The Hunter
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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Woke up this morning like I always do
I still like to think that I'm new
Time just gets its way
Strawberries left to decay

Can't find my pants or my bank account
Don't you slip away
Voices that start to betray

Even though you raised me I will never be your father
King of each and every Sunset Marquis
Even though you're crazy you will never be a bother
You're my old man in the sea

I still like to laugh when I make a joke
I still like to think that there's hope
Time just has its say
Strawberries left to decay

Struck by the sight of an empty hall
Don't you fade away
Voices that start to betray

Even though you raised me I will never be your father
King of each and every Sunset Marquis
Even though you're crazy you will never be a bother
You're my old man in the sea

The hunter gets hunted
We all get confronted
Don't just slip away
Voices that start to betray

Even though you raised me I will never be your father
King of each and every Sunset Marquis




Even though you're crazy you will never be a bother
You're my old man in the sea

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Red Hot Chili Peppers' song The Hunter are quite complex and poetic, making it difficult for an average listener to understand the meaning behind it. The first verse talks about waking up in the morning and feeling new, but time gets the better of everyone, and everything just fades away. The reference to strawberries left to decay could be a symbol of life and how it gets easier to let go of things as time passes by. The song's chorus is about the relationship between the singer and the person they are addressing. It could be a father-son relationship where the dad raised the singer, but despite that, the singer will never be his father. The person they are speaking of is referred to as "King of each and every Sunset Marquis," and even though this person is crazy, they will never be a bother. This person is like an "old man in the sea" to the singer.


The second verse talks about hoping despite the setbacks in life. It also refers to an empty hall, which could be symbolic of something lost or not achieved. The chorus repeats the same message, talking about voices that betray the singer, but still acknowledging the person to whom the song is dedicated. The hunter gets hunted, and we all get confronted - this line implies that even the strongest can fall, and everyone will face their own struggles.


Overall, the song's lyrics seem to speak about the passage of time and the inevitability of loss. It also highlights the complexity of human relationships, including those with family members. The song has a melancholic vibe, but it also has a message of hope and resilience.


Line by Line Meaning

Woke up this morning like I always do
I began my day like any other day


I still like to think that I'm new
I still have a youthful spirit


Time just gets its way
Time passes regardless of what we want or do


Strawberries left to decay
Like strawberries that rot with time, things and relationships may also come to an end


Can't find my pants or my bank account
I feel lost and disorientated


Don't you slip away
Don't leave me


Voices that start to betray
My thoughts and feelings may turn against me


Even though you raised me I will never be your father
I will never be the one who nurtures and guides you


King of each and every Sunset Marquis
I am in control of my own life and destiny


Even though you're crazy you will never be a bother
Even if you behave erratically, I will still care for you


You're my old man in the sea
You are my trusted companion through life's unpredictable storms


I still like to laugh when I make a joke
I still find joy in simple pleasures


I still like to think that there's hope
I still hold onto the belief that things can get better


Struck by the sight of an empty hall
I feel a sense of emptiness and loneliness


The hunter gets hunted
Even those who are powerful can become vulnerable


We all get confronted
We all face challenges and obstacles


Don't just slip away
Don't give up or lose hope


Voices that start to betray
Internal thoughts and emotions can turn against us




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Josh Adam Klinghoffer, Michael Peter Balzary, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Gaylord Smith, Brian Joseph Burton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Alex Alvarez


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