Nine Days, Absolutely (Story of a Girl) | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 21st edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” performed by Nine Days. 

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 21^st edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”, the one-hit wonder by Nine Days.

“This is the story of a girl / Who cried a river and drowned the whole world,” frontman John Hampson sings in the beloved, memorable chorus of “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”. He continues, “And while she looks so sad in photographs / I absolutely love her / When she smiles.” Nine Days earned a once-in-a-lifetime hit with “Absolutely (Story of a Girl),” the second track from Nine Days’ gold-certified album, The Madding Crowd. “Story of a Girl” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band’s only top 40 hit. Hampson wrote “Story of a Girl.” Nick DiDia produced it.  

“Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” exemplifies the 2000s pop/rock sound. John Hampson sings expressively, imparting an intriguing, autobiographical tale.  In the first verse, he sings, “She woke up with hope, but she only found tears / And I can be so insincere / Making her promises never for real.” Hampson is clear about his shortcomings, having made unfulfilled promises to this girl, who ultimately became his wife.  He offers further insight. “How many lovers would stay,” he asks in the second verse, continuing, “Just to put up with this shit day after day.” No explanation necessary.  Who wants to put up with shit, particularly when shit, in this context, is NOT positive.  That’s some foul poo 💩! Some of the best, cleverest, and most poetic lyrics from the song occur at the end of the second verse.  “As long as we stand here waiting / Wearing the clothes or the soles [souls] that we choose,” he sings, “How do we get there today / When we’re walking too far for the price of our shoes?” Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant writing!  It is completely understandable why “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” became a surefire hit. Great singing, tuneful melodies, quintessential pop/rock sound, and clever songwriting.  Interestingly, the song got a revival of sorts in the 2020s.  How? In 2023, gay pop singer/songwriter JORDY recorded a transformative cover of “Absolutely” “Story of a Boy”, on his album, BOY. Rad! “Absolutely” may be a one-hit wonder, but it is an unforgettable, particularly accomplished one!