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"The Zephyr Song" is a song by Red Hot Chili Peppers and the second single released from the band's eighth studio album, By the Way, released on August 17, 2002.[1] The song, as a single, was released in two parts. Both editions held two previously unheard-of B-sides, making it, collectively, hold four non-LP tracks.
The single peaked at number 6 on the Modern Rock chart, breaking the band's streak of three straight number-one hits.
The song is about nature's healing power and human connection.[1] In April 2017, it was revealed that John Frusciante unintentionally interpolated the song "Pure Imagination" from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The song's opening three guitar notes are the same as the first three sung notes from "Pure Imagination."[2]
Music video[]
The music video, which was released on December 1, 2002, was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The couple previously collaborated with the band on other videos and would continue to work with the band through the middle of the 2000s. It is generally reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, by utilizing circular and intertwining figures to achieve the psychedelic feel the band was aiming for. Kiedis would later say of the video:
John and Flea wanted something incredibly, just kind of obscure and psychedelic. Finding true psychedelia in this day and age is really hard to do, because everyone wants to rely on computers and all the stuff that really doesn't know how to find the core of psychedelia. So I had my reservations, but there are some moments in this video where I think it's captured.[3]
Track listing[]
CD single 1
No.
Title
Length
1.
"The Zephyr Song"
3:52
2.
"Body of Water"
4:41
3.
"Someone"
3:24
CD single 2
No.
Title
Length
1.
"The Zephyr Song"
3:52
2.
"Out of Range"
3:58
3.
"Rivers of Avalon"
3:39
CD single 3
No.
Title
Length
1.
"The Zephyr Song"
3:52
2.
"Out of Range"
3:58
7" vinyl
No.
Title
Length
1.
"The Zephyr Song"
3:52
2.
"Out of Range"
3:58
Personnel[]
Red Hot Chili Peppers[]
John Frusciante – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards
Flea – bass
Anthony Kiedis – lead vocals, double-tracked lead vocals (chorus)