Bob
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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Well, my friend Bob's in jail today
His girlfriend is too
For stealing change for gasoline

Nothing to do but rue
Destroy the bruise (???)
'Cause there will never be another one just like you, no
Bob…

I met him on the boulevard, Hollywood and Vine
He said, "You're gonna be a superstar"
I said, "That's fine, sublime"
He loved my crime

But there will never be another one just like you, no
Bob
I never see you
I never see you
I never see you

**something something** all through the night
Blackest flag at dawn
A lust for life that kills itself before it gets too strong, that's wrong
Please be lifelong

'Cause there will never be another one just like you, no
Bob…
I never see you
I never see you
I never see you

Killing yourself, that would be an awesome oath
This song is so far away (???)
Remember the home and how they left us alone (???)
Remember our friendship

Stealing everything in the store
You know I want you to stay
Remember the home and how they left us alone (???)
Friends fade away…

Well, my friend Bob's insane today
I know I am too
The mental patients laugh and cry

Nothing to do but rue
Destroy the bruise (???)




'Cause there will never be another one just like you, no
Bob…

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song Bob describe the singer's friend, Bob, who is currently in jail along with his girlfriend for stealing change for gasoline. The singer reminisces how he met Bob on the boulevard, Hollywood and Vine, and how Bob’s proclamation that he would become a superstar made an impression on him. The lyrics go on to observe Bob’s self-destructive tendencies, which the singer disapproves of, and recognize the uniqueness of Bob as an individual that will never be replicated. The song ends with the singer and Bob both being declared insane and being admitted to a mental facility.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, my friend Bob's in jail today
Bob is currently incarcerated for helping his girlfriend steal change to put gasoline in their car.


His girlfriend is too
Bob's girlfriend is also in jail for the same crime.


Nothing to do but rue
There's nothing else to do but lament their situation.


Destroy the bruise
It's unclear what this line means, but it could refer to trying to forget or erase the memory of the situation.


'Cause there will never be another one just like you, no
Bob is unique and will never be replaced.


I met him on the boulevard, Hollywood and Vine
The singer first encountered Bob on the famous street corner of Hollywood and Vine.


He said, 'You're gonna be a superstar'
Bob had confidence in the singer's acting abilities.


I said, 'That's fine, sublime'
The artist agrees with and appreciates Bob's encouragement.


He loved my crime
Bob admired the artist's rebellious spirit and possibly unlawful behavior.


I never see you
The artist hasn't seen Bob in a while.


**something something** all through the night
It's unclear what this line means.


Blackest flag at dawn
A symbol or warning of something ominous, perhaps impending doom.


A lust for life that kills itself before it gets too strong, that's wrong
The desire for life can paradoxically lead to one's death, which is immoral and unjust.


Please be lifelong
Possibly a plea to Bob to stay alive and live a fulfilling life.


Killing yourself, that would be an awesome oath
Suicide is not an admirable or brave act, despite what some may believe.


This song is so far away
It's unclear what this line means but could indicate a feeling of distance or disconnectedness from reality.


Remember the home and how they left us alone
A nostalgic reflection on times shared together with Bob and others, and feeling abandoned by those close to them.


Stealing everything in the store
Bob and the singer may have stolen items from a store in the past.


You know I want you to stay
The singer wants Bob to remain alive and present in their life.


Friends fade away…
People grow apart or distance themselves from each other over time, even close friends like Bob and the artist.


Well, my friend Bob's insane today
Bob is currently experiencing a mental breakdown or episode.


I know I am too
The artist also feels mentally unstable or unwell.


The mental patients laugh and cry
The environment or scene around Bob and the singer is chaotic or full of emotion.




Contributed by Nora N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Alex Alvarez


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