Detroit
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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Find me in the suburbs and
The shadow of decay
Rolling rings of rubber and
The band begins to play

Am I on the right side of the left side of your brain?
Can you see the rising of old yesterday's remains?
Funkadelic said it best I think you know the rest
Time don't stand a chance against this motor madness

Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like

The Stooges and J Dilla, yeah
They tore this town apart
Put me back together, well
I guess that's quite an art, ha

Henry won the war you see
But not with pen or sword
He did it with the little thing I think it's called a Ford

Funkadelic said it best I think you know the rest
Time don't stand a chance against this motor madness

Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy

Everything's so hazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like




Detroit, I'm crazy
Everything's so hazy

Overall Meaning

In "Detroit," Red Hot Chili Peppers sings about the decay and grittiness of the Motor City, Detroit. The first stanza references the suburbs of the city, where one can find the shadow of decay lurking. It then describes the rolling rings of rubber, which is a nod to the automotive industry that Detroit is predominantly known for. The band begins to play, referring to the music scene in Detroit, which has produced renowned musicians such as The Stooges and J Dilla, as well as the Motown sound.


The following lines inquire about one's perspective and state of mind. Am I on the right or left side of your brain? Can you see the rising of old yesterday's remains? These rhetorical questions evoke the idea of nostalgia and contemplation, perhaps about the changing times and the struggles of Detroit's history. The line "Funkadelic said it best I think you know the rest" is a reference to the band Funkadelic, who hailed from Detroit and was a huge influence on the city's music scene.


The chorus repeats "Don't you worry baby, I'm like Detroit, I'm crazy," which can be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be seen as a self-deprecating commentary on the singer's own mental state, likening it to the city's reputation for being a bit wild and unruly. Alternatively, it could be a statement of pride in Detroit's resilience and determination in the face of hardship.


The song then references Henry Ford, who revolutionized the automobile industry and put Detroit on the map as the "Motor City." The line "He did it with the little thing I think it's called a Ford" shows a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor, as Ford's contribution to the city's success is arguably much more significant than just making the Ford car.


Overall, "Detroit" is a homage to the city that has influenced so much of the band's music and the wider music world.


Line by Line Meaning

Find me in the suburbs and The shadow of decay Rolling rings of rubber and The band begins to play
The singer is immersing himself in the iconic environment of Detroit, Michigan, where the suburbs and the urban decay blend with the endless sound of car wheels and the rhythm of a band playing in the background.


Am I on the right side of the left side of your brain? Can you see the rising of old yesterday's remains? Funkadelic said it best I think you know the rest Time don't stand a chance against this motor madness
The singer is questioning if he is aligned with the listener's way of thinking or if their thoughts are clashing. He is also referencing the band Funkadelic and their song Motor City Madness, implying that the spirit of Detroit and its history is stronger and more enduring than time itself.


Don't you worry baby I'm like Detroit, I'm crazy Don't you worry baby I'm like Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like Detroit, I'm crazy Don't you worry baby I'm like
The singer is reassuring someone that he is wild, unpredictable, and restless like the city of Detroit, unafraid of taking risks and breaking rules, and that there is nothing to worry about with him around.


The Stooges and J Dilla, yeah They tore this town apart Put me back together, well I guess that's quite an art, ha
The artist is referencing two Detroit musicians, The Stooges and J Dilla, and how they have left a lasting impact on the music scene in the city. He is also suggesting that he himself has been broken down and rebuilt, and that it takes a true artist to rise above the chaos and rebuild oneself.


Henry won the war you see But not with pen or sword He did it with the little thing I think it's called a Ford
The artist is referring to Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, and how his innovation and creation of the assembly line changed the course of history and won him the battle against other car manufacturers. He is also commenting on the fact that great accomplishments can come from small, seemingly insignificant ideas.


Everything's so hazy I'm like Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like Detroit, I'm crazy Everything's so hazy
The singer is acknowledging the foggy, uncertain state of things and how it feels like anything can happen, much like the city of Detroit itself. He is also reiterating his own craziness and the deeply-rooted connection he feels to the city.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: CHAD GAYLORD SMITH, JOSH ADAM KLINGHOFFER, MICHAEL PETER BALZARY, ANTHONY KIEDIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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