In 1978, one of the most enduring songs in American pop and R&B history was giving shape to its legendary status: Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
The song became so infectious that it can still automatically put you in a good mood—47 years later—and has been immortalized by fans, culture, and countless playlists ever since its release.
A Song That Transcends Time
Although “September” was released later in November 1978, the recording immortalized today’s date, September 21, with its iconic lyrics—the tune begins with the famous line: “Do you remember the 21st night of September…”
The “hit became number one on the U.S. R&B chart and reached the eighth position on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis,” according to Genius.
Many fans assume that September 21 refers to an event of historical or personal significance. But according to a 2014 NPR interview withWillis, the date was chosen simply because it felt right in the lyric—partly for its rhythm, partly for its poetic resonance—but not linked to a specific story or event. The phrase “Ba-dee-ya,” similarly, was retained precisely because it fit the mood and groove—even if it doesn’t have literal meaning.
Let’s take a look back at the lyrics below:
[Verse 1: Maurice White]
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: Philip Bailey]
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: Philip Bailey & Maurice White]
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: Maurice White]
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: Philip Bailey]
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: Maurice White]
The bells was ringin’, oh-oh
Our souls were singin’
Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow
[Chorus: Philip Bailey]
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: Philip Bailey & Maurice White]
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
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