If You Have to Ask

Red Hot Chili Peppers

About If You Have to Ask

"If You Have to Ask" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 1991 studio album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It was released as the album's fifth and final single in 1993. A music video was made, but merely consists of live footage of the band from a 1992 show at the Winter Show Buildings in Wellington, New Zealand overdubbed with the original album track. The video is notable because it is one of only two videos to feature guitarist Arik Marshall ("Breaking the Girl" being the other). The video was rarely aired on music television and the song along with the video was not featured on the band's Greatest Hits album. Like the song "Aeroplane" from their 1995 album One Hot Minute, it was one of the two music videos from the Warner era not available on their official app. The verses of the song consist of a scratchy, minimalist funk lick played on the guitar, with a busier bass melody playing behind it. The lyrics in the verses are a stream of consciousness style run of non-sequiturs, which the chorus then explains by stating "If you have to ask, you'll never know". While guitarist John Frusciante finishes the solo at the end of the song, the production crew and the band can be heard applauding him. However, no attempts were made to edit out the applause or to re-record it like with all other unintended sounds found on the album. 


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A wannabe gangster thinkin' he's a wise guy
Rob another bank, he's a sock 'em in the eye guy
Tank head, Mr. Bonnie and Clyde guy
Look him in the eye, he's not my kinda guy
Never be confusion proof-uh
Pudding's sweet but too aloof-uh
Orange-eyed girl with a backslide dew said
Yo homie, who you talkin' to?
A backed up paddywagon mackin' on a cat's ass
One uppercut to the cold upper middle class
Born to storm on boredom's face
Add a little lust to the funky-ass Flea bass
Most in the race just lose their grace
The blackest hole in all of space
Crooked as a hooker, now suck my thumb
Anybody wanna come get some?

(If you have to ask) you'll never know
Funky motherfuckers will not be told to go
(If you have to ask) you'll never know
Funky motherfuckers will not be told to go-o-o-o

Don't ask me why I'm flyin' so high
Mr. Bubble meets Superfly in my third eye
Searchin' for a soul bride, she's my freakette
Soak it up inside, deeper than a secret
Much more than meets the eye
To the funk I fall into my new ride
My hand, my hand
Magic on the one is a medicine man
Thinkin' of a few
Taboos that I ought to kill
Dancin' on their face
Like a stage in Vaudeville
I feel so good, can't be understood
Booty of a hoodlum rockin' my red hood

(If you have to ask) you'll never know
Funky motherfuckers will not be told to go
(If you have to ask) you'll never know
Funky motherfuckers will not be told to go-o-o-o

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

Lyrics © MoeBeToBlame, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"If You Have to Ask" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their fifth studio album, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," released in 1991.
Songwriting Credits
The song was written by all four band members - Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, and Chad Smith.
Music Video
The song's music video featured each band member playing their respective instrument in a dimly lit studio, and it is intercut with footage of a robotic woman.
Unique Lyrics
"If You Have to Ask" is known for its explicit lyrics and eccentric wordplay.
Song Structure
The song features funk riffs combined with alternative rock elements and the band’s typical slap-bass style, showcasing the Red Hot Chili Peppers' genre-blending approach to music.
Frusciante’s Guitar Solo
Guitarist John Frusciante's solo at the end of "If You Have To Ask" is a standout moment in the song, highlighting his exceptional talent and unique tone.
Live Performances
Although it was not a heavily rotated song, "If You Have to Ask" was a staple of the band’s live concerts during the "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" tour.
Track Placement
"If You Have to Ask" is the third track on the "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" album, following the hit song "Breaking the Girl."
Commercial Success
While not released as a single, "If You Have to Ask" was on an album that sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
Relationship with Fans
The lyrics and music of this song connect deeply with many Red Hot Chili Peppers fans, making "If You Have to Ask" one of their fan-favorite tracks.

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