About the song
Few songs capture pure joy the way “September” does. Released in 1978 by Earth, Wind & Fire, this timeless hit was written by Maurice White, Allee Willis, and Al McKay — and it has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved dance tracks in popular music history.
Originally released as a new single on the band’s The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 compilation album, “September” was an instant hit. Its infectious groove, upbeat horn section, and feel-good lyrics turned it into an anthem of celebration — and over four decades later, it’s still lighting up dance floors, wedding receptions, movie scenes, and TikTok feeds.
The story behind the song:
The most famous lyric in the song — “Do you remember / the 21st night of September?” — has become something of a cultural landmark. But what does that date actually mean? According to co-writer Allee Willis, there was no specific meaning behind it — Maurice White just loved how it sounded. In fact, the song’s famously nonsensical refrain — “Ba-dee-ya” — also came from White’s instinct to prioritize feeling over logic.
Willis once tried to convince him to replace “ba-dee-ya” with real words, but White responded: “Never let the lyric get in the way of the groove.” And that’s exactly the philosophy that makes “September” so memorable — it doesn’t have to make sense to make you feel something.
Impact and legacy:
“September” reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US R&B chart. Beyond the charts, though, it became a cultural phenomenon. The song has appeared in countless films (Night at the Museum, Trolls, The Nice Guys), TV shows, and commercials. It’s also become a perennial favorite in memes and social media — especially every time September 21st rolls around.
In 2018, the Library of Congress added “September” to the National Recording Registry, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Final thoughts:
“September” is more than just a disco classic — it’s pure joy bottled into three minutes and thirty-five seconds. Earth, Wind & Fire didn’t just create a song; they created a feeling — one that transcends time, genre, and language. Whether you’re dancing with friends, reminiscing about the past, or just trying to smile on a tough day, “September” is a celebration you can return to again and again.
So go ahead — play it loud. Ba-dee-ya, say do you remember?
Video
Lyrics
Do you remember
The 21st 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
Hey, hey, hey
Ba-dee-ya, say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya, dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya, never was a cloudy day
Ba-du-da, ba-du-da, ba-du-da, ba-du
Ba-du-da, ba-du, ba-du-da, ba-du
Ba-du-da, ba-du, ba-du-da
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 the love that we shared in September
Only blue talk and love, remember
The true love we share today
Hey, hey, hey
Ba-dee-ya, say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya, dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya, never was a cloudy day
There was a
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), golden dreams were shiny days
The bell was ringin’, oh, oh
Our souls were singin’
Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow
There was a
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), never was a cloudy day
And we’ll say
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (dee ya, dee-ya), golden dreams were shiny days
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!