Road Trippin' Explained

Road Trippin'
Cover:	Roadtrippin.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album:	Californication
Genre:	Folk,^[1] acoustic rock
Length:	3:25
Label:	Warner Bros.
Producer:	Rick Rubin
Prev Title:	Californication
Prev Year:	2000
Next Title:	Parallel Universe
Next Year:	2001

"Road Trippin" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their seventh studio album, Californication (1999). It was released as the album's fifth single in December 2000.

Background

The single was released only in Australia and Europe; in the former region, it was released on December 11, 2000, while in the United Kingdom, it was issued on January 1, 2001.^[2] A music video was also made but never released in the United States until the band released their Greatest Hits album in 2003. Two versions of the single were released in the UK, but only the first was available elsewhere. A third, compilation version was released in Australia. With the song being only released in Europe it is amongst the least-known singles the band has released. As a result, it did not garner much recognition or airplay outside the band's fanbase.

The song tells of a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in which lead singer Anthony Kiedis, guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea surfed at Big Sur following Frusciante's return to the band. Drummer Chad Smith did not take the trip with his bandmates due to other commitments and also because he wasn't into surfing. The song is entirely acoustic, and is one of few Peppers' album tracks (along with "Lovin and Touchin", "Thirty Dirty Birds", "Pea", "If" & "Tangelo") not to feature drums. As such, Chad Smith only appears briefly halfway through the video, arriving in a boat.

Live performances

"Road Trippin'" has only ever been performed live four times and not since 2004, although previous guitarist Josh Klinghoffer did do a tease of the song during the I'm with You tour in 2012.

Track listings

Single CD1

1. "Road Trippin'" (album version)  - 3:26
2. "Californication" (live)  - 6:03
3. "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" (live)  - 4:21
4. "Road Trippin'" (enhanced video)

Single CD2

1. "Road Trippin'" (album version)  - 3:26
2. "Under the Bridge" (live)  - 4:28
3. "If You Have to Ask" (live)  - 5:21

Single CD3

1. "Road Trippin'" (album version)
2. "Californication" (live)  - 6:03
3. "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" (live)  - 4:21
4. "Under the Bridge" (live)  - 4:28

Australian single

1. "Road Trippin'" (album version)  - 3:26
2. "Californication" (live)  - 6:03
3. "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" (live)  - 4:21
4. "Under the Bridge" (live)  - 4:27
5. "If You Have to Ask" (live)  - 5:20

Personnel

Red Hot Chili Peppers

• Anthony Kiedis  - lead vocals
• John Frusciante  - acoustic guitar, backing vocals
• Flea  - acoustic bass guitar

Additional personnel

• Patrick Warren  - Chamberlin organ

Charts

Chart (2000–2001)! scope="col"

Peak position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)^[3]	82
Poland (Polish Airplay Charts)^[4]	30

Release history

Region!scope="col"

Date	Format(s)	Label(s)
Australia	December 11, 2000	CD	Warner Bros.
Japan	December 20, 2000			^[5]
United Kingdom	January 1, 2001			^[6]

Notes and References

1. The 40 Greatest Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs . . April 11, 2022 .
2. Web site: The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 11th December 2000. ARIA. Imgur. December 11, 2000. November 21, 2021.
3. Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. Music & Media. 18. 4. 18. January 20, 2001.
4. Web site: Polish Airplay Charts – Lista krajowa 04/2001. PiF PaF Production. February 4, 2021. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20010304024112/http://www.pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/lista_04_2001.html. March 4, 2001.
5. Web site: New Release. Warner Music Japan. ja. https://web.archive.org/web/20001204221800/http://www.warnermusic.co.jp/new_release/international.html. December 4, 2000. August 24, 2023.
6. New Releases: Singles. Music Week. 31. December 23, 2000.