If 6 Was 9 by Jimi Hendrix Lyrics Meaning - Decoding the Countercultural Anthem - Song Meanings and Facts (2024)

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What is the meaning behind if 6 was 9? ›

The lyrics portray the underlying conflict of the counterculture of the 1960s: the "social and cultural dichotomies" between the hippies and the "white collared conservative" business world of the establishment.

Some contended that he was making a political statement on the war in Vietnam and unrest in the United States, but Hendrix flatly stated afterward that he meant no such commentary, explaining that his motivation was purely musical and that he was simply improvising a different interpretation (“The Star-Spangled Banner” ...

Jimi's Woodstock anthem was both an expression of protest at the obscene violence of a wholly unnecessary war and an affirmation of aspects of the American experiment entirely worth fighting for.

"Machine Gun" is a song written by American musician Jimi Hendrix, and originally recorded for the 1970 Band of Gypsys album, with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. It is a lengthy, loosely defined (jam-based) protest of the Vietnam War.

The song was written for the comedy film 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Parton in her film debut. The song—and film—owe their titles to 9to5, an organization founded in 1973 with the aim of bringing about fair pay and equal treatment for women in the workplace.

“9 to 5” became an anthem for working women, uniting women together under one battle cry for fair working conditions. And 40 years later, women are still leaning into Parton's lyrics. New York magazine writer Rebecca Traister commented “9 to 5” is “simultaneously a song of angry complaint and immense good cheer.

Woodstock had great influence in the pop culture of the late 60s and early 70s. It provided a soundtrack to the civil unrest sweeping the US. It provided a sense of unity through music for teens and twenty-somethings.

Hendrix performed the national anthem as a solo in the midst of this medley. It was not the first time Hendrix had performed The Star Spangled Banner. In fact, there are nearly 50 live recordings of Hendrix playing the national anthem, 28 made before Woodstock.

His manager Chas Chandler says his final words to him were that he “needed help” and he wanted to change his turbulent lifestyle. Thus, he went in the bath after partying one evening and wrote this touching poem and it happened to be his last act.

Jimi Hendrix (born November 27, 1942, Seattle, Washington, U.S.—died September 18, 1970, London, England) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and composer who fused American traditions of blues, jazz, rock, and soul with techniques of British avant-garde rock to redefine the electric guitar in his own image.

What is a famous quote by Jimi Hendrix? ›

As Hendrix famously said, “Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” So let his words ignite the fire within you and let your inner rockstar shine.

He introduced new techniques like feedback, wah pedals, and controlled distortion, pushing the boundaries of what could be done with the instrument. Creativity and Originality: Hendrix's music was unique, blending elements of blues, rock, funk, and psychedelia.

Hendrix started to learn licks and chords from guitarists in the Seattle area. But mostly, he would listen to the radio at home and play along, learning by ear the guitar sections of his favorite songs. That dedication led him to practice 8-12 hours a day, spending his entire free time playing the guitar.

From what I remember, Hendrix uses his wah and fuzz pedal on Voodoo. There's some delay too, most audible in the intro and the solo after the second chorus.

Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner” as a joyous poem after he was relieved that the United States had preserved against British attack. Since then it has evolved into the national anthem for the United States and is played at official events, schools, and sporting events.

His meteoric, trailblazing career has several milestones, but one of the defining moments of his life will always be his incredible appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. A pivotal moment for the counterculture movement, it solidified Hendrix's status as an authoritative voice in the artistic landscape.

Key composed some rousing, patriotic lyrics, but he borrowed the melody for his poem from another tune that ruffled more than a few powdered wigs. That's right — "The Star-Spangled Banner" was inspired by a drinking song.