The Righteous & The Wicked

Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a "Power of Equality" social commentary song. It refers to social ills such as war ("War and Peace / The Killing fist / Of the human beast"), the death of the planet ("Holy mother Earth / crying into space / Tears on her pretty face / For she has been raped"), Abortion and genocide. Perhaps a little piously, Anthony Kiedis ends his gloomy lament on a positive note, asking a hero for help ("Marvin Gaye My love /Where did we go wrong"), and pleading for better times ahead: "Hear me when I'm calling you / From my knees / I am playing for a better day." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Benjamin - Ålesund, Norway

Comments: 3

  • Rrdetective from Baton Rouge La.Guitar break quotes the intro from "Tea For One" by Led Zeppelin.
  • Martin from Prague, Czech RepublicActually, Flea uses a 5-string bass in this one.
  • Layton from Paris, TxThe bass in this song is in drop D. I like this song a lot!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

90s Metal

90s MetalFact or Fiction

Test your metal - Priest, Maiden, and Beavis and Butt-head show up in this one.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."