Released in 1989 as the second single from Mother’s Milk, ‘Knock Me Down’ was written as a tribute to Hillel Slovak – the original guitarist and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers – who died from a heroin overdose in June 1988. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis was greatly affected by the loss of his friend and, after plenty experience of drug use himself, became determined to get clean. The track explores the damning effects drugs can have on your life. I’m sure that the lyrics shouldn’t be taken literally though if you were to Kiedis is bluntly saying “if you see me with some heavy stuff, slap that shit out of my hand because this life is all we have”. It’s also about not being afraid to tell your friends when you need help and being able to accept it when they give you the time of day.

I heard this song for the first time when its video played on the TV years ago. I had heard plenty Chili songs before then, and I remember thinking “That’s not how that guy’s voice usually sounds?” Well, during the song’s mixing, John Frusciante’s lead vocal was “accidentally” raised higher than Anthony Kiedis’ and as a result Frusciante’s voice is the main vocal you hear. I put “accidentally” in quotes because there is a mix of the track where Kiedis’ vocal is louder and….. his voice doesn’t sound too great on there. I think whoever mixed the song knew what they were doing. I also think they made the right decision.

I really like it. It might not be regarded as one of the band’s most notable tracks. I’ve always appreciated the strong melody that goes on throughout. It’s probably one of their most melodic songs. And it’s a very forward-looking and charging track. Very powerful guitar chords and Flea’s signature bass grooves and slaps that keep the momentum going. And then there’s that female singer who comes in with the killer vocalisations at the end. It’s good stuff. They haven’t played it live for a very long time though. Maybe there’ll be a day.