“By The Way” is a song by American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is the title track and first single released from the band’s eighth studio album of the same name (2002), on June 24, 2002. The song was the band’s sixth number-one hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and spent seven weeks at the top in 2002.
The Meaning of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “By The Way”
“By The Way” is a fun song that also touches upon some dark themes. The song immerses us in a world full of cheap thrills and raw experiences. The chorus shows that even in a “low-class” environment at a small venue, there is beauty to be found. The song reflects the underlying theme of the album, which is Anthony Kiedis’ love life and the emotions expressed when one falls in love.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics to “By The Way” offer a compelling look at the themes present on the rest of the album. Let’s highlight some of the lyrics to “By The Way” and see the picture that Kiedis painted.
Chorus
- “Standing in line to see the show tonight / And there’s a light on, heavy glow” We picture a crowd of people waiting to get into a concert venue. The heavy glow of the marquee on the theater is above the crowd, emanating into the night sky.
- “By the way, I tried to say / I’d be there waiting for” Reminding someone, a past lover, that you said you would still be there for them.
- “Dani, the girl, is singing songs to me / Beneath the marquee, overload” This is the first appearance of the name “Dani” in the Red Hot Chili Peppers discography. She would appear again as the subject of the song “Dani California” on the following album, Stadium Arcadium(2006).
Verse One
- “Steak knife, card shark”
- “Con job, boot cut”
- “Skin that flick, she’s such a little DJ”
- “Get there quick by street but not the freeway”
- “Turn that trick to make a little leeway”
- “Beat that nic, but not the way that we play”
- “Dogtown, blood bath”
- “Rib cage, soft tail”
Verse Two
- “Black jack, dope dick”
- “Pawn shop, quick pick”
- “Kiss that dyke, I know you want to hold one”
- “Not on strike but I’m about to bowl one”
- “Bite that mic, I know you never stole one”
- “Girls that like a story, so I told one”
- “Song bird, main line”
- “Cash back, hard top”
FAQs on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “By The Way”
Here are some frequently asked questions about Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “By The Way”:
What is the song about?
“By The Way” is a song about getting back to basics when it comes to having a good time. It immerses us in a world full of cheap thrills and raw experiences. The chorus shows that even in a “low-class” environment at a small venue, there is beauty to be found. The song reflects the underlying theme of the album, which is Anthony Kiedis’ love life and the emotions expressed when one falls in love.
What is the meaning behind the song?
The song immerses us in a world full of cheap thrills and raw experiences. The chorus shows that even in a “low-class” environment at a small venue, there is beauty to be found. The song reflects the underlying theme of the album, which is Anthony Kiedis’ love life and the emotions expressed when one falls in love.
Who wrote By The Way?
“By The Way” was written and performed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
When was By The Way released?
“By The Way” was released on June 24, 2002.
What is the significance of the title “By The Way”?
The title “By The Way” is a reference to the underlying theme of the album, which is Anthony Kiedis’ love life and the emotions expressed when one falls in love.
