The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a renowned rock band, known for blending rock, funk, and punk music. They began in the 1980s and gained popularity for their energetic performances and catchy songs.
Some of their most famous songs include Californication, Under the Bridge, and Scar Tissue. Their music is loved for its strong beats and deep emotions.
The band is also known for their fun live shows and has sold millions of albums worldwide. Their music continues to inspire fans of all ages.
About the Song
Give It Away is an energetic, funk-infused anthem about selflessness and generosity. Inspired by frontman Anthony Kiedis’ experiences with love and spirituality, the song encourages listeners to give freely without expecting anything in return.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 4, 1991 |
| Album | The Studio Album Collection (1991-2011) |
| Writers | Flea, John Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith |
| Producer | Rick Rubin |
Give It Away Lyrics by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Intro
Oh, oh
Pre-Chorus
What I got, you got to give it to your mamma
What I got, you’ve got to give it to your pappa
What I got, you got to give it to your daughter
You do a little dance and then you drink a little water
What I got, you got to get it put it in you
What I got, you got to get it put it in you
What I got, you got to get it put it in you
Reeling with the feeling, don’t stop, continue
I realize I don’t want to be a miser
Confide with Sly, you’ll be the wiser
Young blood is the lovin’ upriser
How come everybody wanna keep it like the Kaiser?
Chorus
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
I can’t tell if I’m a kingpin or a pauper
Verse 1
Greedy little people in a sea of distress
Keep your more to receive your less
Unimpressed by material excess
Love is free, love me, say, “Hell, yes”
Low brow but I rock a little know how
No time for the piggies or the hoosegow
Get smart get down with the pow wow
Never been a better time than right now
Bob Marley, poet and a prophet
Bob Marley taught me how to off it
Bob Marley walkin’ like he talk it
Goodness me, can’t you see I’m gonna cough it?
Chorus
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Oh, oh yeah
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
I can’t tell if I’m a kingpin or a pauper
Backwards Guitar Solo
Verse 2
Lucky me swimming in my ability
Dancing down on life with agility
Come and drink it up from my fertility
Blessed with a bucket of lucky mobility
My mom, I love her ’cause she love me
Long gone are the times when she scrub me
Feelin’ good, my brother gonna hug me
Drinkin’ my juice, young love chug-a-lug me
Ah, there’s a river born to be a giver
Keep you warm won’t let you shiver
His heart is a never gonna wither
Come on, everybody, time to deliver
Chorus
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
I can’t tell if I’m a kingpin or a pauper
Backwards Guitar Solo
Pre-Chorus
What I got you got to give it to your mamma
What I got you’ve got to give it to your pappa
What I got you got to give it to your daughter
You do a little dance and then you drink a little water
What I got you got to get it put it in you
What I got you got to get it put it in you
What I got you got to get it put it in you
Reeling with the feeling, don’t stop, continue
I realize I don’t want to be a miser
Confide with Sly, you’ll be the wiser
Young blood is the lovin’ upriser
How come everybody wanna keep it like the Kaiser?
Chorus
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Give it away, give it away, give it away now
Outro
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now, yeah
Similar Songs Like Give It Away
Fans of Give It Away often find themselves drawn to other standout tracks by Red Hot Chili Peppers:
- Under the Bridge: Loneliness fills this soft, slow song as the singer walks through the city, remembering a time he felt profoundly disconnected and lost.
- Can’t Stop: Energy blasts from the very first note. The words move quickly, pushing forward with power, rhythm, and nonstop creative flow.
- Californication: Dreams and fame blend in this song about Hollywood’s effects. It gently tells stories of people chasing something bigger than themselves.
- By the Way: Voices rise suddenly, then calm down again. It moves like a wave, mixing sweet melodies with wild, fast-paced shouting parts.
Similar Bands Like Red Hot Chilli Pepper
People who like strong guitar sounds, funky beats, and bold vocals often enjoy these similar bands:
- Primus
Genre: Funk rock, alternative metal
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Top Albums: Make Yourself (1999), Morning View (2001) - Faith No More
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Top Albums: The Real Thing (1989), Angel Dust (1992) - Rage Against the Machine
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Top Albums: Rage Against the Machine (1992), Evil Empire (1996) - Jane’s Addiction
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Top Albums: Nothing’s Shocking (1988), Ritual de lo Habitual (1990)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Give It Away Feel so Fast and Loud?
The band employed strong guitar riffs and rapid beats to craft a wild, high-energy sound.
What Makes the Chorus in Give It Away So Catchy?
Its repeated lines, loud volume, and fun rhythm make it easy to remember and shout along with.
Why does Give It Away Have a Funky Sound?
The band combines rock and funk styles to create a lively, bouncy groove in the song.
Is Give It Away Still Played in Concerts Today?
Yes, it’s one of their most famous songs and is often included in their live setlists.
