Jimi Hendrix – If 6 Was 9

About the song

Jimi Hendrix, one of the most iconic and influential guitarists in the history of music, offers a fascinating journey into the countercultural spirit of the 1960s with his song “If 6 Was 9”. This track, featured on the album “Axis: Bold as Love,” is a testament to Hendrix’s revolutionary approach to both music and social commentary.

From the opening notes, “If 6 Was 9” captures the listener’s attention with its raw and unfiltered sound. Hendrix’s guitar work is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing his ability to make the instrument speak in ways that were previously unimagined. The song begins with a bluesy, almost hypnotic riff, which sets the stage for the lyrical journey that follows. As the track progresses, Hendrix’s guitar becomes more aggressive and experimental, reflecting the tumultuous era in which it was created.

Lyrically, “If 6 Was 9” is a bold declaration of individuality and nonconformity. Hendrix’s words are a direct challenge to the societal norms and expectations of his time. Lines like “If the sun refuse to shine, I don’t mind, I don’t mind” and “I’ve got my own world to live through and I ain’t gonna copy you” resonate with the defiant spirit of the 1960s counterculture. This was a period marked by a profound questioning of authority and a desire for personal and artistic freedom. Hendrix’s lyrics, delivered in his distinctive, laid-back vocal style, are both a reflection of and a contribution to this movement.

One of the most compelling aspects of “If 6 Was 9” is its embrace of the unconventional. The song’s title itself suggests a world turned upside down, a theme that is echoed throughout the lyrics and the music. Hendrix plays with time signatures and musical structures, creating a piece that defies traditional rock conventions. This willingness to experiment is a hallmark of Hendrix’s work and a key reason why he remains a towering figure in the history of music.

The production of “If 6 Was 9” also deserves mention. The use of studio effects, such as the phasing and reverb, adds to the otherworldly feel of the track. The soundscape created by Hendrix and his bandmates, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, is immersive and almost psychedelic, inviting the listener to experience the song on multiple levels. The interplay between the instruments is dynamic and fluid, with each musician bringing their own unique voice to the composition.

In conclusion, “If 6 Was 9” is more than just a song; it is a statement. It encapsulates the essence of Jimi Hendrix as an artist and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. Through its innovative guitar work, provocative lyrics, and experimental production, the track continues to inspire and challenge listeners more than five decades after its release. Hendrix’s legacy as a musical pioneer is cemented in songs like “If 6 Was 9,” which encourage us to question the world around us and embrace our individuality.

Video

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 gonna 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 gonna 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 gonna 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