Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California Lyrics

Lyrics Translation

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The lyrics of "Dani California" tell the story of a woman named Dani, who represents a rebellious and free-spirited character. Throughout the song, Dani’s life is depicted as a series of ups and downs, filled with love, loss, and adventure. Kiedis sings about her journey from her youth to her struggles in adulthood, with an underlying theme of wanting to break free from societal constraints. The chorus reflects a sense of inevitability, as Dani faces the consequences of her choices, ultimately becoming a part of the California landscape—symbolizing both the allure and the darker side of fame and life in the limelight.


Song lyrics

Gettin' born in the state of Mississippi

Poppa was a copper and her momma was a hippie

In Alabama, she would swing a hammer

Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama

She never knew that there was anything more than poor

What in the world, what does your company take me for?

Black bandanna, sweet Louisiana

Robbin' on a bank in the state of Indiana

She's a runner, rebel and a stunner

On her merry way sayin', "Baby, what you gonna—?"

Lookin' down the barrel of a hot metal .45

Just another way to survive


California, rest in peace

Simultaneous release

California, show your teeth

She's my priestess, I'm your priest, yeah, yeah


She's a lover, baby and a fighter

Shoulda seen her comin' when it got a little brighter

With a name like Dani California

Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya

A little loaded, she was stealin' another breath

I love my baby to death


California, rest in peace

Simultaneous release

California, show your teeth

She's my priestess, I'm your priest, yeah, yeah


Who knew the other side of you?

Who knew what others died to prove?

Too true to say goodbye to you

Too true to say, say, say


Push the fader, gifted animator

One for the now and eleven for the later

Never made it up to Minnesota

North Dakota man was a gunnin' for the quota

Down in the Badlands, she was savin' the best for last

It only hurts when I laugh

Gone too fast


California, rest in peace

Simultaneous release

California, show your teeth

She's my priestess, I'm your priest, yeah, yeah

California, rest in peace (Do svidaniya)

Simultaneous release (California)

California, show your teeth (Do svidaniya)

She's my priestess, I'm your priest, yeah, yeah

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