cant stop
The Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation

Defunkt, the pistol that you pay for
This punk, the feelin' that you stay for
In time I want to be your best friend
East side lovers living on the West End

Knocked out, but, boy, you better come to (oh, oh-oh)
Don't die, you know the truth as some do (oh-oh)
Go write your message on the pavement (oh-oh)
Burn so bright, I wonder what the wave meant

White heat is screamin' in the jungle (oh, oh-oh)
Complete the motion if you stumble (oh-oh)
Go ask the dust for any answers (oh-oh)
Come back strong with fifty belly dancers

The world I love, the tears I drop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you?
The world I love, the trains I hop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to

Sweetheart is bleeding in the snow cone
So smart, she's leading me to ozone
Music, the great communicator
Use two sticks to make it in the nature

I'll get you into penetration
The gender of a generation
The birth of every other nation
Worth your weight, the gold of meditation

This chapter's gonna be a close one (oh, oh-oh)
Smoke rings, I know your gonna blow one (oh-oh)
All on a spaceship, persevering (oh-oh)
Use my hands for everything but steering

Can't stop the spirits when they need you (oh, oh-oh)
Mop tops are happy when they feed you (oh-oh)
J. Butterfly is in the treetop (oh-oh)
Birds that blow the meaning into bebop

The world I love, the tears I drop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you?
The world I love, the trains I hop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to

Wait a minute I'm passin' out, win or lose
Just like you
Far more shockin' than anything I ever knew
How 'bout you?
Ten more reasons why I need somebody new
Just like you
Far more shockin' than anything I ever knew
Right on cue

Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation

Defunkt the pistol that you pay for (oh, oh-oh)
This punk, the feelin' that you stay for (oh-oh)
In time I want to be your best friend (oh-oh)
East side lovers living on the West End

Knocked out, but, boy, you better come to (oh, oh-oh)
Don't die, you know the truth as some do (oh-oh)
Go write your message on the pavement (oh-oh)
Burn so bright, I wonder what the wave meant

Kick start the golden generator
Sweet talk but don't intimidate her
Can't stop the gods from engineering
Feel no need for any interfering

Your image in the dictionary
This life is more than ordinary
Can I get two, maybe even three of these?
Comin' from space to teach you of the Pleiades





Can't stop the spirits when they need you
This life is more than just a read-through

Overall Meaning

The song "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a powerful and upbeat track that has become a classic in alternative rock music. The lyrics express a desire for individuality and originality, encouraging listeners to reject imitation and strive for authenticity. The song features several references to music, storytelling, and spirituality, showcasing the diverse influences that shaped the band's sound.


The opening verse describes a character named Chop Top, who is confident in his ability to succeed. However, the singer encourages listeners not to imitate his behavior and instead strive for a unique perspective. The verse also references the idea of authenticity by contrasting the singer's identity as a distant cousin to the reservation with the inauthenticity represented by a defunct pistol that one might pay for.


The chorus of the song touches upon the theme of belonging, as the singer seeks to be a part of the "wave" and the world he loves. However, the lyrics also express a sense of wonder about whether this sense of belonging and purpose is truly meant for the singer. The song ends on a hopeful note, encouraging listeners to believe in themselves and their ability to live a life that is more than just a "read through."


Overall, "Can't Stop" is a song that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and the power of music and storytelling to shape our lives. Through its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, the song encourages listeners to embrace their unique perspectives and seek out their own path.


Line by Line Meaning

Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
I can't stop attending and enjoying these lively social events


Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
My dealer is confident that his drugs will be of high quality and bring him success


Choose not a life of imitation
We should strive to live an authentic, original life rather than just copying others


Distant cousin to the reservation
We are similar to Native Americans in that we are both marginalized and misunderstood by mainstream society


Defunct the pistol that you pay for
We should reject violence and stop wasting our money on firearms


This punk, the feeling that you stay for
Even though punk music may seem abrasive or aggressive, it provides emotional release and comfort to fans


In time I want to be your best friend
I hope to develop a close, intimate relationship over time


East side lovers living on the west end
Some people from the east side of town have moved to the more affluent and trendy west side, but they still hold onto their roots and identities


Knocked out but boy you better come to
Even if you're currently unconscious or overwhelmed, you need to wake up and face reality


Don't die, you know the truth as some do
Don't give up on life or let yourself be controlled by lies; you have the knowledge and insight to overcome them


Go write your message on the pavement
Leave a lasting impression on the world by expressing yourself publicly


Burn so bright I wonder what the wave meant
Your impact on the world is so powerful and vivid that it leaves me wondering what ripple effect it will have


The world I love
I have a deep, abiding affection for the world and all its inhabitants


The tears I drop
I am moved to tears by the beauty and pain of life


To be part of
I desire to be included and involved in the ongoing drama of life


The wave, can't stop
I am caught up in the unstoppable tide of existence


Ever wonder if it's all for you?
Do you ever question whether you are the center of the universe, or if life is just a random, meaningless series of events?


The trains I hop
I am constantly on the move, seeking new adventures and experiences


Come and tell me when it's time to
Let me know when the moment is right for action or change


Sweetheart is bleeding in the snow cone
Someone I care about deeply is experiencing emotional or physical pain


So smart, she's leading me to ozone
My lover is intelligent and captivating, taking me to new heights of experience


Music the great communicator
Music has the power to bridge gaps and connect people across cultures and backgrounds


Use two sticks to make it in the nature
We should rely on natural, simple tools and methods to create music that resonates with people


I'll get you into penetration
I'll seduce you and penetrate your innermost desires and thoughts


The gender of a generation
Our identity and orientation shape our experience and perspective on the world


The birth of every other nation
Our very existence and history have led to the creation of countless other cultures and societies


Worth your weight, the gold of meditation
Meditation has immense value and is worth its weight in gold in terms of its benefits to mental and emotional health


This chapter's going to be a close one
This phase of life or experience is going to be intense and challenging


Smoke rings, I know your going to blow one
Even though smoking is harmful and dangerous, I know you'll indulge in it anyway


All on a spaceship persevering
We are all passengers on the same planet, trying to navigate the challenges of life


Use my hands for everything but steering
I am capable of using my hands for a variety of tasks, but not for guiding or leading others in life


Can't stop the spirits when they need you
The flow of energy and inspiration can't be stopped or controlled once it's set in motion


Mop tops are happy when they feed you
The Beatles and other mop-top musicians are successful and content when they give their fans what they want


J. Butterfly is in the treetop
A butterfly named J can be found resting in the branches above


Birds that blow the meaning into bebop
Birds singing and trilling in the outdoors have inspired and influenced jazz musicians who play bebop


Kick start the golden generator
Activate and energize the source of abundance and creativity within yourself


Sweet talk but don't intimidate her
Speak kindly and positively to women, without using fear or force to coerce them


Can't stop the gods from engineering
Divine forces and powers continue to shape and influence the world, despite our attempts to control or manipulate them


Feel no need for any interfering
I have no desire to get in the way of natural processes, and instead allow them to unfold organically


Your image in the dictionary
Your reputation and persona is well-known and recognized by many people


This life is more than ordinary
There is something special and magical about existence, if only we're willing to open our eyes and experience it


Can I get two, maybe even three of these?
Requesting more of a desirable or pleasurable experience because once is not enough


Coming from space to teach you of the Pleiades
An extraterrestrial being is arriving to educate humans about the star cluster known as the Pleiades


This life is more than just a read through
We should aim to live fully and intentionally, rather than just going through the motions without engagement or enthusiasm




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Michael Peter Balzary, John Anthony Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Gaylord Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@chandramohan_sonder

Lyrics:
Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunct, the pistol that you pay for
This punk, the feelin' that you stay for
In time, I want to be your best friend
East Side love is living on the West End

Knocked out, but boy, you better come to
Don't die, you know, the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright, I wonder what the wave meant
White heat is screamin' in the jungle
Complete the motion if you stumble
Go ask the dust for any answers
Come back strong with 50 belly dancers

The world I love, the tears I drop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you?
The world I love, the trains I hop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to

Sweetheart is bleeding in the snow cone
So smart, she's leading me to ozone
Music, the great communicator
Use two sticks to make it in the nature
I'll get you into penetration
The gender of a generation
The birth of every other nation
Worth your weight, the gold of meditation

This chapter's gonna be a close one
Smoke rings, I know you're gonna blow one
All on a spaceship, persevering
Use my hands for everything but steering
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
Mop tops are happy when they feed you
J. Butterfly is in the treetop
Birds that blow the meaning into bebop

The world I love, the tears I drop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you?
The world I love, the trains I hop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to

Wait a minute, I'm passin' out, win or lose
Just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
How about you?
Ten more reasons why I need somebody new
Just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
Right on cue

Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunct, the pistol that you pay for
This punk, the feelin' that you stay for
In time, I want to be your best friend
East Side love is living on the West End

Knocked out, but boy, you better come to
Don't die, you know, the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright, I wonder what the wave meant

Kick-start the golden generator
Sweet talk but don't intimidate her
Can't stop the gods from engineering
Feel no need for any interfering
Your image in the dictionary
This life is more than ordinary
Can I get two, maybe even three of these?
Comin' from space to teach you of the Pleiades

Can't stop the spirits when they need you
This life is more than just a read-through



@happyheart8888

Lyrics for you 🌷

Lyrics
Can't stop addicted to the shindig
Chop top he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunct, the pistol that you pay for
This punk, the feeling that you stay for
In time I want to be your best friend
Eastside love is living on the Westend
Knock out but boy you better come to
Don't die you know the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright I wonder what the wave meant
White heat is screaming in the jungle
Complete the motion if you stumble
Go ask the dust for any answers
Come back strong with 50 belly dancers
The world I love
The tears I drop
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you
The world I love
The trains I hop
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to
Sweetheart is bleeding in the snow cone
So smart she's leading me to ozone
Music the great communicator
Use two sticks to make it in the nature
I'll get you into penetration
The gender of a generation
The birth of every other nation
Worth your weight the gold of meditation
This chapter's going to be a close one
Smoke rings I know your going to blow one
All on a spaceship persevering
Use my hands for everything but steering
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
Moptops are happy when they feed you
J. Butterfly is in the treetop
Birds that blow the meaning into bebop
The world I love
The tears I drop
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you
The world I love
The trains I hop
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to
Wait a minute I'm passing out
Win or lose just like you
Far more shocking
Than anything I ever knew
How about you
Ten more reasons
Why I need somebody new just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
Right on cue
Can't stop addicted to the shindig
Chop top he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunkt the pistol that you pay for
This punk the feeling that you stay for
In time I want to be your best friend
Eastside love is living on the Westend
Knock out but boy you better come to
Don't die you know the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright I wonder what the wave meant
Kick start the golden generator
Sweet talk but don't intimidate her
Can't stop the gods from engineering
Feel no need for any interfering
Your image in the dictionary
This life is more than ordinary
Can I get two maybe even three of these
Coming from space
To teach you of the Pleides
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
This life is more than just a read through



@JzenricGingoyon

If you wanted the LYRICS, then… here.


Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunct, the pistol that you pay for
This punk, the feelin' that you stay for
In time, I want to be your best friend
East Side love is living on the West End
Knocked out, but boy, you better come to
Don't die, you know, the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright, I wonder what the wave meant
White heat is screamin' in the jungle
Complete the motion if you stumble
Go ask the dust for any answers
Come back strong with 50 belly dancers
The world I love, the tears I drop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you?
The world I love, the trains I hop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to
Sweetheart is bleeding in the snow cone
So smart, she's leading me to ozone
Music, the great communicator
Use two sticks to make it in the nature
I'll get you into penetration
The gender of a generation
The birth of every other nation
Worth your weight, the gold of meditation
This chapter's gonna be a close one
Smoke rings, I know you're gonna blow one
All on a spaceship, persevering
Use my hands for everything but steering
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
Mop tops are happy when they feed you
J. Butterfly is in the treetop
Birds that blow the meaning into bebop
The world I love, the tears I drop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you?
The world I love, the trains I hop
To be part of the wave, can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to
Wait a minute, I'm passin' out, win or lose
Just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
How about you?
Ten more reasons why I need somebody new
Just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
Right on cue
Can't stop, addicted to the shindig
Chop Top, he says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunct, the pistol that you pay for
This punk, the feelin' that you stay for
In time, I want to be your best friend
East Side love is living on the West End
Knocked out, but boy, you better come to
Don't die, you know, the truth is some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright, I wonder what the wave meant
Kick-start the golden generator
Sweet talk but don't intimidate her
Can't stop the gods from engineering
Feel no need for any interfering
Your image in the dictionary
This life is more than ordinary
Can I get two, maybe even three of these?
Comin' from space to teach you of the Pleiades
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
This life is more than just a read-through.



All comments from YouTube:

@RedHotChiliPeppers

It has been confirmed that the Red Hot Chili Peppers will embark on a world tour in 2022! Sign up on https://redhotchilipeppers.com for more information.

@kamazCool

i love lalisa manoban <333 she is my biggest crush

@OLVIANNA

Whooooaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoowowow

@mjsgurl5282

oh my godddddd ..yall should come to Greece

@punk7246

:O

@TheJazzyPerson

oh wow neat a new comment on a 12 year old video

298 More Replies...

@TheSparty301

"Wear a shirt."
Anthony: No
"Wear a tent."
Anthony: OK

@simon-di7xt

Hy

@whatisyoursporenameifyouha8044

Well red hot chili peppers is about indivituality and expressing yourself so thats why he just does whatever

@gnedsu

"Flea, can you... F*ck it carry on.". 🤦🏾‍♀️🙄😄

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