Album: By The Way (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song was written, along with "Knock Me Down" and "My Lovely Man" as a tribute to Hillel Slovak, the original Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist who would later be replaced by John Frusciante. Slovak died from a speedball overdose. Other than the title of the song, there are several other references to drugs in the song, along with references to death and the loss of one who is close to you. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Isaac - C-Town, OH

Comments: 6

  • Johnnyboy from LaThis song is no where near a tribute to Slovak.
    Im pretty sure its about a miscarriage.
  • Bex from UsaNot really a comment of figuring things out, but this song holds a special place in my heart and is by far one of my favorites from the RHCP
  • Randy B from ArizonaEveryone wants to believe the song Dosed is about drugs or someone that had a drug problem or drug tragedy.

    I think it’s pretty clear that the song is about falling for and being in love with someone that love-bombed then was discarded perhaps possible
  • Rebeka from Rijeka, CroatiaI think it's kind of a love song particulary because of the lines : "This is the way I wanted it to be with you
    This is the way that I knew that it would be with you".. or that he is dosed with someone
  • Lucas from Heerlen, NetherlandsKnock me down was written for Hillel Slovak.
  • Layton from Paris, TxKnock Me Down was written about Anthony's battle with drug addiction through the late 80s and early 90s. No Chump Love Sucker was written about Hillel Slovak not Knock Me Down. Read Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis, gives you the whole Chili Pepper's story. Noobs!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The Kingdom

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The KingdomSongwriter Interviews

The Bush frontman on where he finds inspiration for lyrics, if his "machine head" is a guitar tuner, and the stories behind songs from the album The Kingdom.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.