Lyrics 21st Day of September: Core Facts and Song Identification
The phrase "lyrics 21st day of September" primarily refers to the track "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, a song whose title and chorus explicitly reference the date. The official lyrics were written by Al McKay, Maurice White, and Allee Willis, with the track released as part of the 1978 album The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1. The song's composition credits and publishing rights are administered by major music rights organizations, and the master recording is controlled by the label that originally issued the album. The track remains a staple in the group's catalog and is frequently cited in discussions of classic R&B and funk.Read Forbes coverage on the enduring legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire
According to public performance data, "September" has accumulated billions of streams across major digital platforms, with the 21st of September often triggering spikes in user searches and playlist adds. The song's lyrical structure centers on the repeated phrase "Do you remember," anchoring the track's nostalgic theme around a specific date. The composition uses a standard verse-chorus form with a prominent horn section and a tempo of approximately 126 beats per minute. The track's ISRC and copyright registration details are publicly listed in performing rights organization databases.Search ASCAP's repertory for official writing credits
Chart Performance and Streaming Metrics
In terms of chart history, "September" reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has re-entered charts multiple times, including a notable resurgence following its feature in the animated film Frozen and various advertising campaigns. On the UK Singles Chart, the track has achieved multiple top-10 positions since its original release. Streaming data from the late 2020s shows the song consistently ranking in the top 100 most-streamed classic tracks on major platforms, with daily streams frequently exceeding several million units.View current Billboard Hot 100 chart methodology
Digital sales and streaming splits are tracked by services such as Luminate, which publishes weekly data on track-level consumption. The song's performance on the Global 200 chart reflects sustained international demand, driven by its use in sports arenas, weddings, and seasonal playlists. The rights holders, including the publisher and the label, continue to collect mechanical and performance royalties from these streams. The track's longevity is partly attributed to its inclusion in the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, which recognizes culturally significant audio recordings.Explore the Library of Congress National Recording Registry
Rights Holders, Licensing, and Industry Context
The publishing rights for the lyrics are split among the credited songwriters, with the estate of Maurice White and the respective publishers managing synchronization and mechanical licenses. Record labels involved in the original release and subsequent reissues control the master use rights, and licensing for film, television, and advertising is handled through their designated departments. The song's inclusion in major motion pictures and high-profile commercials has generated significant synchronization fees, contributing to its ongoing commercial relevance. The track's structure and melody have been sampled