Playback!: Chicago, ’25 Or 6 To 4′ (Live, 1970)
Chicago’s “25 Or 6 To 4” was recorded in 1969 for the band’s January 1970 self-titled LP. The song was written by founding member Robert Lamm and released as a single in the summer of ’70.
“25 Or 6 To 4” climbed to #4 on the US Hot 100 and #7 in the UK. Catch a live 1970 performance below.
Previously on Playback!: Japan, ‘Adolescent Sex’ (1979)
I’ve heard tell that this is a drug song–“Should I try to do some more… (LSD) 25or 6 to 4 (a 10 hour trip)” This one is iffy but you could interpret it that way.
I guess the song was banned in a few places at the time of release – but the band has said it’s just a tune about trying to write a song in the wee hours of the morning.