In a VH1 Behind the Music special the band explained that this song, which sounds like it has no meaning, is about the theory, "The more you give, the more you receive, so why not give it all away?"
Lead singer Anthony Kiedis drew inspiration for this song from the German singer Nina Hagen when he came across one of her jackets that he liked. She insisted he take it, explaining that giving stuff away creates good energy. Kiedis and Hagen had a brief affair in 1983.
"Give It Away" was the first single from Red Hot Chili Peppers' fifth album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It was their first song to crack the Hot 100, placing at #73. It was also a #1 hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song contains all the band's trademark energy but is more refined than their previous tunes. You can chalk this up to producer Rick Rubin, who instead of trying to change their sound, simply made it better. Rubin had worked with Beastie Boys, Slayer, and Run-DMC, so he was accustomed to artists with distinct musical palettes.
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