If You Have to Ask
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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.
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Songwriting CreditsThe song was written by all four band members - Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, and Chad Smith.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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Unique Lyrics"If You Have to Ask" is known for its explicit lyrics and eccentric wordplay.
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Song StructureThe 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.
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Frusciante’s Guitar SoloGuitarist 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.
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Live PerformancesAlthough 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.
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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."
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Commercial SuccessWhile not released as a single, "If You Have to Ask" was on an album that sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
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Relationship with FansThe 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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Citation
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