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Red Hot Chili Peppers — Californication
Album: Californication
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3809









Released: 1999
Length: 5:26
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Psychic spies from China
Try to steal your mind's elation
Little girls from Sweden
Dream of silver screen quotations

And if you want these kind of dreams
It's Californication
It's the, edge of the world
And all of western civilization
The sun may rise in the East
At least it's settled in a final location

It's understood that Hollywood
Sells Californication

Pay your surgeon very well
To break the spell of aging
Celebrity skin is this your chin
Or is that war you're waging

First born unicorn
Hard core soft porn

Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication

Marry me girl be my fairy to the world
Be my very own constellation
A teenage bride with a baby inside
Getting high on information

And buy me a star on the boulevard
It's Californication

Space may be the final frontier
But it's made in a Hollywood basement
And Cobain can you hear the spheres
Singing songs off Station To Station

And Alderaan's not far away
It's Californication

Born and raised by those who praise
Control of population
Everybody's been there and
I don't mean on vacation

First born unicorn
Hard core soft porn

Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication


Destruction leads to a very rough road
But it also breeds creation
And earthquakes are to a girl's guitar
They're just another good vibration

And tidal waves couldn't save the world
From Californication

Pay your surgeon very well
To break the spell of aging
Sicker than the rest, there is no test
But this is what you're craving

First born unicorn
Hard core soft porn

Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication
Dream of Californication
Comments (159)add comment
 Prius wrote:

In my opinion, this is being played much too often...
Not my kinda music.


Yeah, RHCP for me pretty much captures the notion of "hipster doofus." 

The TV show "Californiacation" with David Duchovny was pretty good though, esp. the first two seasons...
Posted 1 month ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
In my opinion, this is being played much too often...
Not my kinda music.
Posted 1 month ago by Prius    [ Reply ]
Never liked them. (And , no, I don’t have a PSD button on my home system.) Different strokes — I know. But this group and music never captured my interest. 🥱 
Posted 1 month ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
 Jaxxierb wrote:
No one should [be] listening to this pedo music anymore. 😒
 
Hear that, control room?  The oracle (or is it orifice?) and the supporting chorus have spoken, better take this off your playlist pronto!
 
I threw in the grammatical correction gratis.
 
OH WAIT, check that!  It seems almost 4,000 listeners think this great piece of social commentary and the musical package it comes in rates better than a 7.  That looks almost like a vote!
 
Then again, it's the 21st Century...  better launch an investigation to see if those are all legal votes.
 
This is a big deal, better get it sorted quick!  That would be faster than teaching the pontificators how to use PSD.
Posted 2 months ago by bluwaterschooner    [ Reply ]
No one should listening to this pedo music anymore. 😒
Posted 3 months ago by Jaxxierb    [ Reply ]
 charbo wrote:

RHCP lost the loudness wars. But I still love em. 



Indeed, this album has been steamrollered with the most aggressive dynamic range compressor they could find, until the dynamic range was pretty much non-existent. I wish they would re-master this without an idiot behind the knobs.
Posted 5 months ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
 bpemby wrote:


As you're writing a comment here obviously you're listening on the web site.  Just pretend this is a CD and click the next button.  It's that simple and not putting out a negative opinion that not everyone will share.  This is the freedom you've been provided.  Unless you can find a radio station that only plays songs that you approve of, then head over there.



There is a station that only plays songs that you like. It's called Radio Paradise Favorites!
Posted 7 months ago by steviedeant    [ Reply ]
Skip!!!
Posted 7 months ago by dfphillips1    [ Reply ]
 rrowdies wrote:

So, I followed your advice and clicked 'next'....so much better thanks for the tip!

We're so proud of you.
Posted 8 months ago by nightdrive    [ Reply ]
 bpemby wrote:


As you're writing a comment here obviously you're listening on the web site.  Just pretend this is a CD and click the next button.  It's that simple and not putting out a negative opinion that not everyone will share.  This is the freedom you've been provided.  Unless you can find a radio station that only plays songs that you approve of, then head over there.


So, I followed your advice and clicked 'next'....so much better thanks for the tip!
Posted 9 months ago by rrowdies    [ Reply ]
 Grebbel wrote:

HA! They gonna play this evening right behind my house! Pizza, beer and chill. 




Totally cool!  ...I hope it is  good "craft beer"!   ...Enjoy!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:

Their last good album.




....was Mother's Milk.
Posted 1 year ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 jmsmy wrote:

take some lyric writing lesions from Jackson Browne or Don Henley



Spot (!) the mistake ....
Posted 1 year ago by WilliDoc    [ Reply ]
Their last good album.
Posted 1 year ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
 dylan46 wrote:

R H C P What a drag !!




I get taking the time to make a negative comment that includes something productive inside (share an artist or song in the same vein you prefer, whatever). But it's unclear why people bother with stuff like the above. Rate the song and move on!
Posted 1 year ago by fncll    [ Reply ]
 1017517763 wrote:

I guess I heard it all three times it was played this month but it feels like it was played 3 times this week.




Consider this new feature of programming the new normal. Part of the transition.
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
I guess I heard it all three times it was played this month but it feels like it was played 3 times this week.
Posted 2 years ago by elbunts    [ Reply ]
RHCP lost the loudness wars. But I still love em. 
Posted 2 years ago by charbo    [ Reply ]
The negative comments here suggest RHCP have entered the U2 zone of utter scorn and rejection no matter what. 

Posted 2 years ago by timqueeney    [ Reply ]
boring
Posted 2 years ago by joko63808    [ Reply ]
 jmsmy wrote:

take some lyric writing lesions from Jackson Browne or Don Henley



Hmmm,  you might want to read your own sentence.  See anything wrong?
Posted 2 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
 bpemby wrote:


As you're writing a comment here obviously you're listening on the web site.  Just pretend this is a CD and click the next button.  It's that simple and not putting out a negative opinion that not everyone will share.  This is the freedom you've been provided.  Unless you can find a radio station that only plays songs that you approve of, then head over there.



No, some of us listen to the FLAC stream in apps that provide more audio options.  We come here to find out more about what we're listening to.  And he's got a right to his negative opinion.  Is it any worse than listening to everyone fawn over the given song/band like it's the best thing since sliced f#@% bread?  Because usually it's not.
Posted 2 years ago by ice-9    [ Reply ]
 jelgator wrote:

Mother's Milk was the last album worth anything.  Since then, Muzak.


...and then the hipster waxes his mustache.
Posted 2 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Seen them last week on their current 2022 tour. I wholeheartedly recommend going - Kiedis' vocals have grown really solid, Flea's antics are hilarious (handstand-walking the whole length of the stage at 59 years old), Chad's an absolute drumming machine and Frusciante's live guitar magic is something that just has to be experienced in person. One of the best concerts I've ever seen. There's something special about the re-united 4 of them. 
Posted 2 years ago by LouWu    [ Reply ]
HA! They gonna play this evening right behind my house! Pizza, beer and chill. 
Posted 2 years ago by Grebbel    [ Reply ]
 bahalana wrote:


Your mom obviously never taught you: "If you can't say something nice, STFU". 


Posted 2 years ago by Steleks    [ Reply ]
I wasn't a RHCP fan until a friend insisted I accompany her to see them live.  Wow did they put on such a powerful performance!
Posted 2 years ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
My first and last stolen CD from a store. Ah, good old times. 
Posted 3 years ago by komaracboy    [ Reply ]
 jmsmy wrote:

take some lyric writing lesions from Jackson Browne or Don Henley



Your mom obviously never taught you: "If you can't say something nice, STFU". 
Posted 3 years ago by bahalana    [ Reply ]
take some lyric writing lesions from Jackson Browne or Don Henley
Posted 3 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 dylan46 wrote:
R H C P What a drag !!
Then hit the "skip Button", moron!   And, shut up!
Posted 4 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 dylan46 wrote:
R H C P What a drag !!
 

As you're writing a comment here obviously you're listening on the web site.  Just pretend this is a CD and click the next button.  It's that simple and not putting out a negative opinion that not everyone will share.  This is the freedom you've been provided.  Unless you can find a radio station that only plays songs that you approve of, then head over there.
Posted 4 years ago by bpemby    [ Reply ]
 dylan46 wrote:
R H C P What a drag !!  what a drag YOU'RE a drag!!!!   LOVE love love the Chili's!!!!  This song absolutely rocks!!!!  Carry on Bill!!!
 

Posted 4 years ago by pegster1956    [ Reply ]
R H C P What a drag !!
Posted 4 years ago by dylan46    [ Reply ]
 iamlfb wrote:
Originally Posted by dave22: absolute rubbish
absolute rubbish
 

as all the rest of their pruduction !
Posted 5 years ago by dylan46    [ Reply ]
Nice segue from the Peter Green song. My brain had already made the segue. :)
Posted 5 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
It's not just that this song sucks, which it does.  It's that this is supposed to be some hot Funk Punk band and this is middle of the road dreck.
Posted 5 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
Mother's Milk was the last album worth anything.  Since then, Muzak.
Posted 5 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
mike > anthony
Posted 6 years ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
I was never a RHCP fan. Some of it was junk to me but this song has some clever and thoughtful rhyme. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Chili Peppers were kind of fun in the 90s, but their songs are tired, and I can't believe they're still getting so much play. PSD.
Posted 6 years ago by Roches    [ Reply ]
I don't like this band that much, and I think this song blows. However, there are 14 other cuts on this release that I would like to hear in lieu of this tripe.
Posted 6 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
Clever, Bill. I get the Peter Green riff.
Posted 6 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
States I'm In -> Californication. I see what you did there, Bill.
Posted 6 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 dig wrote:
What is it about this song that annoys the F outta me. 3>2.

 
It's dull and Kiedas can't carry a tune just for starters.  I thought these guys were supposed to be a high energy, mofo party band.  Sheesh
Posted 7 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
Still skipping
Posted 7 years ago by sharkey    [ Reply ]
Way way way too burned out on anything from this group. Please go back to the 90s, and stay there.
Posted 7 years ago by daniel_rusk    [ Reply ]
I LOVE IT!!

Thanks for playin'


Posted 7 years ago by Elvis78    [ Reply ]
still skipping
Posted 7 years ago by FatPants    [ Reply ]
What is it about this song that annoys the F outta me. 3>2.
Posted 7 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
 Jota wrote:
That song has a skip in it.  Time to download a decent copy.

 
Still skipping today.
Posted 7 years ago by olivertwist    [ Reply ]
 Jota wrote:
That song has a skip in it.  Time to download a decent copy.

 
True, I can confirm that too.
Posted 8 years ago by gippy73    [ Reply ]
Headache-inducing tripe. Where's the skip function again?
Posted 8 years ago by Reaver    [ Reply ]
That song has a skip in it.  Time to download a decent copy.
Posted 8 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
ah the Chili's. they sound so dated now
Posted 8 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]

Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
When a band gets this much h8 (e.g. DMB, U2, GD, on RP), you just know they are EXCELLENT.   As is this song. 

...and Mr. Frusciante. 

I am very much looking forward to their new material and summer tour.
Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
   First born as unicorn in vacation
became a hard core soft porn waging.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 +1 

kgage wrote:
Oh,yeah. These guys are terrible.

 


Posted 8 years ago by kgage    [ Reply ]
Oh,yeah. These guys are terrible.
Posted 8 years ago by kgage    [ Reply ]
 rwhardy wrote:
That "guitar solo" is about as bad as it gets. Just painful to listen to. 

 
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitarists-20111123/john-frusciante-20111122
Posted 8 years ago by Slipstream    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:

Not everyone seems to hear that. But I´m with you. Posers that´s what they are.

 
Not at all. They played funk and hip hop when they started in '85, now they're more avant garde alternative with their last album in 2011. They're the furthest thing from posers.
Posted 8 years ago by dwrona    [ Reply ]
That "guitar solo" is about as bad as it gets. Just painful to listen to. 
Posted 9 years ago by rwhardy    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:

Not everyone seems to hear that. But I´m with you. Posers that´s what they are.

 
At least a couple of their hits sound pretty much the same. "We're short on money guys, let's do another one of those radio songs!". That sound gets on my nerves. Shame, cause I know these guys are extremely gifted.
Posted 9 years ago by joempie    [ Reply ]
 coolpeople_rule wrote:


You are so smart..

 
Correct...
Posted 9 years ago by tdola2    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?

 
Not everyone seems to hear that. But I´m with you. Posers that´s what they are.
Posted 9 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Anthony has a very warm, sexy voice and surrounds himself with the best; most excellent bass from Flea. Older work is much better than the newer, though Dani California is good. Nice, friendly people in person, too, creative and softer than you would think.
Posted 9 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of alien space crafts be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Posted 9 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
  blotto wrote:
Best Band ever.

 
fkn eh dude, I was just going to say the same thing.
Posted 9 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
No music here. Just noise. And over-produced bile collectively.
Posted 9 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

Or if a bunch of Vermontonians set up organic yoghurt shops?

 
...responding to a post from 2005... drover's last post was 7 years ago, amid some health concerns IIRC. *sigh*
Posted 10 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Would be a lot better if it was half as long and had twice the energy.
Posted 10 years ago by ottojschlosser    [ Reply ]
I lump these guys in the same category as U2-- and unlike many listeners here might, I don't necessarily mean that as a criticism.

One upon a time they were turning out really fun stuff unlike anything else on FM radio and then they graduated to turning out really generic stuff just like everything else on FM radio. Granted, I think they are (were?) better at it than, say, Maroon 5, Matchbox 20, etc. but there is most definitely something missing in their later work.

I suppose it's pretty tough to successfully blend lasting commercial success with edginess. You can only walk around with a gym sock on your junk for so long, you know? 
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

Or if a bunch of Vermontonians set up organic yoghurt shops?

 
The term is Vermonter.  Sheesh.
Posted 10 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
 drover wrote:

Actually the word "Californication" existed long before RHCP thought of it. It's a word used in states near California that are experiencing an influx of erstwhile Californians who are getting the hell out but bringing with them the very same values that made California the basketcase they're fleeing from. A Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial said it best when they wrote (I'm paraphrasing here), "How would San Franciscans like it if a bunch of us Nevadans set up shop in Russian Hill and demanded the right to open up machine gun stores, casinos and brothels?"
 
Or if a bunch of Vermontonians set up organic yoghurt shops?
Posted 10 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?

 
Not to any who have ears.
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Frusciante is a guitar god - songwriting and rythm division.

The Pepper's miss him dearly each time he leaves. 
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Say what you will, they are definitely pioneers in their genre.  They're kind of a blend of Punk, Rock, Rap (before Rap).  I even like their lyrics.  My preacher loosely based a whole sermon on their song "Give It Away".
Posted 10 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?

 
No, they don't (have you heard their earlier material?), but it seems as if they have been headed in that direction for a while.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?

 
No, they don't, but it seems as if they are headed in that direction.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?

 
Hmmm.  There is something about this band that just turns me right off.  Not their ability, certainly, just the overall sound.
Posted 10 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
This is just stupid.
Posted 10 years ago by Dosequis    [ Reply ]
This flowed real nice from Mazzy Star - California.
Posted 10 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
There are clever puns and there are silly puns........This one has a record and a T.V. show.............whoda thunk it? 
Posted 10 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
 d48m02h1918 wrote:
Boring and stale.

What happened to the incredible sound of this band? {#Eh}

 
in a word, heroin

howsomever - they were still quite talented, and I think this song shows more actual, or a different kind of, writing ability than they displayed before...ymmv
Posted 10 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 tdola2 wrote:
I agree - this is a hum-drum song based on a dumb pun.

I'll give it a 2-minus... 

 

You are so smart..
Posted 11 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
It''s not just a song...it's truth.
Posted 11 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
I saw a band called Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988 in Lawrence Kansas, with Fishbone and Thelonius Monster. It definitely wasn't this band.
Posted 11 years ago by ckevin63    [ Reply ]
Boring and stale.

What happened to the incredible sound of this band? {#Eh}
Posted 11 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
I agree - this is a hum-drum song based on a dumb pun.

I'll give it a 2-minus... 
Posted 11 years ago by tdola2    [ Reply ]
I thought this was supposed to be one mofo, funk/rock party band.  Not on this song, that's for sure.
Posted 11 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?

 
Earlier stuff was much more diverse and hard core.  They got pop-y in the mid-90s. 
Posted 11 years ago by NeuroGeek    [ Reply ]
Best Band ever.
Posted 11 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Does every one of their songs sound the same, give or take a slight variation in tempo?
Posted 11 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This is a mediocre bar band at best. I don't get it.
Posted 13 years ago by burdell    [ Reply ]
Well even if you like the song California haters are going to rate it low. I like it... I like calling all my old west coast friends Californicators
Posted 13 years ago by run4more    [ Reply ]

 

californication!......this guys "make the bridge"......- ** 7 **


Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I still love em...just finished "Scar Tissue"  A.K's autobiography...I recommend it...it's a no holds barred corker!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
pierpod wrote:
Ideal pour un soir de mai
Posted 16 years ago by pierpod    [ Reply ]
Am Am Am Am Pay your..... F F F Am Am Am Am F F F Chorus: Am Am F Am Am Am F C C G F Am C C G F Am
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication Grey Eye Glances - The Lost Coast One end of the state to the other...hmmm now all we need is a song about the high Sierras, the Mojave desert and the Central Valley
Posted 16 years ago by Arianrhod    [ Reply ]
When did Tracey Chapman start singing for them?
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
hmmm first time I heard this I thought it was a tribute to Ms Minogue dream of Kylie Fornication? " I'll close the door on the way out"
Posted 16 years ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
rocco1207 wrote:
how many songs can you write about California? I agree - these guys used to be funky - what happened?
They just got old. It happens when you've been doing it for as long as they have. Why just last night (new years eve) I found myself playing Ann Murray covers for a ridiculous amount of money. Happens to the best of us; (I mean the rest of us).
Posted 16 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
shuttlecr wrote:
Rough crowd here...!!!
Nice song. Best song on the cd me think. 8
Posted 16 years ago by ilibjorn    [ Reply ]
good band, aweful song. Most of thier newer work falls into this category. RobRyan wrote:
I give it a 2 because there are worse songs, I have to save the 1 rating for those.
qft
Posted 17 years ago by kalkin84    [ Reply ]
Pretty good song. Deserves at least a 6, don't you think?
Posted 17 years ago by starfishNcoffee    [ Reply ]
I give it a 2 because there are worse songs, I have to save the 1 rating for those.
Posted 17 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
Rough crowd here...!!!
Posted 17 years ago by shuttlecr    [ Reply ]
I hate this band, but this is one of two songs of theirs that I like. Overplayed, but better this than any of their other trash.
Posted 17 years ago by xyphen    [ Reply ]
Decent song. Dumb pun.
Posted 17 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
Hate this. Acknowledge, move on.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
The only band that I rate so low- Bill, please save me from this tone imparied mush
Posted 17 years ago by boblaker    [ Reply ]
It gets a 2 for being another attempt at melody by one of the most tone deaf (if instrumentally skilled) bands in the history of rock. then it loses a point for being horribly overplayed. Sorry.
Posted 17 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
FilmSurgeon wrote:
What happened to these guys? They used to rock. Bring back the punkfunk!
Totally agree. I think they are the only band with two "ones" from me. These "ballads" always make me long for "Organic anti-beat box band" (you just might slam. Dance that is)"
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
love that bass line! thanks flea!
Posted 17 years ago by miguel1220    [ Reply ]
how many songs can you write about California? I agree - these guys used to be funky - what happened?
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
Love these guys!
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
FilmSurgeon wrote:
What happened to these guys? They used to rock. Bring back the punkfunk!
I don't really care for the direction RHCP took after Blood Sugar Sex Magik and haven't bought an album of theirs in over 10 years. But let's be realisitic -- you can only do the same approximate thing for so many albums before your act gets stale. At some point it's time for a band that does not intend to self-destruct to set a new path. andesitic wrote:
come up with a really poor play on words (pun) add a mellow beat and people will eat it up. Not me, I am dieting.
Actually the word "Californication" existed long before RHCP thought of it. It's a word used in states near California that are experiencing an influx of erstwhile Californians who are getting the hell out but bringing with them the very same values that made California the basketcase they're fleeing from. A Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial said it best when they wrote (I'm paraphrasing here), "How would San Franciscans like it if a bunch of us Nevadans set up shop in Russian Hill and demanded the right to open up machine gun stores, casinos and brothels?"
Posted 19 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]