In the music world, certain songs stand out not just for their catchy tunes or profound lyrics, but for the different elements in their titles. For example, the inclusion of numbers, which can signify various things.
For this article, the number nine holds a special place in the hearts of many musicians. The fascination with this number has given us some memorable tracks that have stood the test of time.
So without further ado, let’s dive into 15 of the best songs with the number nine in the title and explore the stories behind them.
1. “Revolution 9” By The Beatles
Let’s start this list with the captivating and unconventional piece by The Beatles, “Revolutionary 9.” This song was featured on their iconic White Album from 1968 and was primarily driven by the band’s lead vocalist, John Lennon, with creative input from his partner, Yoko Ono.
This track is an exploration of avant-garde music and experimental sound techniques, like tape loops, backward vocals, and other unconventional effects. In line with our theme, “number nine” is also repeated several times in the song.
In essence, “Revolution 9” invites listeners to immerse themselves in its abstract soundscape, allowing each individual to find meaning within the cacophony.
2. “Cloud 9” By The Temptations
Our next song is “Cloud Nine,” performed by The Temptations. The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and was released in 1968 as a single and later included on their album of the same name.
“Cloud Nine” is a soulful and powerful song that delves into themes of escapism, struggle, and finding solace. Its lyrics describe the narrator’s past, where they lived in a one-room shack with little food and space. Life was tough, marked by poverty and hardship.
The title itself, “Cloud Nine,” suggests a desire to rise above the challenges. The song recognizes that life has its moments of brightness too. These highs become a refuge, a way to forget the struggles temporarily.
3. “Love Potion No. 9” By The Clovers
Written by Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber, “Love Potion No. 9” tells a whimsical tale of love and magic, drawing listeners into a world where a simple potion leads to unexpected romantic adventures. Though many covers of the song have been made, it was originally performed by the R&B vocal group The Clovers.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man seeking help to find love after failing with traditional methods. He visits a gypsy, who gives him a potion to drink. After consuming the potion, he “started kissin’ everything in sight,” resulting in a humorous and chaotic outcome.
So, if you are looking for a song that can make you smile on a gloomy day, always remember “Love Potion No. 9.” It’s akin to an enchanting magic trick that remains captivating every time.
4. “9 Crimes” By The Damien Rice
Our next song is “9 Crimes” by Damien Rice. It was released in 2006 and serves as the debut single from his second album, 9. The track explores the complexities of human relationships, touching on feelings of guilt and remorse that can accompany wrongdoing.
Different interpretations of the lyrics have come out, but at first glance, it would seem the narrator is cheating on his girl and is feeling guilty about it: “This is not what I do / It’s the wrong kind of place / to be cheating on you … And I got no excuse.”
Regardless of how people take the lyrics’ meaning, the song remains one of Rice’s best works. It’s his third song to receive a certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
5. “Public Animal #9” By Alice Cooper
We have another hidden gem that you will surely add to your playlist. “Public Animal #9” is a rock song by Alice Cooper that bursts with energy and attitude.
Released in 1972 as part of the album School’s Out, it’s a gritty and rebellious anthem that captures the essence of Cooper’s theatrical rock style.
Lyrically, “Public Animal #9” describes the protagonist’s defiance against authority and society’s norms. He celebrates his freedom to be himself and is simply proud of it.
Though the track didn’t achieve massive commercial success on the charts, its impact extends beyond mere chart positions. It remains a cherished track for fans who embrace its fearless attitude and rock-and-roll essence.
6. “9 To 5” By Dolly Parton
Diving into the world of country-pop, we have Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” released in 1980 as the title track for the film of the same name. The song became an instant hit and earned numerous awards, including Grammy’s Best Country Song in 1982.
In “9 to 5,” Parton sings about the struggles of working and the desire for independence and recognition in the workplace. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of perseverance, empowerment, and the pursuit of dreams despite the challenges faced in a traditional 9-to-5 job.
As listeners sing along to the song, they are reminded of the shared struggles and aspirations that unite us all — the feeling of being undervalued, the desire for greater recognition, or the longing for a more fulfilling career.
8. “Apartment #9” By Tammy Wynette
Originally by American country singer Bobby Austin in 1966, “Apartment #9” was also brought to life by Tammy Wynette that same year. Her rendition of the song became a memorable part of her repertoire after bringing the song to a wider audience.
“Apartment #9” paints a touching story of heartache, loneliness, and lost love. The protagonist resides in Apartment Number 9, a place where memories linger and the pain of separation weighs heavily.
The song perfectly captures the universal experience of love’s aftermath — the quiet desperation, the echoes of shared moments, and the emptiness left behind. It’s a timeless country ballad that resonates with anyone who has felt the ache of separation.
9. “Nine Is God” By Wavves
Next on the list is “Nine Is God,” which was released by American rock band Wavves in 2013. This was written for the video game Grand Theft Auto V’s soundtrack.
The song touches upon themes of mental health struggles and despair. The protagonist seems to suffer from anxiety, mentioning having a bullet in their head and contemplating pushing themselves off a ledge.
While the exact meaning behind the title may be subject to interpretation, the song’s rebellious spirit and bold attitude shine through, captivating audiences with its infectious energy and anthemic chorus.
While it may not have charted on traditional music charts, the song’s impact within the context of the video game and the alternative music scene is undeniable.
10. “Nine Pound Hammer” By Merle Travis
A classic country song is next on our list. “Nine Pound Hammer” was originally recorded by Al Hopkins and His Buckle Busters way back in the 1920s. Over the decades, several artists have covered it, with Merle Travis’ rendition one of the more memorable ones.
In this song, the narrator describes the arduous work of driving spikes into oak track ties, emphasizing the heaviness of the “nine-pound hammer.” Despite the toil, the miner is determined to journey to the mountain to see their loved one, even if it means not returning.
“Nine Pound Hammer” serves as a tribute to the strength and tenacity of blue-collar workers, resonating with audiences who can relate to the struggles depicted in the song.
11. “Nine Lives” By Aerosmith
Next is “Nine Lives,” which is a song that embodies themes of resilience, survival, and redemption. This track was released by the band Aerosmith in 1997.
In “Nine Lives,” the band sings about the ups and downs of life, likening their experiences to the metaphor of having multiple lives, like a cat. The title could symbolize rebirth — a fresh start after tumultuous times. Just as a cat lands on its feet after a fall, Aerosmith emerges from difficulties with renewed energy.
This song serves as a reminder that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you have the strength and resilience to get back up and keep going.
12. “If 6 Was 9” By The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Our next song with the number nine in the title is “If 6 Was 9” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It is a psychedelic rock anthem that reflects the counterculture spirit of the late 1960s.
“If 6 Was 9” challenges societal norms and celebrates the freedom to express oneself without conforming to traditional expectations. The lyrics explore self-discovery and the rejection of authority, as Jimi Hendrix defiantly declares his independence and individuality.
The line “Now, if 6 turned up to be 9 / I don’t mind, I don’t mind” challenges how we perceive what’s real. It plays with the visual similarity between the numbers 6 and 9 but represents different things. By suggesting that 6 could become 9, Hendrix questions fixed truths and invites listeners to explore alternate perspectives.
13. “Nine Tonight” By Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
American rock band Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band released “Nine Tonight” in 1981. The track is a lively rock song that captures the energy and excitement of a live rock performance.
The lyrics of “Nine Tonight” are actually a promise. The narrator hears his beloved is “tired of staying in,” so he jumps at the opportunity to “take her riding” at “nine tonight.”
With its theme and lively melody, “Nine Tonight” is a perfect song for driving down the open road. The upbeat rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Seger’s powerful vocals all come together to create an exhilarating listening experience.
14. “Karn Evil 9” By Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Next on our list is “Karn Evil 9” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Released in 1973 as part of their album Brain Salad Surgery, the song is divided into multiple movements, each offering a unique sonic journey.
At its core, “Karn Evil 9” delves into the complexities of power, control, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The lyrics describe a society where machines reign supreme while humans struggle to maintain their individuality and humanity in the face of oppression.
The song’s dark, dystopian theme and meaningful lyrics encourage listeners to think more about human life and the risks of too much technology.
15. “Ice Nine” By Joe Satriani
Closing this collection is an instrumental track by the renowned guitarist Joe Satriani. “Ice Nine” is part of his album Surfing with the Alien, which was released in 1987.
“Ice Nine” captures a sense of icy coldness and crystalline beauty, drawing inspiration from the fictional substance of the same name in Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Cat’s Cradle.
As an instrumental track, it does not have explicit lyrical content to convey a narrative or story. Instead, the song communicates its themes and emotions through its musical composition and performance. So whether you’re a fan of instrumental rock or a guitar aficionado, “Ice Nine” is a must-have addition to your playlist.
Summing Up Our List Of Number 9 Songs
In wrapping up our musical adventure through the land of “9,” we’ve stumbled upon a dazzling array of toe-tapping tunes that have kept our spirits soaring and our feet tapping.
But before we dim the lights on this musical stage, there’s one more encore waiting in the wings: your recommendations. We invite you to share those elusive number-nine harmonies we missed. We’ll be sure to add them here!
