Backwoods
Red Hot Chili Peppers - [The Uplift Mofo Party Plan 1987] Lyrics
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Someone spilled blood but do you know
That from the backwoods where the Chuck Berry's grow
Come your long tall daddies of a rock and roll
Take me to your backwoods now
Take me to your backwoods now
Spinnin' out of control like a psychedelic soul
With a rhythm hittin' harder than Larry Holmes
Come your long tall daddies of rock and roll
Take me to your backwoods now
Take me to your backwoods now
Take me to your backwoods now
Take me to your backwoods now (yeah)
Oh well Mr. Uplift Mofo my man Bo Diddley hit sippin' a bottle of nickle ripple
Play the lickity split finger licking licks for all you wicked city slick chicks
And all you nitty gritty hick we'll make your nipples ripple
Make you wanna dip your dipple make you wanna soak your hickory stick, that's rigth
Because my man has a grip on it and I do mean on it
Which brings to mind a very sinister minister kind of guy
A man named Little Richard who was born to make them bitches stir
That's right he'll make the sweet substance drip from the middle of your hillbilly lips
And like the farmer milk his cow the howling wolf will howl
And since times does allow, you all can take me to your backwoods now, yo slim
(Take me to your backwoods now) take me to your backwoods
The lyrics to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song, “Backwoods,” speak to the roots and origins of rock and roll. The opening lines refer to the bloodshed that occurred in the past, possibly alluding to the violent history of the United States, particularly in areas that are now called “backwoods.” The line “from the backwoods where the Chuck Berry’s grow” acknowledges the African American roots of rock and roll and the influence of Chuck Berry on the genre.
The song continues with references to tornadoes and psychedelic soul, highlighting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of rock and roll. The lines “with a rhythm hittin’ harder than Larry Holmes” allude to the power and strength of the music, comparing it to a heavyweight boxer. The reference to “long tall daddies of rock and roll” further emphasizes the influence of older musicians on the genre.
The second half of the lyrics features a spoken-word section in which the singer references Bo Diddley and Little Richard, two pioneering African American musicians known for their contributions to the development of rock and roll. The singer also addresses both “wicked city slick chicks” and “nitty gritty hick[s],” acknowledging the genre’s ability to unite people of different backgrounds and lifestyles. The repetition of the line “take me to your backwoods now” suggests a desire to return to the roots of rock and roll and rediscover the genre’s raw, rebellious spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone spilled blood many years ago
There has been a violent history in this backwoods area
Someone spilled blood but do you know
The past violence in this area may not be commonly known
That from the backwoods where the Chuck Berry's grow
This area is where rock and roll originated
Come your long tall daddies of a rock and roll
The musicians from this area are the pioneers of rock and roll
Spinning' down from the clouds like a tornado
The music from this area arrives with great force and energy
Spinnin' out of control like a psychedelic soul
The music from this area is wild and free-spirited
With a rhythm hittin' harder than Larry Holmes
The music from this area has a powerful beat
Oh well Mr. Uplift Mofo my man Bo Diddley hit sippin' a bottle of nickle ripple
A famous musician, Bo Diddley, is referenced in a casual, colloquial way
Play the lickity split finger licking licks for all you wicked city slick chicks
Bo Diddley plays fast, impressive guitar riffs for a diverse audience
And all you nitty gritty hick we'll make your nipples ripple
The music from this area is sexual and provocative
Make you wanna dip your dipple make you wanna soak your hickory stick, that's right
The sexual nature of the music is emphasized, and it is suggested that listeners will be aroused
A man named Little Richard who was born to make them bitches stir
Little Richard is another famous musician from this area, who is known for his provocative style
That's right he'll make the sweet substance drip from the middle of your hillbilly lips
Little Richard's music is sexual and will cause listeners to become aroused
And since times does allow, you all can take me to your backwoods now, yo slim (Take me to your backwoods now)
The singer wants to visit the backwoods area and experience the wild, passionate music firsthand
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, MoeBeToBlame
Written by: MICHAEL PETER BALZARY, JACK IRONS, ANTHONY KIEDIS, HILLEL SLOVAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind