By the Way

Red Hot Chili Peppers

About By the Way

"By the Way" is a song by American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's the title track and first single released from the band's eighth studio album of the same name. The song was the band's sixth number 1 hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, staying at the summit for 14 weeks, tying it with "Dani California" as the band's second-longest stay at the top, behind only "Scar Tissue," which was at the top for 16 weeks. It also spent seven weeks at number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, the band's fourth song to top this chart. The song also reached number 2 in the UK, becoming the band's highest-peaking single there alongside "Dani California," and peaked atop the Italian chart. Regarding its release, guitarist John Frusciante noted: "It wasn't really our decision to put that song out first, but our managers thought it was an exciting song and their enthusiasm convinced us. I guess they thought that it combined the wild part of our sound with the melodic part of our sound." Vocalist Anthony Kiedis elaborated: "I thought that single was an über-bombastic assault of non-commercialism. For it to be so well-received [in the United Kingdom] was shocking to me, but thrilling at the same time." 


Year:
2002
3:37
1,115 

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Standing in line
To see the show tonight
And there's a light on
Heavy glow
By the way I tried to say
I'd be there, waiting for
Dani the girl
Is singing songs to me
Beneath the marquee, overload

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

Dog town blood bath
Rib cage soft tail

Standing in line
To see the show tonight
And there's a light on
Heavy glow
By the way I tried to say
I'd be there, waiting for

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

Standing in line to
See the show tonight
And there's a light on
Heavy glow
By the way I tried to say
I'd be there waiting for
Dani the girl is
Singing songs to me
Beneath the marquee
Oversold
By the way I tried to say
I'd be there waiting for

Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it
Ooh, ah

Standing in line to
See the show tonight
And there's a light on
Heavy glow
By the way I tried to say
I'd be there waiting for
Dani the girl
Is singing songs to me
Beneath the marquee
Of her soul
By the way I tried to say
I know you
From before

Standing in line to
See the show tonight
And there's a light on
Heavy glow
By the way I tried to say
I'd be there waiting for

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Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk rock and psychedelic rock. Live, they incorporate many aspects of jam rock due to the improvised nature of much of their performances. Currently, the band consists of founding members Anthony Kiedis (vocals) and Michael "Flea" Balzary (bass), longtime drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who joined in late 2009, following the departure of John Frusciante. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have won seven Grammy Awards and sold over 80 million albums worldwide. In 2012 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. more »

17 fans

Written by: Anthony Kiedis, Michael Balzary, John Frusciante, Chad Smith

Lyrics © MoeBeToBlame

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Release and Album
"By the Way" was released as the title track and the first single from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' eighth studio album in 2002.
Billboard Rankings
The song rapidly reached number two on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Song Composition
Apart from the band's signature funk-rock sound, "By the Way" also incorporated melodic elements and harmonies, reflecting the musical growth of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Music Video
The music video for "By the Way" was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, who also directed other videos for the band.
Contrasting Styles
The verses are in a rapid rapped style, while the chorus takes a more melodic, slow approach, showcasing the band's ability to interpret various genres.
Group Contribution
The song was written by all four members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers - Anthony Kiedis, John Frusciante, Flea, and Chad Smith.
Reception
"By the Way" was highly praised by critics. Rolling Stone's review complimented its combination of the band's earlier raw energy with a refined melodic sense.
Live Performances
The song quickly became a staple in the band's live performances due to its distinct sound and energetic appeal.
Animation Presence
"By the Way" has been featured on the popular TV show "The Simpsons" in an episode where Homer Simpson sings the song to Anthony Kiedis and Flea.
Cover Versions
The song has inspired numerous cover versions over the years, displaying its significant influence on rock music culture.
Influence on Album Sales
The release and success of "By the Way" played a significant role in driving album sales, with the "By the Way" album achieving multi-platinum status in several countries.
International Success
Outside the US, "By the Way" achieved impressive chart success, reaching the top 10 in the UK, Canada, Australia, and several European countries.
Guitar Solo
The song is characterized by John Frusciante's distinctive melodic guitar solo during the bridge, which adds a unique dynamic to the track.

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    By the Way

    166.8M
    690.1K     17,117

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2002

    Billboard #34


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