Give It Away is one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, an anthem that transcended genres and generations . Released by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1991, this powerful tune not only took over the charts but also became a symbol of the alternative movement of the time. The lyrics, packed with references to generosity and interpersonal connection , invite us to reflect on the power of selfless giving. With its unmistakable funky beat and infectious energy, “Give It Away” had many joining in with its message. In this article, we will analyze the lyrics of the song, offer a complete translation, and delve into its cultural and artistic impact. Join us on this sonic journey through the golden decade of music!
Lyrics and translation into Spanish
Give It Away
What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your mama
What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your papa
What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your daughter
You do a little dance and then you drink a little water
What I’ve got you’ve got to get it, put it in you
What I’ve got you’ve got to get it, put it in you
What I’ve got you’ve got to get it, put it in you
Reeling with the feeling, don’t stop, continue
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?
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
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!
I’m a 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?
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
Ooh, 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
Lucky me swimmin’ in my ability
Dancin’ 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
Drink my juice, young love, chug-a-lug me
There’s a river born to be a giver
Keep you warm, won’t let you shiver
His heart is never gonna wither
Come on, everybody, time to deliver
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
What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your mama
What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your papa
What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your daughter
You do a little dance and then you drink a little water
What I’ve got you’ve got to get it, put it in you
What I’ve got you’ve got to get it, put it in you
What I’ve got you’ve got to get it, put it in you
Reeling with the feeling, don’t stop, continue
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?
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
Give it away now
Translation of Give It Away
Lo que tengo tú tienes que dárselo a tu mamá
Lo que tengo tú tienes que dárselo a tu papá
Lo que tengo tú tienes que dárselo a tu hija
Haces un pequeño baile y luego bebes un poco de agua
Lo que tengo tú tienes que conseguirlo, ponlo dentro de ti
Lo que tengo tú tienes que conseguirlo, ponlo dentro de ti
Lo que tengo tú tienes que conseguirlo, ponlo dentro de ti
Turbulento con la sensación, no pares, continúa
Dame cuenta que no quiero ser un avaro
Confía con astucia, serás más sabio
Sangre joven es el que ama y se levanta
¿Cómo es que todo el mundo quiere mantenerlo como el káiser?
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
No puedo decir si soy un rey o un mendigo
Pequeños codiciosos en un mar de angustia
Mantén tu más para recibir tu menos
Impresionado por el exceso material
El amor es libre, ámame, di: ¡Claro que sí!
Soy de bajo perfil, pero rockeo un poco, ¿sabes?
Sin tiempo para los cerditos o para el calabozo
Ponte inteligente, únete a la reunión
Nunca ha habido un mejor momento que ahora
Bob Marley, poeta y profeta
Bob Marley me enseñó cómo hacer eso
Bob Marley, caminando como habla
Dios mío, ¿no ves que voy a toserlo?
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Ooh, oh, sí
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
No puedo decir si soy un rey o un mendigo
Afortunado yo nadando en mi habilidad
Bailando por la vida con agilidad
Ven y beba de mi fertilidad
Bendecido con un balde de movilidad afortunada
A mi mamá, la amo, porque ella me ama
Lejos quedaron los tiempos en que me fregaba
Sintiendo bien, mi hermano va a abrazarme
Bebe mi jugo, joven amor, trágame
Hay un río nacido para dar
Te mantiene caliente, no te dejará temblar
Su corazón nunca se marchitará
Vamos, todos, es hora de entregar
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
No puedo decir si soy un rey o un mendigo
Lo que tengo tú tienes que dárselo a tu mamá
Lo que tengo tú tienes que dárselo a tu papá
Lo que tengo tú tienes que dárselo a tu hija
Haces un pequeño baile y luego bebes un poco de agua
Lo que tengo tú tienes que conseguirlo, ponlo dentro de ti
Lo que tengo tú tienes que conseguirlo, ponlo dentro de ti
Lo que tengo tú tienes que conseguirlo, ponlo dentro de ti
Turbulento con la sensación, no pares, continúa
Dame cuenta que no quiero ser un avaro
Confía con astucia, serás más sabio
Sangre joven es el que ama y se levanta
¿Cómo es que todo el mundo quiere mantenerlo como el káiser?
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo, dalo, dalo ahora
Dalo ahora
Analysis of the song Give It Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Production and musical style
“Give It Away” was written by Red Hot Chili Peppers members Anthony Kiedis , Flea , John Frusciante , and Chad Smith . Production is by Rick Rubin , a long-time collaborator of the band who has been instrumental in developing their sound. The song features a blend of funk rock, with instrumentation that highlights Flea’s dynamic bass, Frusciante’s distinctive guitar riffs, and Smith’s hard-hitting drums. The beat is energetic and infectious , marked by a fast tempo that invites dancing. Elements of rap are also integrated into the song, resulting in an innovative style that fuses genres and showcases the band’s ability to experiment within the framework of alternative rock .
Meaning of the lyrics
The lyrics of “Give It Away” focus on the idea of generosity and selfless giving. Anthony Kiedis, the vocalist, expresses that giving without expecting anything in return is not only a fundamental value, but also a source of personal satisfaction . This message translates into an invitation to let go of material things and embrace what really matters: human relationships and emotional connection .
Furthermore, the song illustrates how the act of giving can lead to transformative experiences. As you give, you receive in equal measure, suggesting that life is enriched through interactions and empathy towards others . This concept is echoed in the famous chorus, where the repetition of the phrase “give it away” reinforces the importance of this altruistic attitude.
Finally, “Give It Away” can also be interpreted as a call to break free from social constraints and expectations . Through the release of material desires, space opens up for creativity and authenticity. This perspective aligns perfectly with the philosophy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who often celebrate individuality and freedom of expression in their music and lifestyle.
Comparison with other songs of the decade
Released in 1991 , “Give It Away” is a clear reflection of the eclecticism of 1990s music . Much like Nirvana ’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which became a generational anthem, “Give It Away” captured the essence of an era of rebellion and experimentation. However, while Nirvana represented grunge and youthful angst, the Red Hot Chili Peppers fused rock, funk, and rap , creating a distinctive and energetic sound. Other big songs of the decade, such as TLC’s “Waterfall,” also broke barriers, but “Give It Away” stood out for its message of selflessness and emotional connection. Not only did this song resonate on the charts, it left a lasting mark on musical culture, highlighting the diversity of styles and themes that defined the 1990s.
Impact and legacy of Give It Away
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “ Give It Away ” has left an indelible mark on music and pop culture. With its unique fusion of funk, rock, and punk, it became an anthem of generosity and material detachment. The band’s focus on free love and spirituality resonated deeply in the 1990s, inspiring generations of musicians to explore funk in rock . Its iconic bass riff and infectious energy have made it enduring on playlists and in modern culture, being used in commercials, movies, and television shows. Today, “Give It Away” remains relevant, not only for its vibrant sound, but also for its timeless message about the value of sharing and human connection, making it a classic that continues to influence new artists.
Personal opinion
As a huge 90s music enthusiast, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” is one of those songs that always transports me back to a vibrant, energetic time. The band’s fusion of funk and rock resonates deeply with me, evoking feelings of freedom and authenticity. Every time I hear Anthony Kiedis ’ voice and Flea ’s explosive bass , I feel an explosion of joy that invites me to dance and let myself go. The lyrics, which express the philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return , also make me reflect on the importance of generosity in our lives. It’s a sonic celebration that never fails to excite me.
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