As a single, it reached number 26 on the Billboard charts. In Canada, the song peaked at number 17 on the RPM singles chart.
The song was written as a tribute to George Lucas's film "THX 1138", and the music video resembles a scene in the movie.
99
Toto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh 99, where did we go wrong
Oh 99, (I) I love you
99, I keep breaking your heart
Oh 99, how can we be apart
Oh 99, (I) I love you
I don't want to hurt you anymore
I never knew it would work out, no one to blame
You know I love you, 99
99 (whoo-ooh), you keep holding my hand
Oh 99, they don't know who I am
Oh 99, (I) I love you
I never thought it would happen, I feel quite the same
I don't want to hurt you anymore
I never knew it would work out, no one to blame
You know I love you, 99
99 (whoo-ooh), I can't take it no more
Oh 99, oh, we were so sure
Oh 99, (I) I love you
99 (whoo-ooh)
I love you
99
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
I love you
The lyrics of Toto's song "99" depict a situation where the singer has been waiting a long time for someone, most likely a lover, and questions where things went wrong between them. The repetition of "I love you" throughout the song reflects the singer's strong feelings towards this person, who is referred to as "99". The singer acknowledges that they have hurt 99 in the past, but they don't want to continue to do so, and there is no one to blame for the past mistakes. 99 is holding onto their hands, despite others not knowing who they are.
The song could be interpreted in a few different ways, but the most common interpretation is that the song is about unrequited love. The singer has been waiting for 99 for a long time, but something has gone wrong and they are not together. The singer doesn't want to hurt 99 anymore, but they can't seem to let go of their love for them. The repetition of "99" throughout the song suggests that this person is significant to the singer.
It's possible that "99" is meant to be a metaphorical number, and not an actual name, but this is up for interpretation. The song is fairly ambiguous, with no clear explanation for who 99 is or why they can't be together. However, the emotion behind the lyrics is clear, and the repetition of "I love you" emphasizes the depth of the singer's feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
99, I've been waiting so long
I have been waiting for 99 for a long time.
Oh 99, where did we go wrong
I am questioning where our relationship took a turn for the worse with 99.
Oh 99, (I) I love you
I love 99.
99, I keep breaking your heart
I am causing emotional pain and heartbreak for 99.
Oh 99, how can we be apart
I am struggling with the thought of being separated from 99.
I never thought it would happen, I feel quite the same
I did not think I would fall in love, but I still feel the same about 99.
I don't want to hurt you anymore
I am determined to stop hurting 99.
I never knew it would work out, no one to blame
I did not anticipate our relationship working out, so there is no one to blame for issues we may experience.
You know I love you, 99
I want 99 to know that I love them.
99 (whoo-ooh), you keep holding my hand
99 is holding my hand.
Oh 99, they don't know who I am
Others do not truly know me, but 99 does.
Oh 99, (I) I love you
I love 99.
99 (whoo-ooh), I can't take it no more
I cannot handle the pain of being separated from 99.
Oh 99, oh, we were so sure
We were once confident in our relationship.
Oh 99, (I) I love you
I love 99.
99 (whoo-ooh)
I love you
99
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Paich
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@xmariner
There's been quite a few songs by Toto that are underrated. To me this song was their best.
@lalalooloo
99 by Toto is definitely one of the best
@katherinez9610
Yesssss
@t-jh4236
Toto definitely made their mark with big hits like Africa and Rosanna, but I love it and think it's a testimonial to just how great the group was when everyone has a different opinion on their best song. No wrong answer with Toto.
@8bert9
Yes there are!
@raynerlarue8004
Mine too
@adelords
Man, this band can make a good song out of anything, a number, a continent
@pageonederful9479
....a nursery rhyme, a girl’s name, ‘Human Nature’, etc.
@duncanpinderhughes
even about neighborhood watch
@mabarker72
Lol