665

Album: Ultramega OK (1988)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Soundgarden bass player Hiro Yamamoto, 665 is one away from 666, the sign of the devil. The song parodies all those Heavy Metal songs that supposedly include hidden (or not-so-hidden) satanic messages. Soundgarden has said that the association between black magic and rock is ridiculous.
  • When played in reverse, lead singer Chris Cornell can be heard singing, "I need you Santa baby." This is a play on the supposed backward masking found in songs like "Stairway To Heaven."
  • Soundgarden was often pegged as an angsty band, but this song shows their vivid sense of humor. The album title is also a bit of a joke - they liked the songs but weren't thrilled with the way it was produced, so they reflected their conflicted feelings in the title Ultramega OK.

Comments: 3

  • Alice In A Garden from Plainfield, IlYeah this song Hiro Yamamoshi er whatever his name is sang the vocals for this song...or was it 667...but Hiro was an ex basist of soundgarden!
  • Hebrew from St. Paul, MnPer the song facts, apparently they don't think it's that ridiculous.
  • Ashley from Moncton, CanadaI think the earlier Soundgarden is better than the nineties Soundgarden, because there is more high-pitched Cornell screaming.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.