"I had met a young mother at a meeti… Read Full Bio ↴In the words of Kiedis himself:
"I had met a young mother at a meeting. She was living in a YWCA with her baby girl, trying to get sober but failing miserably. The beauty and sadness and tragedy and glory, all wrapped into one, of this mother/daughter relationship was evoked by the vibe of that music."
Porcelain
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you wasting away in your skin?
Are you missing the love of your kin?
Drifting and floating and fading away
Porcelain
Do you smell like a girl when you smile?
Can you bear not to share with your child?
Drifting and floating and fading away
Little lune
All day
Little lune
Porcelain
Do you carry the moon in your womb?
Someone said that you're fading too soon
Drifting and floating and fading away
Porcelain
Are you wasting away in your skin?
Are you missing the love of your kin?
Nodding and melting and fading away
Little lune
All day
Little lune
Little lune
All day
Little lune
The lyrics of the song Porcelain by Red Hot Chili Peppers talk about someone who seems to be lost and struggling, both physically and emotionally. The opening line, "Are you wasting away in your skin?" suggests a physical deterioration or possibly addiction. The reference to missing "the love of your kin" indicates a feeling of loneliness or disconnection from family.
The chorus of the song, "Drifting and floating and fading away," further emphasizes the sense of disorientation and the idea that the person is slowly slipping away. The second verse adds to the confusion, asking "Do you carry the moon in your womb?" which could be interpreted as a pregnancy metaphor, or a reference to the burden of carrying around heavy emotional baggage.
The repetition of the "Little lune/All day" refrain possibly suggests a child-like innocence or a return to simpler times. The theme of loss and melancholy combined with the soft, dreamy melody make for a hauntingly beautiful song that evokes deep emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Porcelain
Addressing someone who seems fragile or delicate
Are you wasting away in your skin?
Asking if they are losing their identity or sense of self
Are you missing the love of your kin?
Asking if they crave affection and family support
Drifting and floating and fading away
Describing a state of aimlessness and lack of purpose
Porcelain
Repeating the address to emphasize vulnerability
Do you smell like a girl when you smile?
Asking if they exude a youthful, innocent fragrance
Can you bear not to share with your child?
Asking if they regret not having offspring to pass on their legacy
Drifting and floating and fading away
Repeating the earlier line to suggest a spiral of decline
Little lune
Referring to a small, celestial object or person
All day
Emphasizing the constant presence of this object or person
Porcelain
Repeating the address yet again to reinforce the fragile condition
Do you carry the moon in your womb?
Asking if they nurture something precious or symbolic
Someone said that you're fading too soon
Referring to rumors or speculation about their sudden decline
Nodding and melting and fading away
Showing a progression from apathy to dissolution
Little lune
Repeating the celestial metaphor
All day
Reinforcing the permanence of this object or person
Little lune
Repeating the celestial metaphor again
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Michael Peter Balzary, John Anthony Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Gaylord Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johanarmenta2503
When I was on meth, this song would soothe my heart to sleep on those lonely nights when I had no idea what I was doing with my life.... glad those days are behind me
@luke8079
god bless my guy
@zappbrannigan90
Man, I'm there now...feels like a blanket sort of
@jarrettthomas4865
Johan Armenta how did you get out of it?
@DeeDee_Viera
Oh honey ❤❤❤ much love to you! hugs I'm glad you're in a better place
@sqwizerkid
Johan Armenta you stay strong brother, stay strong on your path homie 🤘🏻
@kelinmatute412
I suffer fron anxiety and tis song makes my heart slow down in a panic attack, thanks RHCP!!!!!!!!!!!
@savannahsweets3592
Me too. Its nice the way it basically rocks you.
@brittanygillam322
My fiance had an attack late last night and this is what I put on for her. Worked like a charm. Thanks for a great song with healing effects ❤
@troy8039
I suffer from cocaine addiction... this song doesnt help lmao.