Do you remember? '21st night of September' memes are back

Earth, Wind & Fire's timeless hit "September" turns a single date into a global celebration of viral memes.

"Do you remember, the 21st night of September?" This iconic lyric from Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 hit "September" has not only charted a permanent place in music history but also transformed the date into a recurring internet sensation. 

Each year, as the calendar hits September 21, social media platforms burst into a celebration of memes, echoing the joyous vibes of the song that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.

The song's enduring popularity is partly due to its infectious rhythm and the nostalgia it evokes. Maurice White, the band's founder and a pivotal voice in the song, is often featured in these memes, which typically highlight his performance from the song's music video. 

The internet’s creative community embraces this annual tradition with the same enthusiasm as the holiday memes inspired by Justin Timberlake each May, demonstrating the song's unending appeal.

Oh snap I just realized something... the 21st night of September is Saturday... pic.twitter.com/82vu75x21A

— Twister Rodriguez (@db_rockfire) September 19, 2024

The magic of "September" was captured from its inception, as recounted by songwriter Allee Willis. 

Invited by White to co-write for the band, Willis's contribution to the song began the moment she stepped into the studio and heard the opening bars. 

"As I open the door, they had just written the intro to 'September.' And I just thought, 'Dear God, let this be what they want me to write!' Cause it was obviously the happiest-sounding song in the world," Willis shared in a 2014 NPR interview.

Willis also revealed the serendipitous choice of the date in the lyrics, a decision that came after considering numerous other dates. 

"I constantly have people coming up to me and they get so excited to know what the significance was. And there is no significance beyond it just sang better than any of the other dates. So ... sorry!" she explained, highlighting the spontaneous magic that often accompanies musical genius.

The annual celebration of September 21st is more than just a tribute to a great song; it's a testament to the lasting impact of Earth, Wind & Fire on music and popular culture. 

Wait. Am I supposed to remember the 21st night of September (midnight to crack o’ dawn) or the 21st night of September (sunset to 11:59pm)?

— Larry Matovina (@larrymatovina) September 21, 2024

21st night of September 💃🏾 pic.twitter.com/5PVHedzDY2

— KeaBua (@MsKeabe) September 21, 2024

DO YOU REMEMBER, THE 21ST NIGHT OF SEPTEMBER? pic.twitter.com/z384FtNYrU

— Ronar the wah (@RonarWah) September 21, 2024

A friend of mine said "So you could say…. You *do* remember the 21st night of September?" 😂 https://t.co/ObhmUJudDT

— Charlotte. (@charlotteirene8) September 21, 2024