw it at. Maybe Netflix.
Check out a cover band here on UA-cam called Leonid and Friends do this song and see what you think.
Hell yea he sure was many great ones are overlooked
25 or 6 to 4 is the time of day when he wrote the song , it was early in the morning and he wasn't sure if it was 25 or 26 minutes before 4 AM.
It is literally a song about having been up for so long you have no idea what time it is.
Old Chicago is the Best!
Unfortunately, when Terry Kath died, Chicago became too pop and their best music was behind them.
Their pizza is okay. I love the buffalo rolls.
yes, love song Chicago sucks!
I saw Chicago in 1970 and 1971. Terry Kath was absolutely phenomenal. His sound filled the stadium. They were all very fair about giving each other the spotlight. I climbed up on their ground amplifier and danced through the whole concert. Couldn't hear a thing for a day of so. One of the best concerts I've ever seen and I've seen many.
Back in my day, as a trumpet player, we couldn't wait to play Chicago in Band. At one point 25 or 6 to 4 was the go to song for Marching Band. In college marching band in 1976, we dd an entire Chicago Show , formed the Chicago logo or "Script" on the field...I was right in front at the bottom of the "a" and got on national TV for a few seconds lol.
Ah, 5 seconds of fame! Back in the days before social media, when getting "on camera" was a noteworthy moment.
I got my 5 seconds of fame when I was on camera, cheerleading at a 49ers-Raiders game at Candlestick Park. (This was just before NFL teams starting hiring their own cheerleaders, so they would invite local high school squads to come cheer at the games.) I also got an autograph from Jim Lange (of "The Dating Game" fame) at that same game.
Awesome!
I just love watching how much Britt enjoys watching great musical performances. Her eyes just light up.
It means 3:35 or 3:34 AM (25 or 6 to 4, waiting for the break of dawn) Its about writing a song
I'm old I was born in 1960 grew up listening to southern rock, r and b, and a lot of other genera's of music. I first heard them in 1977 it took a while for me to warm up to horns in a rock group but I started digging it. And if I'm not mistaken Robert Lamm the founding member was trying to write a song in the middle of the night and it was about 25 or 6 to 4:00 in the morning. .Love your reactions keep up the good work.
I always love it when 15 seconds into the guitar solo they're enthralled, but Terry's just getting started
Terry Kath was one of the greatest guitarists ever. And the arrangements Chicago had were some of the best ever.
I'm from Chicago and these guys kicked ass from the beginning! They called themselves the CTA at first which was the CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY but they got sued for that and they cut it to be just CHICAGO! Everyone of them could play their instrument like nobody!
Chicago's early years were far and away their best and most unique on the music scene of the early 70s. If you love the 70s, you'll want to dive into Chicago.
After they lost Peter Cetera and Terry Kath, the band was never quite as good... The magic was gone...
Chicago was one of my favorites in the 70's! Terry Kath on guitar was amazing. You put him together with those horns and the vocals and it is musical magic.
One of the most legendary guitar solos ever !!!!!!
You should listen to the studio recording of this song. Live versions can never duplicate the mix done in the studio and that's the way we heard it on the radio in 1970. This song was recorded in August for the self titled album "Chicago". The album was released in January 1970 and this song was released as a single in June1970. This live version is inferior to the studio recording. The band is from Chicago and was originally known as 'Chicago Transit Authority'. The CTA is the name of the mass transit system of Chicago, IL. They threatened to legal action if the band didn't cease and desist using that name, so they shortened it to 'Chicago'. The name of their debut double album is Chicago Transit Authority, recorded January 27-30, 1969 and released April 28, 1969 on the Columbia Records label. It didn't do well at first but fortunately, this during the advent of FM radio and eventually it sold 2 million copies on its initial pressing. The impact of FM radio can not be understated, it is what was directly responsible for the explosion of album sales and relegated the 45 rpm disc to a marketing tool to initiate /invigorate album sales. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of the music business.
I joined the Columbia record club in 1970 and this was one of the first LP's I bought. A friend in High school turned me onto them. I
I agree uts à better foundation to start with studio versions, or hear them soon at least. It's what they clearly felt was their best, and how they wanted it heard. Most every live performance has at least one high point that makes it worth a listen. In this case, for me, Terry's solo , was one that made me feel a funny unfamiliar way. I thought it was cute how Peter kept trying to lasso him near the end. I've had that in several bands, other players will kindly say " you know the best way to end a solo, " or " I've always felt a solo in 12 bar blues should be no more than 12 bars ". Well.... Too bad you didn't oick the guitar as your instrument years ago, you could do that, and instead tell me " i don't think its a good look or sound when youre droning us with a sledgehammer of the root note, just because you don't want my super duper solo to continue. " But . Nope thats me. Lo
Studio versions NEVER can capture the rawness of live! I love live performances. You have to be great to sound good live.
@@clydeb7713 The problem with live versions is most venues aren't built with input from acoustical engineers, thus they lack the full sound produced on a studio recording.
This is why I love you. Your description of Terry's solo almost encapsulates my feelings.
Sorry when Britt said "25 or 6 to4 I don;t get get it" I lost it laughing...don;t tell her guys, drive her crazy...😂
One of the best bands ever. I am 71 living in Canada. Thanks for the blast from the past. You have so much personality. Thanks for making this so much fun.
An interviewer asked Jimi Hendrix "what's it like to be the worlds best guitarist". He said " I don't know. You have to ask Terry Kath" 'nuff said!
You also need to see "I'm a Man" from this same concert. One of my favorites.
Yes! Chicago did a superb cover of that one.
25 of 6 to 4 is the time of day (25 or 26 minutes to 4am, ie 3:35 or 3:36 in the morning) The song is about trying to write a song but suffering from writer's block.
Writing a song. This is about time past the middle of the night and into the early morning trying to finish a song. Breakdown: 25 or 6 to 4; 25 minutes untill 4:00 or 26 minutes untill 4:00 ; 25 or 6 to 4.
Greatest assembly of musicians in any one group.
Toto might challenge that,
Chicago changed lineups frequently, but always made beautiful sounding music. Colour my world is my favorite, love the vocals on that song.
Yes, the explanation about the numbers being the time on the clock in the a.m. is correct. This was the first iteration of Chicago with the brass section...which I love! In the second remake of the band, they were virtually gone! Both eras produced excellent music!
This is my all-time favorite band, so much amazing music you could dive into!!
Absolutely agree Chicago definitely one of the greatest bands of all time
CHICAGO "25 or 6 to 4" Tanglewood !!! Terry was on FIRE 🔥. Peter on bass is the lead singer for it. Also from this concert ..Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon. Tanglewood 1970... It is 14 minutes but the record company cut 2 three minute songs out of it and you will see people asking for Make Me Smile which is just a small part of it. Terry (Guitar) is the lead singer on that one.
It’s a song about writing a song.... 25 til 4am and he finally gets it.... ‘Feeling like I oughta sleep... Break of day.....
25 or 6 till 4 means 3:35 or maybe 3:36 in the morning. The story goes that the band was trying to finish their album and were short one song. It was the middle of the night, and everyone was tierd and no one had any ideas, so keyboardist Robert Lamm turned to guitarist Terry Kath (the one who put the show on in this video), and asked him what time it was. Kath responded, "I dunno... maybe 25, maybe 26 until 4". It inspired Lamm to write this song, which is literally about sitting around a recording studio in the middle of the night, trying to write one last song despite being exhausted and out of ideas.
There original name was Chicago Transit Authority
Thank you! That fact has been largely forgotten.
After the release of this first eponymous (double) LP, in response to threatened litigation by the city's transportation authority, the band decided to shorten its name to "Chicago".
They were originally called (The Big Thing)
I love how when Terry Kath goes into his amazing guitar solo how the horn section is just watching him and seeing that he is in the zone And he definitely was in the zone in that solo he was playing that with his eyes closed
Her Boat Tugs A Little Slower 😂😂 That Killed ME 🤣🤣🤣
yes please!
One of my favorite bands with the late Terry Kath on guitar!!! 😅 Peter Cetera on lead vocals
Oh girlfriend, I feel you. I was 9 and my parents played music loud! They had seen Chicago multiple times and it took me years to understand the words.
Had this on cassette,yeah CASSETTE,and played it on a tape recorder(horrible,HORRIBLE sound!)…BUT I was on a beach with my best friend in 1971 at a time when we were full of hope,dreams,giggles,and talk of our boy crushes! So even though the sound was tinny and none of my dreams came true,it was a wonderful time and the memory of it is so very precious to me! Hearing this song on this particular evening was truly a gift! WOW,and now,here come the tears. That best friend died 4 years ago. Memories just warm this old heart! Thanks,Britt,for the song,the band,and another great reaction!!
Oh wow, that totally just made my allergies act up.❤
You have witnessed what is widely regarded as one of the greatest live guitar solos of all time. Terry Kath was a genius and taken from us way too soon. RIP guitar master. 🎸🔥
I believe and also read somewhere that it is a reference to an LSD trip. The "25" is from LSD 25th compound. " 6 to 4" is probably referring to the time frame of the " trip" . Six pm through four am. " ... waiting for the break of day..."
It's all layered in the lyrics.
I've heard there are varying stories as to what the lyrics mean. One is that the writer said he was up super late, was trying to look at the clock to see what time it was, but couldn't quite tell if it was 25 minutes to 4 a.m., or (2)6 minutes to 4. Others have said it's a coded drug reference. I'm sure there are other variations as well.
The coded drug reference story is nonsense. It's like the inferences of drug songs on SGT. PEPPERS -- Paul McCartney once noted that all the famous ones were wrong but that the actual references were missed by most. Bobby Lamm, who wrote "25 or 6 to 4" has on many occasions explained that the song was about having writer's block in the early morning while trying to write the lyrics, and at one point he looked at his clock and that was what time it was.
I got to see them concert in 2017 and that solo was something special to see and hear as the three brass guys surrounded him joining in on the accents during that solo.
This was written by Robert Lamm, who is a keyboard player and singer for Chicago. It's about trying to write a song, with the title referring to the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4). Lamm explained on The Chris Isaak Hour: "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night. I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song that I was writing. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus. Peace out.
There wasn't a day you didn't hear Chicago on the radio at this time.
COLOUR MY WORLD and SATURDAY IN THE PARK are classic songs by Chicago. They don't have the raw power or blistering spirit of this song but are good on their own terms.
And if you haven't reacted to him yet, then, Jeff Healey playing hus song SEE THE LIGHT is waiting for your ears. Keep in mind that he is a blind musician. But you will see the light after this performance. Guaranteed.
Color My World was every bride's wedding song in the 70's, and it was/is a beautiful song.
Chicago was designed to have songs that had horn parts that were integral to the whole piece rather than just as background. Being around when they came out in the late 60's, it was an adventurous time, as music, in general, became quite diverse, from having a bit of jazz influence to a bit classical, to mideval, flavorings. It was really wide open, and alot of great music came out of that time.
Back in the day we referred to time of day as minutes before or after an hour. 25 or 6 to 4: is 3:35 or 3:36 am... Terry Kath was a brilliant guitarist, even Hendrix recognized him.... Unfortunately he died a tragic death.... James Pankow the trombonist is a graduate from the same high school I attended Notre Dame High School in Niles, IL.
I knew you'd love the brass on this lol 😊
They are from Chicago, brilliant hughly trained musicians! Terry Kath has a wonderful "Ray Charles" quality to his voice! I'm a Man listen live at Tanglewood and Colour My World totally showcase his voice!❤❤❤
Awesome reaction to a fantastic song that played on the radio when I was in high school. I had 4 of their albums.
If you pay close attention to the beginning, during the "sound check moment", you'll see that the drummer was having an issue with one of his stands. This is where the professionalism and improvisational skills of the late great Terry Kath shows itself. No one likes dead air, so rather than allow that to happen while they fix the drum issue, he begins to play a loose guitar line, to which the others join in on. As soon as the drummer signals he's ready by using his high hat, they seamlessly roll into the song.
25 or 26 to 4 o'clock am. He's trying to finish a song at 4 o'clock.
25 or 6 to 4 is referring to reading an analog clock that has hands on it.
If you like horns, check out Blood, Sweat and Tears "Spinning Wheel" and Ides Of March "Vehicle".
Lamm said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m., phrased as, "twenty-five or [twenty-]six [minutes] to four [o’clock]," (i.e. 03:34 or 03:35).[3][4] Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code.[5]
When you're such a badass songwriter that you actually write a song about not being able to write a song! 🤣❤️
Now that you have experienced the incredible Terry Kath shredding on guitar, check out their debut album when they were known as The Chicago Transit Authority and play these two tracks: "Introduction" and "Poem 58". Guitar player Terry Kath wrote "Introduction" and sang lead vocals. He was called "The White Ray Charles" by his bandmates. Soulful baritone voice! "Poem 58" is nine minutes of PURE FUNK led by Terry Kath on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums, and Peter Cetera on bass. Kath's guitar will have you needing an ice pack for your jaw after you pick it up from the floor!
When they were "The Chicago Transit Authority", they were the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in LA. One night between sets, Jimi Hendrix, who was in the audience, went to their dressing room after catching their first set. He walked up to their sax player Walt Parazaider and said, "You guys have a horn section that sounds like one set of lungs and a guitar player that's better than me! You wanna go on the road?" They said "YEAH!". And that's how they became Hendrix's opening act on a national arena tour.
25 or 6 to 4 is nearing the hour of 4:00 A. M... They are probably talking about, finishing up either this song, or another song they're sitting up all night writing.
Always enjoyable to watch...thank you for posting these.
I was a HS freshman in 1968 and saw many greats on tour (including Chicago) at Tanglewood which was/is a spectacular outdoor music venue. If I recall correctly most shows at Tanglewood (like this one) were general admission ranging 2-8 dollars per person. I really wish I had kept all my ticket stubs from those years(no one thought od selling tshirts yet LOL), what a wall poster of memories that would be.
Beautiful thank you so much
Think of 25 or 26 minutes to 4 AM. Early morning writing a song and looks at the clock with blurry eyes and can’t tell exactly where the minute hand is.
wiki: Lamm (Robert Lamm, who wrote the song) said the song is about trying to write a song in the middle of the night. The song's title is the time at which the song is set: 25 or 26 minutes before 4 a.m., phrased as, "twenty-five or [twenty-]six [minutes] to four [o’clock]," (i.e. 03:34 or 03:35). Because of the unique phrasing of the song's title, "25 or 6 to 4" has been interpreted to mean everything from a quantity of illicit drugs to the name of a famous person in code.
I saw them in the spring of 1970 in the Field House my freshman year at Oklahoma University. I think every student on campus was there as well as many others. That was a long and epic concert that has stuck with me all these years. I started with them as the Chicago Transit Authority in ‘68 and still enjoy listening to several of their albums on vinyl saved from back in the day. It’s great that younger folks can experience all the great music we teenagers had in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
I believe the confusion over the title and chorus of this song may be a result of younger reactors having experience in large measure to digital timekeeping and clocks. I have heard many express that they have difficulty reading and analog clock. Those of us who are a little older comprehend the title and chorus more readily.
I have had this song on my daily play list for a few weeks now; it's my current obsession (along with Seven Bridges Road (Live) by the Eagles and Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills, and Nash).
Britt, if you like brass, may I direct you toward Streetlight Manifesto? One of the finest brass sections still playing today. They are absolutely KILLER live. I had a spiritual experience in the pit last year - in Chicago lol They don't have a bad song, really, but good ones to start with are "We Will Fall Together", "The Hands That Thieve", "Everything Went Numb", "Point/Counterpoint", or "Here's To Life".
The three brass players all went to DePaul University in Chicago where they met up with bar band mates Kath, Lamm and Seraphin, (guitar keys and drummer). Bassist Cetera was later joined and the original seven moved to LA in 1968 shortly before releasing their first album.
Terry Kath on guitar absolute legend his guitar solo is one of a kind he was ahead of his time and it was so sad to see him go when he passed No doubt about it he’s a top-five guitarist of all time in my opinion And Peter Cetera one of a kind vocalist should check out 80s Chicago and Cetera’s vocals on songs like you’re the inspiration hard habit to break hard to say I’m sorry songs like that
You are one of the best & my absolute favorite reactor on YT 🙀🥰. Love it when you sing. You aught to be famous. Sorry so blunt about it.✌️
For brass in 70s music (and iconic 70s outfits) ... the song Get It On by the band called Chase.
A PURE banger. In high school in the early 70's the jazz ensemble would (on special days) blast this from the band room between classes, without the vocals.
This is a song about writer's block... which is brilliant. As others have pointed out 25 or 6 to 4 was the time. The song was written by keyboardist Robert Lamm while being up all night trying to write a song. And yes, the band was from Chicago, originally called "Chicago Transit Authority," shortened to "Chicago" shortly after. While i live in the ciry of Boston (which also has a great band named after the city), Chicago is definitely worth a visit. Ive onky been there a couple of times on business, but i enjoyed it. Terry Kath (guitarist) sadly accidentally shot himself to death in early 1978. He was also a very soulful singer. A couple of hits featuring his voice on vocals are "Make me Smile" and "Colour My World" (not sure why the British spelling of "Colour" but ive always seen it printed that way (and believe it is spelled that way on the album).
At last Britt thank u so much do u read our comments at all?????
Don't forget the drummer... he was a darn good one to keep the beat...
One of the best bands all time! The brass was their trademark! Some of the best musicians all together in one band!
I saw Chicago live in 1988 at an area festival, and they had just released "Chicago 18" as well as gotten a new bassist and vocalist named Jason Scheff. The album included a remake of this song, which I thought was very cool ... and the crowd singing it in unison under the stars was MAGICAL.
Its abot writing a song al thru the nightIt’s just a reference to the time of day” - as in “waiting for the break of day” at 25 or (2)6 minutes to 4 a.m. (3:35 or 3:34 a.m.)
Saw then Chicago Transit Authority perform at New York State Teachers College in Fredonia, NY. Fredonia is known for their music programs.
Before performance began the band leader asked if anyone in the audience could play piano (not keyboard like today) as their pianist was ill.
Students in the Audience kept calling for one guy and eventually got him up on the stage.
With no rehearsal he played for the entire performance. About half way through the band leader told the audience between songs that the student was hired on the spot if he wanted a job.
Then he mentioned that every member of the band needed to play several different instruments to which the student replied he could.
I’ve never forgotten that concert. I was astounded that the student body paid $50K for one night.
Little did I know what a good deal that was even then for a big band with the much talent.
If you ever get a chance to hear a master or high def recording of Chicago on a high end stereo system with big speakers for presence, it’s worth your time.
Love this song. I was a freshman in High School and this song was duking it out on the lunchrooms jukebox with The Jackson Five’s 1-2-3 and the Osmond's One Bad Apple….sigh… memories 😊
That is a great bass grove. Great horn section. Great guitar. Great vocals. It's a gang of bangs! There's a joke in there somewhere. This guitar solo feels like a response to the Free Bird guitar solo.
Chicago was the first concert I ever went to. Saw them at the art deco style Fisher Theater in Detroit.
Bought a bunch of their albums including the Chicago Transit Authority album when the band was originally of the same name.
Great to see you with Chicago! They ALSO have soo many other good ones!
A great band with a very unique sound ! Glad you found them Britt, they have many great songs but this one is my favorite. Thanks for checking them out. Jamie644 has the best answer to your question about 25 or 6 to 4 in my opinion.
I saw them in concert 12 years ago... EXCELLENT STILL! They're coming in my area again and I am thinking about going again! 🎸🎶🥁🎺🎷✌🏼
People have already explained about the staying up all night to write a song before the deadline the next morning, and the reason for the "25 or 6 to 4" is, he looks at the clock at one point and because he's so tired, he can't tell if it's 25 or 26 minutes until 4 in the morning, his vision is blurry from staying up. Also, Peter Cetera was in some pain during the recording, his jaw had been broken in three places by some Marines at Dodger Stadium (that's a whole other story), and after he finished a long stay in Intensive Care and healing at home, they cut out the wires, he was afraid to fully open his mouth so he changed his singing style and sound which actually helped his career. Anyway, loved the review, love you, take care and stay safe ❤️
Whenever I see a Twitter post asking "Name something from the 70s that kids today won't understand." I always reply "the language of using an analog clock" and use the title of this song as an example.
Heard this at an outdoor festival in 1976 Austin Texas and it was a crowd smasher.
This group was originally named "Chicago Transit Authority" after the Chicago public transportation system. So many people told them the name was too long, so they shortened it to just Chicago. That's what all the DJ's were calling them anyway.
This is a live recording of a song from the (off the top of my head*) 1969 studio album Chicago Transit Authority, which is a masterpiece. Jimi Hendrix was a huge fan and said of them “their brass section is one lung and their guitarist is better than me”. But it is true to say they were lyrically weaker than they were musically. Not always though. ‘Does anyone know what time it is’ which opens the album is really a rather beautifully written lyric as well as being a musical banger. My personal favorite is ‘Beginnings’. Good to see this music being appreciated by a new generation.
* I just checked and yes it was recorded in New York City in the January of ‘69. They tracked the entire album in three days, which is fairly astonishing.
The song reference the time of day, specifically 25 or 26 minutes to 4 o'clock in the morning when they were recording the song. Interesting fact; Peter Cetera the singer, his mouth was wired shut when recording this song from a broken jaw.
Exactly. The title is not mysterious, just someone looking at the clock and seeing the time..
Looks like a bunch of people have already explained the title. No worries, Britt. We're not judging! Took me a long time to realize what that meant!
By the way, it's so much fun to see your reaction to stuff like this!
When the song was composed it was done after a long night of partying and the time the party was over it was either 25 or 26 minutes to four,... hence the title
That Guitar solo,, o.o Wow. Some can make there guitars weep, he just made his Bawl to the ugly cry, We are talking Colicky Baby wailing here and it was legendary.
It doesn't get any better than Terry on this one.
People not understanding the time terminology always make me smile and think of a time when we were kids and my bother asked my sister what time it was. She said 8 11 and he got mad and said, "You can't get a straight answer out of anybody around here." 😀
Should I try to do some more? It's about coming down on LSD.
Tanglewood, Lenox massachusetts so many great shows outdoors still to this day
25 or 26 mins to 4 am so Basically 3:35 or 3:34 till 4:00am
“’25 or 6 to 4′ is a song about writing a song,”the bands trombonist James Pankow said. “Robert was laying on the floor of his house in the Hollywood Hills looking over the city of Los Angeles just before dawn. He had been up all night.” “I just, I looked across the room and there was an old Grandmother’s clock on the wall,” he continued. “I couldn’t quite make out what the time was, but the hands on the clock were somewhere around 25 or 26 to 4 a.m., and I just began to just jot down what the hell I was doing there, and I thought, ‘Well, for now, I’m just going to describe the process of writing this song, and I’ll figure out what the lyrics are going to be later,’ but I didn’t need to.*This information comes from Jay McDowell, writer for The American Songwriter site. February 1, 2024.
Chicago was started by the guys in the horn section. They all have classical music training from DePaul in Chicago.
They were from Chicago and their original name was "Chicago Transit Authority" which is the name of the public transportation department in Chicago. CTA then sued, or threatened suit for appropriating it for the band. So, the band changed/shortened their name to Chicago, from their 2nd album on. Peter Cetera, who sang the song masterfully, is a great tenor voice who later on went solo and had several hits in his single iteration. But Terry Kath, the lead guitarist, is one of a kind and is sorely missed, after his passing. I loved your reaction, Britt. Please check out "A Girl from Buchanon" as well.
It took me until my 49th year of life to realize what this song meant...from comments of another reactor, hahahha!!! Ohhh..I love your "Bang Breakdown" in the beginning, that was hilarious!!
I like to think of Chicago as the rock version of the 'big band'.
All great musicians, great vocals and harmonies, well constructed lyrics and music.
Thanks for sharing.