Walkabout
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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I think I'll go on a walkabout
And find out what it's all about
And that ain't hard
Just me and my own two feet
In the heat I've got myself to meet

A detective of perspective
I need to try and get a bigger eye, open wide
Blood wood flowers in my gaze
Walkabout in a sunny daze
To me now
On a walkabout

You could do it in the city
You could do it in a zone
You could do it in the desert
You could do the unknown
On a walkabout

High desert skies, are what I spy
So fly, you've got to wonder why
The stingrays must be fat this year
Moving slow in my lowest gear

The digeridoo original, man with a dream
I believe the Aborigine
On a walkabout

You could do it with a shuffle
You could do it with a stroll
You could do it with a stride
You could do the unknown
On a walkabout
A walk could cure almost all my blues
Bare feet or in my two shoes
One, two

I think I'll go on a walkabout
Find out what it's all about, can't hurt to try
Use your legs to rock it wide
Take a ride to the other side

Overall Meaning

“Walkabout” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is about taking a journey of self-discovery and seeking a new perspective. The song is about getting out of your comfort zone and exploring the world around you in order to find yourself. The opening line, “I think I'll go on a walkabout and find out what it's all about”, sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is looking for answers and is willing to embark on a physical and emotional journey to find them.


The lyrics capture the essence of what it means to be on a walkabout – a traditional Australian Aboriginal rite of passage where young men would leave their homes, families and everyday lives to spend months living in the wilderness. This was a time for them to learn new skills, discover their spirituality and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. The “digiridoo original, man with a dream, I believe the Aborigine” lyric references this important aspect of Australian history and culture.


The song’s upbeat tempo and rhythmic guitar riff complement the free-spirited essence of the lyrics. The chorus of “You could do it in the city, you could do it in a zone, you could do it in the desert” speaks to the universal nature of the song’s message – that getting out of your comfort zone and into the world can lead to new insights and perspectives. The song encourages listeners to take that step away from the familiar, with the promise that it will lead to the other side and new horizons.


Line by Line Meaning

I think I'll go on a walkabout
I want to take a journey of self-discovery


And find out what it's all about
To learn more about life and discover its mysteries


And that ain't hard
It is easy to take a walk and explore


Just me and my own two feet
I do not require any vehicle or companion, just myself


In the heat, I've got myself to meet
I want to push myself outside my comfort zone and see how I handle it


A detective of perspective
I am going to look at my surroundings with keen focus to gain insight


I need to try and get a bigger eye, open wide
I want to broaden my perspective and opportunities


Blood wood flowers in my gaze
I am intrigued by the beauty and uniqueness of nature


Walkabout in a sunny daze
I am wandering while enjoying the sunshine and positivity


To me now, on a walkabout
I am determined to complete my adventure


You could do it in the city
Exploration is possible even within a bustling urban setting


You could do it in a zone
Exploration of both the physical and mental realms is possible


You could do it in the desert
Nature can be explored and appreciated even in harsh environments


You could do the unknown
The adventure lies in the discovery of the unknown


High desert skies, are what I spy
The grandeur of nature captures my attention


So fly, you've got to wonder why
The beauty of nature captivates and inspires


The stingrays must be fat this year
Even wildlife is impacted by seasonal changes


Moving slow in my lowest gear
I am content to move slowly and enjoy the experience


The digeridoo original, man with a dream
I am inspired by the Aboriginal culture and their customs


I believe the Aborigine
I have respect for the indigenous people's values and beliefs


You could do it with a shuffle
The pace of discovery can be laid back and comfortable


You could do it with a stroll
Exploration can happen at a leisurely pace


You could do it with a stride
Exploration can be completed at a quick, confident pace


A walk could cure almost all my blues
Granting me peace of mind and encouraging a positive attitude


Bare feet or in my two shoes
The physical state of being is not a determinant of success in this journey


One, two
Just like a walk, life has a straightforward rhythm and path to follow


Find out what it's all about, can't hurt to try
There is no harm in trying and discovering the unknown


Use your legs to rock it wide
I will capitalize on my abilities to explore and expand my opportunities


Take a ride to the other side
The adventure lies in the discovery beyond my current perspective




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Michael Balzary, Anthony Kiedis, David Michael Navarro, Chad Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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