If 6 Was 9

Wave your freak flag high with Jimi Hendrix's psychedelic rock anthem, "If 6 Was 9." Featured on the 1968 US release of Axis: Bold as Love, this track is a powerful declaration of individualism and non-conformity, defined by its experimental structure and Hendrix's iconic guitar work.

Appearing on The Jimi Hendrix Experience's second album, Axis: Bold as Love (released late 1967 UK/early 1968 US), "If 6 Was 9" stands as a cornerstone of psychedelic rock. Its free-form composition blends bluesy riffs, extended jams, spoken word, and innovative guitar textures, perfectly capturing the era's counter-culture spirit.

Immortalized further by its inclusion in the film Easy Rider, this 1968 psychedelic rock track embodies Hendrix's defiance against societal norms. Its meandering structure and assertive lyrics champion personal freedom, making "If 6 Was 9" an enduring statement of individuality from a true musical visionary.

SONG MEANING: This song is a defiant anthem of individualism and non-conformity. Hendrix asserts his independence from societal pressures and judgments ("White collared conservatives flashing down the street / Pointing their plastic finger at me"), declaring his intention to live freely and be true to himself ("I'm gonna wave my freak flag high"), even if the established world were turned upside down ("If 6 was 9").