Funky Crime
The Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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Why do you do what you do
I do what I want to do
Who said you could do what you do
I told you who told me to
I do what I want to do
I do what I want to do

Funky crime funky crime
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Well I've committed a funky crime
Against a state of mind

Hey you mister interview
I don't have to answer you
This is what I grew into
Don't judge me and my soul stew
funk is my attitude
Funk is my attitude

Funky crime funky crime
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Well I've committed a funky crime
Against a state of mind

Barriers of race
In the media take place
Tellin' you there is no room
For what you do, don't budge
There's no groove to your gloom
Who made you the judge
Always room for funky tunes
And yes I funk it up
I funk it up

Funky boy
Meets a funky girl
Make it funky, baby
Cause the funk is crazy

Why do you do what you do
I do what I want to do
Who said you could do what you do
I told you who told me to
I do what I want to do
I do what I want to do

Funky crime funky crime
Don't you know funk's colors blind
Well I've committed a funky crime
Against a state of mind

Funky crime
Funky crime




Funky funky crime
The crime is funky

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Funky Crime" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers has an unapologetic and rebellious tone. In the opening lines of the song, lead singer Anthony Kiedis asserts his independence, stating that he does what he wants to do, regardless of whether or not anyone else approves. The overall message of the song is that society unfairly judges others based on superficial things like race, and people should be free to express themselves through their own unique style and attitude. The lyrics encourage individuality and freedom of expression.


The song's message is reinforced through the repeated phrase "funky crime." The phrase refers to the act of embracing funk music and all it represents. In the song, Kiedis sings that "funk's colors blind," meaning that people should not be judged by their race or outward appearance, but by their love of funk music. The repeated chorus of "funky crime" serves as a declaration of the band's commitment to their own unique style and attitude.


The song also references the media's portrayal of race and how it limits people's potential. Kiedis sings that "barriers of race in the media take place," implying that society has certain expectations based on one's race, but people should not allow those expectations to limit their potential. The song encourages people to defy those expectations and pursue their own unique path in life.


Line by Line Meaning

Why do you do what you do
Asking someone the reason for their actions.


I do what I want to do
Responding to the previous question by stating that one makes their own choices.


Who said you could do what you do
Someone questioning the authority or permission of another person's actions.


I told you who told me to
The person explaining that they have been given permission or direction by someone in a position of authority.


Funky crime funky crime
The repetition of the phrase used to introduce the main theme or idea of the song.


Don't you know funk's colors blind
A reference to the powerful emotional effects of funk music on people's perception and behavior.


Well I've committed a funky crime
The artist admitting to breaking societal norms and expectations with their music.


Against a state of mind
The artist expressing their opposition to the collective consciousness or prevailing attitudes of society.


Hey you mister interview
Addressing a person conducting an interview or asking questions.


I don't have to answer you
Asserting one's right to decline answering personal or intrusive questions.


This is what I grew into
Explaining that one's interests, identity, or behavior are the result of their upbringing and environment.


Don't judge me and my soul stew
A plea for acceptance and understanding of one's unique identity and personal expression.


Funk is my attitude
The artist proclaiming that their musical style is reflective of their overall outlook on life.


Barriers of race
The artist highlighting the divisive role that race plays in society and culture.


In the media take place
The artist asserting that media representations of race further entrench these divisions and stereotypes.


Tellin' you there is no room
The media perpetuating the notion that certain types of people or music are unwelcome or unimportant in mainstream culture.


For what you do, don't budge
Encouragement to persist in one's personal expression and cultural identity despite societal pressure to conform.


There's no groove to your gloom
Asserting that those who fail to appreciate or value funk music are missing out on a vital and joyful aspect of life.


Who made you the judge
Questioning the authority of those who criticize or dismiss funk music and cultural expressions.


Always room for funky tunes
Asserting that despite societal pressure or expectations, there will always be a place for funk music and culture.


And yes I funk it up
The artist affirming their commitment to and enthusiasm for funk music and culture, despite obstacles or disapproval.


Funky boy
Referring to a male with a passion for or dedication to funk music or culture.


Meets a funky girl
Referring to a female with a passion for or dedication to funk music or culture.


Make it funky, baby
Encouragement to create or perform music with a lively and energetic quality.


Cause the funk is crazy
Asserting the fundamentally unconventional, boundary-breaking nature of funk music and culture.


Funky crime
Repeating the phrase to emphasize the idea of breaking social norms or expectations with funk music and culture.


Funky funky crime
Further emphasizing the idea of funk music and culture as a rebellious, nonconformist force in society.


The crime is funky
Reiterating the central theme of the song, that breaking social norms and expectations with funk music and culture is a powerful and positive act of rebellion.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL PETER BALZARY, JACK IRONS, ANTHONY KIEDIS, HILLEL SLOVAK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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