Subterranean Homesick Blues
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on the pavement thinking about the government
The man in the trench coat, badge out, laid off,
Says he's got a bad cough wants to get it paid off
God knows when but you're doin' it again
You better duck down the alleyway lookin' for a new friend
The man in the coonskin cap by the big pen
Look out, kid
Look out, kid, because it's somethin' that you did
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid
Maggie comes fleet foot, face full of black soot
Talkin' at the heat put plants in the bed but the phone's tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say
They must bust in early may orders from the D.A. the double D.A
Walk on your tip toes, don't try no doz
Better stay away from those that carry around a fire hose
Keep a clean nose, watch the plain clothes
You don't need a weather man to know which way the wind blows look out, kid
Look out, kid, because it's somethin' that you did
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid, look out
Looks to me like you did a little to much hittin' kid
You should've took it to the bridge before you started to skid
Look out, kid
The good god willin', we'll bebop to Bob Dylan
Chillin'em, thrillin'em, and red hot killin'em
Said killin'em
Come on, come on killin'em
Get sick, get well, hand around a ink well
Ring bell, hard to tell if anything is goin' to sell
Try hard, get barred, get back, write braille
Get jailed, jump bail, join the army, if you fail
But users, cheaters, six time losers hand around the theaters
Girl by the whirlpool lookin' for a new fool
Don't follow leaders, watch the parkin' meters
Look out, kid
Look out, kid, because it's somethin' that you did
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid, look out
The lyrics to “Subterranean Homesick Blues” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers are an interpretation of the original song by Bob Dylan. The song’s lyrics criticize the government and their actions, with the opening line being a reference to drug use. The song describes a man in a trench coat with a badge who is laid off and has a cough he wants to get paid off. This line may refer to corrupt cops who are not getting paid enough, so they resort to shaking down citizens.
The lyrics also describe a woman named Maggie who is trying to communicate with someone, but she knows that the phone is tapped, signaling the government’s involvement in monitoring citizens. The song advises the listener to avoid people who carry around a fire hose, as they may be a part of a violent crowd-control tactic. The song also highlights the importance of avoiding getting arrested or jailed by the authorities.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the political and social issues of the time. The use of imagery and metaphors to describe the situations adds depth to the lyrics, and the repetition of the phrase “look out, kid” creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the caution that one must take.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny's in the basement mixing up the medicine
Johnny is in the basement making drugs
I'm on the pavement thinking about the government
I am outside thinking about the government
The man in the trench coat, badge out, laid off,
The unemployed man with a badge and a trench coat
Says he's got a bad cough wants to get it paid off
He wants money to cure his cough
God knows when but you're doin' it again
You are repeating your actions with unknown consequences
You better duck down the alleyway lookin' for a new friend
You should hide in the alley and find new friends
The man in the coonskin cap by the big pen
The man wearing a fur hat by the pen
Wants eleven dollar bills you only got ten
He wants $11, but you only have $10
Look out, kid
Be careful, kid
Look out, kid, because it's somethin' that you did
Beware because it is your fault
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid
Watch out because they keep everything a secret
Maggie comes fleet foot, face full of black soot
Maggie arrives quickly, with a dirty face
Talkin' at the heat put plants in the bed but the phone's tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say
Maggie speaks about planting and phone taps
They must bust in early may orders from the D.A. the double D.A
They need to execute their plan in May per DA's orders
Walk on your tip toes, don't try no doz
Walk silently without taking any stimulant drugs
Better stay away from those that carry around a fire hose
Avoid people who have fire hoses
Keep a clean nose, watch the plain clothes
Remain clean and alert around undercover policmen
You don't need a weather man to know which way the wind blows look out, kid
You do not need a weatherman to know what will happen
Looks to me like you did a little to much hittin' kid
It seems to me like you used drugs or alcohol
You should've took it to the bridge before you started to skid
You should have stopped before everything went wrong
The good god willin', we'll bebop to Bob Dylan
If God allows, we will dance and sing to Bob Dylan
Chillin'em, thrillin'em, and red hot killin'em
Having a great time and being very successful
Said killin'em
Said being very successful
Come on, come on killin'em
Let's go, let's go and be successful
Get sick, get well, hand around a ink well
Get sick, get cured, and write creatively
Ring bell, hard to tell if anything is goin' to sell
There is no guarantee that something will sell
Try hard, get barred, get back, write braille
Try hard, fail, try again and write creatively
Get jailed, jump bail, join the army, if you fail
You may face jail, bail jumping, or join the army if you fail
But users, cheaters, six time losers hand around the theaters
Drug users, cheaters, and losers go to the theaters
Girl by the whirlpool lookin' for a new fool
A girl searches for a new partner
Don't follow leaders, watch the parkin' meters
Don't follow authority, be alert around parking meters
Look out, kid
Be careful, kid
Look out, kid, because it's somethin' that you did
Beware because it is your fault
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid
Watch out because they keep everything a secret
Look out, kid, because they keep all hid
Watch out because they keep everything a secret
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
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
mexican tranny
on Right on Time
amo a fela kuti
Jesus Lopez Solsol
on Otherside
lo maximo