Every year, as the 21st of September approaches, a familiar refrain echoes across social media: "Do you remember the 21st night of September?" This line, the opening lyric of Earth, Wind & Fire's iconic song "September," released in 1978, has become synonymous with the date itself.
The Song's Legacy
"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire is a timeless classic that continues to receive airplay, especially on the 21st of September. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of love changing the minds of pretenders, chasing clouds away, hearts ringing, souls singing, people dancing, and stars stealing the night away. But the question remains: Why the 21st night of September? Was there a significant event that inspired the band to immortalize this date in their song?
The Real Reason Behind the Date
Contrary to what many might believe, there isn't a profound reason behind the choice of the 21st of September. In a 2014 interview with NPR, songwriter Allee Willis, who co-wrote "September" with Earth, Wind & Fire, shed light on the mystery. She revealed that she and Maurice White, the leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, went through various dates while writing the song. They tried lines like "Do you remember the first, the second, the third..." and so on. Ultimately, the 21st just "sang better" than any other date. There was no deeper significance to the date; it simply fit the song's meter perfectly.
Other Significances of September 21
While the song may not have a hidden meaning behind its choice of date, September 21 holds significance in other ways. It sometimes marks the autumnal equinox, heralding the first day of fall. Additionally, September 21 is recognized as the International Day of Peace and, in the U.S., National Pecan Cookie Day. It's also the birthday of renowned actor Bill Murray. So, while the song might not have a profound backstory for its date choice, there's no shortage of reasons to celebrate on the 21st of September.
