Album: By The Way (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song was written, along with "Knock Me Down" and "My Lovely Man" as a tribute to Hillel Slovak, the original Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist who would later be replaced by John Frusciante. Slovak died from a speedball overdose. Other than the title of the song, there are several other references to drugs in the song, along with references to death and the loss of one who is close to you. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Isaac - C-Town, OH

Comments: 6

  • Johnnyboy from LaThis song is no where near a tribute to Slovak.
    Im pretty sure its about a miscarriage.
  • Bex from UsaNot really a comment of figuring things out, but this song holds a special place in my heart and is by far one of my favorites from the RHCP
  • Randy B from ArizonaEveryone wants to believe the song Dosed is about drugs or someone that had a drug problem or drug tragedy.

    I think it’s pretty clear that the song is about falling for and being in love with someone that love-bombed then was discarded perhaps possible
  • Rebeka from Rijeka, CroatiaI think it's kind of a love song particulary because of the lines : "This is the way I wanted it to be with you
    This is the way that I knew that it would be with you".. or that he is dosed with someone
  • Lucas from Heerlen, NetherlandsKnock me down was written for Hillel Slovak.
  • Layton from Paris, TxKnock Me Down was written about Anthony's battle with drug addiction through the late 80s and early 90s. No Chump Love Sucker was written about Hillel Slovak not Knock Me Down. Read Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis, gives you the whole Chili Pepper's story. Noobs!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Strange Magnetics

Strange MagneticsSong Writing

How Bing Crosby, Les Paul, a US Army Signal Corps Officer, and the Nazis helped shape rock and Roll.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.