Dani California
Ofln - Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics

Getting born in the state of Mississippi
The singer was born in the state of Mississippi.

Papa was a copper, and her mama was a hippy
Her father was a policeman and her mother was a hippie.

In Alabama she would swing a hammer
In Alabama, she worked physically demanding jobs.

Price you got to pay when you break the panorama
When you disrupt the natural landscape, there are consequences.

She never knew that there was anything more than poor
She always thought of herself and her family as poor and had never known anything else.

What in the world does your company take me for?
She questions the motives and intentions of those who offer her work or assistance.

Black bandanna, sweet Louisiana
She wears a black bandanna as she travels to Louisiana.

Robbing on a bank in the state of Indiana
She robs a bank in the state of Indiana.

She's a runner
She is always on the move, running from the law and her past.

Rebel, and a stunner
She defies authority and stands out with her good looks.

On her merry way saying baby, watcha gonna?
As she runs, she challenges those who try to stop her.

Looking down the barrel of a hot metal forty-five
She faces danger and the possibility of death as she continues her life of crime.

Just another way to survive
Crime is a way for her to make a living and survive in the world.

California, rest in peace
The singer bids farewell to California.

Simultaneous release
She is released from her past experiences and moves on to something new.

California, show your teeth
She requests California to stand up for itself and face its problems.

She's my priestess
She is the one who guides and enlightens the artist.

I'm your priest
The singer sees herself as the one who helps and saves the singer.

She's a lover, baby, and a fighter
She is both passionate and tough.

Should've seen it coming when I got a little brighter
The artist should have seen the eventual end of their relationship as they themselves grew and changed.

With a name like Dani California
Her name is indicative of her past and history.

Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya
She knew that eventually she would have to deal with the death of the person she loves.

A little loaded, she was stealing another breath
She is on the run, taking risks and living life to the fullest.

I love my baby to death
She loves the person she is referring to, no matter what.

Who knew the other side of you?
The singer is questioning the unknown or negative aspects of the person she loves.

Who knew that others died to prove?
Others have died and made sacrifices for the person she loves.

Too true to say goodbye to you
The singer is too attached to say goodbye to the person she loves.

Pushed the fader, gifted animator
Someone is manipulating the course of life and events.

One for the now, and eleven for the later
One decision now can have long-term consequences.

Never made it up to Minnesota
She never made her way to Minnesota, which could be seen as regrettable.

North Dakota man
A reference to a man from North Dakota who may not have been threatening to her.

Wasn't gunnin' for the quota
The North Dakota man was not trying to capture or arrest her.

Down in the Badlands she was saving the best for last
In a lawless and rugged part of the country, she was still keeping something extremely important to herself.

It only hurts when I laugh
Humor and laughter help her through the pain of life and the decisions she has made.

Gone too fast
Those she loved are often taken away too soon.