Otherside

About this song

The song is a single from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1999 album Californication. It is considered a tribute to former guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died of a heroin overdose. The music video depicts a man in a hospital fighting off monsters before passing away at the end.

What it's about

The song uses the "other side" as a metaphor for the struggle to return to normal life after addiction, and also for death itself. Its lyrics are cryptic and can be read as coming from the perspective of Slovak, Anthony Kiedis, or John Frusciante, all of whom struggled with heroin addiction.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 8 other songs, like “Otherside by Rockie Fresh (Ft. Ricky Hil)”.
• Covered 9 times, including “Otherside by Vini Vici & WHITENO1SE”.
• Written by Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante and Chad Smith.
• Produced by Rick Rubin.
• Recorded at Cello Studios.