If 6 Was 9 by The Jimi Hendrix Experience Meaning, Lyrics & more (2024)

Meaning

"If 6 Was 9" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience carries a powerful message of individuality, self-expression, and resistance against societal norms. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and a refusal to conform to conventional expectations. The opening lines, "If the sun refused to shine, I don't mind," reflect an acceptance of circ*mstances beyond one's control, suggesting a willingness to forge one's own path regardless of adversity.

The phrase "If a 6 turned out to be 9" is a symbolic representation of embracing unconventional perspectives and rejecting established norms. It embodies the idea that what may be considered 'right' or 'normal' by society may not align with an individual's personal truth. This sentiment is reinforced by the lines, "If all the hippies cut off all their hair, I don't care," expressing a detachment from superficial appearances and a focus on inner authenticity.

The bridge introduces a contrast between the speaker and the 'white-collared conservatives,' implying a clash of values. The conservatives represent conformity and judgment, while the speaker advocates for freedom of expression and non-conformity. The act of waving the "freak flag high" is a declaration of embracing one's unique identity and standing proud in the face of societal scrutiny.

The instrumental breaks serve as a musical interlude, allowing the listener to absorb the emotional intensity of the song. This, combined with the repeated phrase "wave on," reinforces the idea of riding one's own wave, navigating life on individual terms.

In the final verse, lines like "fall mountains, just don't fall on me" convey a sense of self-preservation amidst a world that may not understand or accept the speaker's unconventional choices. The reference to Mr. Businessman highlights the disparity between societal expectations and the speaker's own values.

The song's conclusion, with the call to "sing on brother, play on drummer," is an encouragement for all individuals to continue expressing themselves, regardless of external pressures or judgments. The song ultimately champions the idea that each person should have the autonomy to live life authentically and on their own terms.

In summary, "If 6 Was 9" is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment, advocating for individuality, self-expression, and the rejection of societal norms. It encourages listeners to embrace their unique identities, even in the face of adversity and judgment. The recurring imagery of waves and flags reinforces the theme of riding one's own wave and proudly displaying one's individuality.

Topics

Discover a thoughtfully crafted collection of tags that capture the diverse themes and subjects explored in this song.

Lyrics

Yeah, sing the song for us

If the sun refused to shine
I don't mind, I don't mind (yeah)
If the mountains fell in the sea
Let it be, it ain't me
(Alright), I got my own world to look through
And uh, I ain't gonna copy you, yeah
Now if a 6 turned out to be 9
I don't mind, I don't mind, (well alright)
If all the hippies cut off all their hair
I don't care, I don't care
Dig, cause I got my own world to live through
And uh, and I ain't going to copy you

White-collared conservatives
Flashing down the street
Pointing their plastic finger at me
They're hoping soon, my kind will drop and die
But I'm going to wave
My freak flag high, high ow!

Wave on, wave on

Uh, ha-ha, fall mountains
Just don't fall on me
Go ahead on Mr. Businessman
You can't dress like me, yeah
Nobody knows what I'm talking about
I've got my own life to live
I'm the one that's going to have to die
When it's time for me to die
So let me live my life
The way I want to, yeah
Sing on brother
Play on drummer

Analysis

"If 6 Was 9" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is a song that delves into themes of identity, nonconformity, and rebellion. The narrative of the song revolves around expressing frustration with societal norms and embracing personal freedom and self-expression. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and a desire to break free from the constraints imposed by society.

The song exudes a defiant and rebellious mood, characterized by its psychedelic and introspective elements. The tone is confident and confrontational, reflecting the artist's determination to challenge the status quo. The emotional landscape of the song encompasses feelings of frustration, defiance, and liberation, further reinforcing its rebellious nature.

With its high-energy and electric vibe, "If 6 Was 9" carries a sense of urgency and intensity. The rhythm is groovy and syncopated, providing a captivating foundation for the song's driving force. The pace is moderate, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the song's captivating atmosphere.

The dynamics of the song vary throughout, ranging from soft to loud, enhancing the overall impact of the performance. The structure follows a traditional verse-chorus-bridge-chorus arrangement, providing a familiar framework for the musical journey. The melody is heavily influenced by blues, with Jimi Hendrix's guitar prowess taking center stage and driving the song forward.

Harmonically, "If 6 Was 9" incorporates modal elements, deviating from conventional chord progressions. The song employs dominant and minor chords, augmented and diminished chords, and unconventional voicings, adding to its distinct character. The tempo is moderate to fast, contributing to the energetic and engaging nature of the composition.

The arrangement of the song is centered around the guitar, which takes on a prominent role throughout. With its distorted guitar solos, prominent drumming, and a driving bassline, the arrangement exemplifies the essence of Hendrix's style. Additionally, the song incorporates psychedelic effects, such as backward guitar parts and studio manipulations, further enhancing its unique sound.

In conclusion, "If 6 Was 9" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is a captivating and rebellious composition that explores themes of identity, nonconformity, and rebellion. Its confident and confrontational tone, combined with the high-energy and electric nature of the music, creates a powerful listening experience. With its blues-influenced melody, unconventional harmonies, and guitar-driven arrangement, the song stands as an iconic example of Hendrix's artistic prowess and his ability to push musical boundaries.

Genres