The Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed in Los Angeles by Kiedis, Flea, guitarist Hillel Slovak and drummer Jack Irons. Due to commitments to other bands, Slovak and Irons did not play on the band's 1984 self-titled debut album, which instead featured guitarist Jack Sherman and drummer Cliff Martinez. Slovak rejoined for their second album, Freaky Styley (1985), and Irons for their third, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987). Irons left after Slovak died of a drug overdose in June 1988.
With new recruits Frusciante and Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded Mother's Milk (1989) and their first major commercial success, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). Frusciante was uncomfortable with their newfound popularity and left abruptly on tour in 1992. After a series of temporary guitarists, he was replaced by Dave Navarro, who appeared on the group's sixth album, One Hot Minute (1995). Although successful, the album failed to match the critical or popular acclaim of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Frusciante and Kiedis struggled with drug addiction throughout the 1990s.
In 1998, following Navarro's departure, Frusciante rejoined the band. Their seventh album, Californication (1999), became their biggest commercial success, with 16 million copies sold worldwide. By the Way (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006) were also successful; Stadium Arcadium was their first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Frusciante left again in 2009 to focus on his solo career; he was replaced by Josh Klinghoffer, who appeared on I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), before Frusciante rejoined in 2019. They released their 12th album, Unlimited Love, in 2022.
The Chili Peppers' mix of hard rock, funk and hip hop has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock and nu metal. Kiedis said the band were early to combine "hardcore funk and hip-hop-style vocals", and suggested they had influenced Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and Linkin Park. Smith said, "Certainly Anthony's singing style and voice lends itself to being unique, and nobody sounds like him. The cool thing about it is we can play any style of music whether it's hard and fast, or loud or quiet, slow or medium, whatever it is; rock or funk, and it still sounds like us. I'm proud of that because sometimes bands don't have that strong personality where you go, 'Oh, that's boom, right away.'"
The Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame In April 2012. The induction lineup was Kiedis, Flea, Smith, Klinghoffer, Frusciante, Slovak (represented by his brother James), Irons and Martinez; Frusciante was invited, but did not attend. Navarro and Sherman were not inducted; Sherman said he felt "dishonored". The band performed "By the Way", "Give It Away" and "Higher Ground", which included Irons and Martinez on drums. It was the first time Kiedis and Flea had performed with Irons in more than 20 years.
In 2003, Rolling Stone released their first list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", with Blood Sugar Sex Magik at 310 and Californication at 399. In 2012, a revised list was released, with Californication at 401. In 2020, Rolling Stone released another version of the list, with Blood Sugar Sex Magik at 186 and Californication at 286.
The band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 31, 2022. George Clinton, Woody Harrelson and Bob Forrest unveiled the star at the ceremony.
Funky Crime
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I do what I want to do
Who said you could do what you do
I told you who told me to
I do what I want to do
I do what I want to do
Funky crime funky crime
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Well I've committed a funky crime
Against a state of mind
Hey you mister interview
I don't have to answer you
This is what I grew into
Don't judge me and my soul stew
funk is my attitude
Funk is my attitude
Funky crime funky crime
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Well I've committed a funky crime
Against a state of mind
Barriers of race
In the media take place
Tellin' you there is no room
For what you do, don't budge
There's no groove to your gloom
Who made you the judge
Always room for funky tunes
And yes I funk it up
I funk it up
Funky boy
Meets a funky girl
Make it funky, baby
Cause the funk is crazy
Why do you do what you do
I do what I want to do
Who said you could do what you do
I told you who told me to
I do what I want to do
I do what I want to do
Funky crime funky crime
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Well I've committed a funky crime
Against a state of mind
Funky crime
Funky crime
Funky funky crime
The crime is funky
The lyrics of "Funky Crime" by Red Hot Chili Peppers convey a sense of rebellion against societal barriers and expectations that limit individual expression. The song's narrator is unapologetic about their behavior and attitudes, stating that they do what they want to do, regardless of the judgments of others. The repetition of the phrase "funky crime" suggests that breaking free from conformity is seen as a transgression, and that being different is viewed as something to be punished or censured. However, the singer appears to revel in their "funky" identity, seeing it as a way of injecting color and joy into a world that is often bleak and oppressive.
The second verse speaks to the role of the media in perpetuating these barriers, particularly those related to race. The singer suggests that the media is quick to dismiss certain kinds of music or cultural expressions as "not fitting in." However, the singer refuses to let this judgment affect them, insisting that there is always room for "funky tunes" and that they will continue to "funk it up" regardless of what the media says. The final verse introduces the idea of a "funky boy" and "funky girl," suggesting that funkiness is something that can be shared and celebrated with like-minded individuals.
Overall, the song is a celebration of individuality and creativity, and a call to reject societal norms that aim to limit self-expression. The repeated refrain of "funky crime" suggests that going against the grain is something that is still seen as subversive or sexy, but the singer seems to be enjoying every minute of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you do what you do
Someone asks why the subject does what they do.
I do what I want to do
The subject expresses their desire to act according to their own will.
Who said you could do what you do
Someone questions the subject's authority to do what they do.
I told you who told me to
The subject asserts that they have been authorized by someone else to act as they do.
I do what I want to do
The subject reiterates their intention to act according to their own will.
Funky crime funky crime
The chorus introduces the central theme of the song, a 'funky crime'.
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Funk music is so powerful that it can obscure differences between people.
Well I've committed a funky crime
The subject admits to having committed a 'funky crime'.
Against a state of mind
The 'funky crime' is not a physical crime against a person or object, but instead an affront to a way of thinking or belief system.
Hey you mister interview
The subject addresses a person conducting an interview with them.
I don't have to answer you
The subject asserts their right not to answer questions from the interviewer.
This is what I grew into
The subject defends their actions as a result of their upbringing and environment.
Don't judge me and my soul stew
The subject asks not to be judged for their personal thoughts and feelings.
funk is my attitude
The subject expresses their love for and identification with 'funk' music.
Funky crime funky crime
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the theme of the song.
Barriers of race
The subject identifies a social problem of racism and division among different racial groups.
In the media take place
The media reinforces these barriers by perpetuating negative stereotypes and misconceptions.
Tellin' you there is no room
The media tries to discourage and limit the subject's form of expression.
For what you do, don't budge
The subject refuses to be limited or deterred from their actions.
There's no groove to your gloom
The subject sees no joy or positivity in the negative attitudes of others.
Who made you the judge
The subject questions the authority or legitimacy of others who try to limit their actions.
Always room for funky tunes
The subject believes that there is always a place and a need for 'funky' music and expression.
And yes I funk it up
The subject asserts that they will continue to 'funk it up', or express themselves through their love of 'funk' music.
Funky boy
The subject refers to themselves as a 'funky boy', reinforcing their love for 'funk' music and culture.
Meets a funky girl
The subject meets someone else who shares their love for 'funk' music and culture.
Make it funky, baby
The subject encourages their partner to join in and express themselves through 'funk' music and culture.
Cause the funk is crazy
The subject describes the wild and exciting emotions inspired by 'funk' music and culture.
Funky crime
The chorus is repeated one last time, further emphasizing the theme of the song.
Funky funky crime
The 'funky crime' is seen as an exciting and positive expression of personal will and love for 'funk' music and culture.
The crime is funky
The 'funky crime' is not a negative, destructive crime, but instead a bold and exciting act of personal expression.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: MICHAEL PETER BALZARY, JACK IRONS, ANTHONY KIEDIS, HILLEL SLOVAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex Alvarez
on Californication
People who harness the power of the mind try to manipulate your emotions
Young girls aspire to Hollywood fame and fortune while reciting memorable movie quotes
If you desire superficial fame and materialistic success, California is the place to be
California represents the epitome of the quintessential Western society
Although the sun rises in the East, California remains a constant and established location in contrast to the ever-changing world
Hollywood creates and sells the illusion of the California dream
Spend a lot of money to prevent or delay the physical symptoms of aging
The superficial appearance of celebrities can be deceiving; they may be fighting a personal battle to maintain their image
The rarities and impossible things that are unique to California
The explicit and suggestive nature of the entertainment industry in California
Marry me and be my inspiration to create new things and leave a mark in the world
Young women with information and resources at their disposal may make decisions that lead them down certain paths, such as becoming pregnant at a young age
Owning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a symbol of achieving fame and fortune, representative of the Californian dream
Despite space being seen as the most uncertain and mysterious frontier, the idea of it is created by Hollywood and is not a reality
Kurt Cobain, who died before the song was written, may still be listening to music in another realm
The fictional planet Alderaan from Star Wars represents another aspect of the Californian dream or illusion created by Hollywood
People in California are often raised with the idea that control over population is important and necessary
Everyone has experienced being controlled or manipulating others in some way, which is not limited to people being on vacation
While destruction can lead to difficult times, it can also provide the opportunity for new and creative things to be born
Earthquakes, which may be seen as destructive and terrifying, can also be seen as inspiring or beneficial, similar to how a girl's guitar strings vibrate to produce beautiful music
Even in the face of disaster, the draw and allure of the Californian dream or illusion created by Hollywood remains strong
There is no way to measure someone's mental or emotional state, but perhaps you crave these superficial things that come with the Californian illusion
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