The Getaway

Album: The Getaway (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This disco-inflected song is the title track of The Red Hot Chili Peppers' The Getaway album. Many of Anthony Kiedis' lyrics for the record were inspired by the end of his two-year romantic relationship with supermodel Helena Vestergaard in late 2014. This cryptically written song appears to be about two lovers with a large age difference who realize they need to split up; Kiedis was 50 and Vestergaard only 19 when they began dating.
  • Kiedis told The Sun about The Getaway's lyric content: "It's about the end of a relationship and heartbreak. I was a mess for the last year of my life. To be so in love with somebody and then have it not work out even though you would have done anything to figure it out. I was definitely shaken and saddened. But I got through it and felt even more turned on by life and playing music and so I had something to write about."

    "Those two years of the relationship turned out to be a very valuable experience and material for singing about. One of my best mates said, 'Dude you got a record out of the deal so don't even sweat about it as she was worth all the aggravation."
  • Anna Waronker, best known for being the singer of 1990s rock band That Dog, provided the backing vocals on the song.
  • The synths were played by The Getaway producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). Danger Mouse has also produced the Black Keys, Gorillaz, U2 and Norah Jones, and is a member of Gnarls Barkley (with Cee Lo Green) and Broken Bells (with James Mercer of the Shins).
  • The Getaway was the first album the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded without longtime collaborator Rick Rubin for over a quarter of a century. The legendary producer had helmed each of the band's records since 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik.
  • Post Malone joined RHCP when they performed this song at the Grammy Awards in 2019.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mike Love of The Beach Boys

Mike Love of The Beach BoysSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist of The Beach Boys talks about coming up with the words for "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Kokomo" and other classic songs.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."