"409" is a song written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Gary Usher for the American rock and roll band, The Beach Boys. The song features Mike Love singing lead vocals. It was originally released as the b-side of the "Surfin' Safari" single. It was later released on their 1962 album, Surfin' Safari, and it was also on their 1963 album, Little Deuce Coupe.
"Surfin Safari" would reach #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, while 409 reached #76. Originally promoted as the A-side by Capitol, "409" went on to feature in many regional markets. It was the most popular song of 1962 in Dallas (KBOX chart) and, also as the A-side penetrated the top tens of Vancouver, Seattle, Denver and San Bernardino and top 30 in Los Angeles (KFWB). It was co-hit with its later designated A-side near the top of playlists in most other areas.
409
The Beach Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's real fine, my 4-0-9
My 4-0-9
Well, I saved my pennies and I saved my dimes (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
For I knew there would be a time (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
When I would buy a brand new 4-0-9 (4-0-9, 4-0-9)
Giddyup, giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9
Giddyup, 4-0-9
Giddyup, 4-0
Nothing can catch her, nothing can touch my 4-0-9, 4-0-9
(Ooh, giddyup, giddyup)
(Ooh, giddyup, giddyup)
(Ooh, giddyup, giddyup)
(Ooh, giddyup, giddyup)
When I take her to the track she really shines (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
She always turns in the fastest time (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
My four-speed, dual-quad, posi-traction 4-0-9 (4-0-9, 4-0-9)
Giddyup, giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9
Giddyup, 4-0-9
Giddyup, 4-0-9
Giddyup, 4-0
Nothing can catch her, nothing can touch my 4-0-9, 4-0-9
The lyrics to The Beach Boys' "409" are an ode to a car, specifically the Chevy Impala 409 V8 engine. The lyrics describe the singer's love for his car, which he has saved up for and waited to buy. The repetition of "she's real fine, my 4-0-9" emphasizes the pride and joy that the singer feels towards his car. The chorus consists of "giddyup" sounds, which are commonly heard in horse racing or automotive racing, conveying the image of the car speeding down the track.
The verses describe the singer's car as unbeatable, with "nothing [able to] catch her, nothing can touch my 4-0-9." The singer also takes his car to the track, where it "always turns in the fastest time." The specific details of the car's engine, including its four-speed, dual-quad, posi-traction, are mentioned to emphasize its power and performance. The singer's love for his car goes beyond just its speed and performance; there is a sense of pride and ownership that comes through in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
She's real fine, my 4-0-9
The singer is describing his car, which he holds in high regard and believes is superior to others.
Well, I saved my pennies and I saved my dimes (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
The singer saved all of his earnings over time to finally get the car that he desired so much.
For I knew there would be a time (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
The singer always knew that he would be able to get his dream car if he saved enough money.
When I would buy a brand new 4-0-9 (4-0-9, 4-0-9)
The artist was determined to purchase a new 409, which would be the fulfillment of his lifelong dream.
Giddyup, giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9
The artist is excited and proud of his car and is encouraging it to go faster, like a jockey on a horse.
Giddyup, 4-0-9
Again, the singer is encouraging his car to go faster, using a similar phrase as horse jockeys.
Nothing can catch her, nothing can touch my 4-0-9, 4-0-9
The singer believes his car to be unbeatable and invincible, as nothing else on the road can match up to it.
When I take her to the track she really shines (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
The artist enjoys racing his car on a track, where it performs exceptionally well and shines compared to other cars.
She always turns in the fastest time (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9)
The car consistently has the fastest lap times on the track due to its impressive performance capabilities.
My four-speed, dual-quad, posi-traction 4-0-9 (4-0-9, 4-0-9)
The artist is describing all of the high-end features of his car, which make it stand out from other cars and perform at a higher level.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN WILSON, JIM PETERIK, JOSEPH THOMAS, LAURENCE JOHN MILLAS, MICHAEL EDWARD LOVE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@steveskouson9620
In my youth, had a friend, who's father
had a 62, and a 64 Impala, He also had
a 56 Ford Fliptop.
The 62 had a 409 in it. Never worked on
it. But, I changed the main and rod bearings,
in the fliptop, while the block was still in the
car. The 64 had a 327 in it. Never worked on
it, either.
steve
@danielkemp4801
Who is still listening to this and loving every part of the song?
@williamdaniels6943
ME!
@brandimatthews7419
I am!🎶
@michaelathens953
YO 😎
@markforster6457
I am! I always wanted to see a video where the "409" comes racing past and a kid in the front yard, holding a tape recorder, sticks the microphone out, to catch the sound. That was so Brian to do that!
@michaelwyrick4046
Me
@markmark2080
My high school years were '62 through '65, what an epic time for both cars and music...
@zchris87v80
And mine were marked by the second fast and furious movie. But I have a love for 1960’s cars.
@zchris87v80
My car in college (2005-2009) was a third gen camaro, which was a bit uncharacteristic of the college crowd. But I stood out.
@markmark2080
@@zchris87v80I was on R&R in Bangkok in '67 when I saw my first Camaro, brand new, bright red, it was always a bit of a thrill when you saw your first "whatever" that was coming out...cheers