Red Hot Chili Peppers was 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, 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.
Red Hot 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.'"
Red Hot Chili Peppers was 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
One Big Mob
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I am you are me) good woman said you gotta believe
(I am you are me) submerge into the urge of we
(I am you are me) deliciously the mystery, the mystery
One big mob aw yea aw yea
One big mob aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yeaEk bara mala aw yea aw yea
(One big mob is)
Ooze into into my noodle
East or west shepherd or poodle
Ladybug pine tree to mingle with the bumblebee
A lover to the sun and a brother to the cool breeze
(One big mob is)
One big mob aw yea aw yea
One big mob aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
(One big mob is)
We live in the city we live in the jungle
It's time to be drinking a thimble humble
Everything you ever see is never more than you and me
Give it on in to the beauty of the mystery
One big mob is home
One big mob is home a broken home
I'd like to share some air with you some air with you
A morning forest full of truths
The green is blue
The head that's getting pregnant lives to give and give
What was I thinking in my head the color red
Breaking hearts instead of bread
Something I said
Checkmated by frustration now
Need to be cut loose
A different kind of being lost a sullen cost
(I am, you are me)
(I am, you are me) good woman said you gotta believe
(I am, you are me)
(I am, you are me) submerge into the urge of we
(I am, you are me) deliciously
(I am, you are me) the mystery the mystery
One big mob aw yea aw yea
One big mob aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
(One big mob is)
Scrawled upon the wall of a bathroom stall
A stranger wrote a note that spoke to all
One, two, buckle my shoe
Take care of me 'cause I might be you
(One big mob is)
One big mob aw yea aw yea
One big mob aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
(One big mob is)
Picaboo street in Timbuktu
Do I need repeat
That a boy named Sue
Rockin' to the beat of the kangaroo
Let me kiss your feet and your forehead too
(One big mob is)
The lyrics of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “One Big Mob” celebrates unity, togetherness, and the mysteries that bind humanity together. The song begins with the repeated line “I am you are me,” which signifies a connection between all people. The song encourages listeners to believe in that connection and submerge themselves in it, calling it a delicious mystery. The chorus “One big mob” represents the idea that despite all differences, people are united.
The second verse of the song speaks of the natural world and its unifying powers, saying “everything you ever see is never more than you and me.” The third verse addresses the struggles of modern urban life and suggests that in recognizing and celebrating unity, people can find their true home. Finally, the song ends with a message of empathy and interconnectedness, with the line “take care of me ‘cause I might be you.”
Overall, "One Big Mob" serves as a powerful reminder that despite all differences and division in the world, humanity is connected. It suggests that by recognizing this connection and working together, people can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
(I am you are me)
The profound realization that all humans, no matter how different, are interconnected and essentially the same.
(I am you are me) good woman said you gotta believe
Belief in this connection and oneness is essential, as told by a wise woman.
(I am you are me) submerge into the urge of we
Embrace the innate desire for unity and dissolve the ego by merging into the collective.
(I am you are me) deliciously the mystery, the mystery
The exploration of this mystery is a delightful journey that can never be fully understood or explained.
One big mob aw yea aw yea
The unification of all people in a harmonious whole.
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
A joyful, celebratory Indian phrase that also reflects the idea of unity.
(One big mob is) Ooze into into my noodle
Allow the concept of unity to penetrate deep into the consciousness.
East or west shepherd or poodle
No matter the differences, we are all part of the same group.
Ladybug pine tree to mingle with the bumblebee
Every living thing is part of this big group.
A lover to the sun and a brother to the cool breeze
A sense of oneness with all natural elements.
(One big mob is) We live in the city we live in the jungle
This unification encompasses all environments and lifestyles.
It's time to be drinking a thimble humble
It is necessary to be humble in the face of such a grand mystery.
Everything you ever see is never more than you and me
All existence is connected in this one big group.
Give it on in to the beauty of the mystery
Surrender to the beauty and wonder of this mystery.
One big mob is home
This unity is a place of belonging for all.
One big mob is home a broken home
This unification may contain brokenness or pain that must also be recognized.
I'd like to share some air with you some air with you
The desire to share this unity and connection.
A morning forest full of truths
A metaphor for the natural world that holds insights into the mystery.
The green is blue
An enigmatic statement that reflects the complexity and elusiveness of this mystery.
The head that's getting pregnant lives to give and give
The idea that giving birth to new ideas and experiences is crucial for growth and unity.
What was I thinking in my head the color red
A reflection on the past and the regret of not seeing this unity.
Breaking hearts instead of bread
The negative effects of not recognizing this unity.
Something I said
An acknowledgement of past actions that did not contribute to unity.
Checkmated by frustration now
Feeling stuck in frustration or not understanding the mystery.
Need to be cut loose
A desire to break free from the constraints of the ego.
A different kind of being lost a sullen cost
Recognizing that not embracing this unity and being lost comes at a cost.
(I am, you are me)
Reiterating the idea of oneness.
(I am, you are me) good woman said you gotta believe
Reinforcing the importance of belief.
(I am, you are me) submerge into the urge of we
Further emphasizing the desire to merge into this group.
(I am, you are me) deliciously
The mystery is fulfilling and pleasurable.
(I am, you are me) the mystery the mystery
The beauty and complexity of this mystery is emphasized.
Scrawled upon the wall of a bathroom stall
A message of unity can be found anywhere.
A stranger wrote a note that spoke to all
Even strangers can contribute to this idea of oneness.
One, two, buckle my shoe
A childlike reminder that we are all connected.
Take care of me 'cause I might be you
A plea for care and attention to others, as they may be a part of this unification.
Picaboo street in Timbuktu
Reflecting that this unity connects people and places around the world.
Do I need repeat
The idea is so important that it needs to be repeated.
That a boy named Sue
A reference to a popular song that may contain themes of unity.
Rockin' to the beat of the kangaroo
A celebration of diverse cultures that all contribute to this unity.
Let me kiss your feet and your forehead too
A humble and respectful gesture towards others that emphasizes the unity.
(One big mob is)
Reiterating the central idea of the unity of all people.
One big mob aw yea aw yea
A celebratory pull towards this unification.
Ek bara mala aw yea aw yea
A joyful Indian phrase that emphasizes this connection.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Michael Balzary, Anthony Kiedis, David Michael Navarro, Chad Smith
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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