Can't Stop (Red Hot Chili Peppers Song) - Wikipedia

2003 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Can't Stop"
Single by Red Hot Chili Peppers
from the album By the Way
Released	February 3, 2003 (2003-02-03)[1]
Genre	Funk rock rap rock alternative rock
Length	4:29
Label	Warner Bros.
Songwriters	Flea Frusciante Kiedis Smith
Producer	Rick Rubin
Red Hot Chili Peppers singles chronology
"The Zephyr Song" (2002) "Can't Stop" (2003) "Dosed" (2003)
Music video
"Can't Stop" on YouTube

"Can't Stop" is a song by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, from their eighth studio album, By the Way (2002). It was released as the third single from the album on February 3, 2003.

"Can't Stop" became the band's eighth number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it was number one for three weeks. It reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Can't Stop" also performed well on international charts and the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Composition

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The song is instrumentally composed in 4/4 standard time and in the key of E minor. The verse plays twice before the bridge, as well as the chorus. During the bridge, guitarist John Frusciante plays sparsely in a reggae style, only strumming on the up-beat. Following the bridge, Frusciante utilizes a fuzz (Big Muff Pi by Electro Harmonix) in his solo. He also makes extensive use of a tone-bend.[2]

Lyrically, "Can't Stop" is a prime example of the band's occasional use of writing lyrics to an established rhythm, rather than rhythms to established lyrics.[3] Anthony Kiedis writes in his typical circumlocutory style. Nonetheless, the predominant theme of cultivating an inner, personal energy (evidenced in the title and the final line: "This life is more than just a read-through.") can be understood in almost every line. The verses are addressed to the listener (or perhaps to himself), in an instructional tone, with references to Kiedis's own life, as well as citing the inspiration of Defunkt ("Defunkt, the pistol that you pay for") and Julia Butterfly Hill ("J. Butterfly is in the treetops"). The bridge marks a slight departure, as Kiedis suggests he had temporarily forgotten this philosophy, and looks to a new girlfriend to help himself back on his feet.

Reception and chart performance

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The song itself is distinct, especially when in comparison to the various other tracks on By the Way. Some consider the song to be among the only true punk/funk sounds on the entire album, along with "Throw Away Your Television".[4][5] "Can't Stop" was considered to be "energetic" and melodically encompassing, by combining textured, melodic, and funky themes together into one. It has been widely regarded as one of the band's best songs.

The song was the Chili Peppers' eighth number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, and second from the album By the Way. It also peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100.[6] The song is a live performance staple for the band.

Music video

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The Mark Romanek-directed music video for the single was released on January 24, 2003.[7] It features all four of the band members doing seemingly random and excessively abstract actions such as holding many water bottles or attempting to balance buckets on their heads. It begins with the camera swooping through a yellow tube to Anthony Kiedis, wearing glasses, and is subsequently followed by the foursome running through a hall with light fixtures attached to their backs. The band engages in various activities, such as wearing a giant purple hippopotamus mask, playing with rubber balls, jumping, abstract scenes with boxes, buckets, water bottles, trash cans, flying through the air, pink foam peanuts, plants, playing guitar in a room full of empty blue chairs/room with lamps turning on and off.

At certain segments of the video, guitarist John Frusciante is playing a silver Fender Stratocaster and an orange Toronado,[8] which is unlike his style due to the fact that he only plays vintage guitars (both guitars being under five years of age). Frusciante later explained he was instructed to play the guitars by director Mark Romanek since they blended well with the color scheme used in the video.[9]

Inspiration for the video was attributed to Austrian artist Erwin Wurm, as indicated by the sign at the end of the video.[10] The lighting was positioned in order to provide a clean-cut, contemporary atmosphere which would integrate with the video's concept.[10] Orange was chosen to be the backsplash color by Romanek. His creative hand attempted to mirror Wurm's abstract "One Minute Sculptures", by having the band perform random scenes, which seem to fit no purpose. However, in retrospect, they were not intended to be anything more than an homage.

The music video includes alternate audio mixing than what was published on the feature album, By the Way. The alternate mixing was provided by Frusciante, who made the bass, backing vocals, and handclaps much less quiet.[citation needed] This alternate mixing was released under the CD singles 2, 3, & the 7-inch single as "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix).

Track listings

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CD single 1

1. "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix) – 4:29
2. "If You Have to Ask" (live)
3. "Christchurch Fireworks Music" (live) – 5:42

CD single 2

1. "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix) – 4:29
2. "Right on Time" (live)
3. "Nothing to Lose" (live) – 12:58

CD single 3 and 7-inch single

1. "Can't Stop" (John Frusciante single mix) – 4:29
2. "Christchurch Fireworks Music" (live) – 5:42

Personnel

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Red Hot Chili Peppers

• Anthony Kiedis – lead vocals, rap
• John Frusciante – guitar, handclaps, backing vocals
• Flea – bass, backing vocals in live performances[11][12][13]
• Chad Smith – drums, handclaps

Charts

[edit] 2003 chart performance for "Can't Stop"

Chart (2003)	Peakposition
Australia (ARIA)[14]	38
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[15]	65
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[16]	31
Croatia (HRT)[17]	7
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[18]	47
France (SNEP)[19]	68
Germany (GfK)[20]	48
Ireland (IRMA)[21]	30
Italy (FIMI)[22]	22
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[23]	23
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[24]	65
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[25]	40
Scotland Singles (OCC)[26]	16
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[27]	70
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[28]	39
UK Singles (OCC)[29]	22
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[30]	2
US Billboard Hot 100[6]	57
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[31]	1
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[32]	15

2016 chart performance for "Can't Stop"

Chart (2016)	Peakposition
Hungary (Single Top 40)[33]	23

2023 chart performance for "Can't Stop"

Chart (2023)	Peakposition
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[34]	20

2024 chart performance for "Can't Stop"

Chart (2024)	Peakposition
Global 200 (Billboard)[35]	194

Certifications

[edit] Certifications and sales for "Can't Stop"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[36]	Platinum	90,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[37]	Platinum	300,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[38]	Platinum	50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[39]	5× Platinum	150,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[40]	3× Platinum	30,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[41]	Platinum	60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[42]	4× Platinum	2,400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[43]	3× Platinum	3,000,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit] Release history and formats for "Can't Stop"

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
Australia	February 3, 2003	CD	Warner Bros.	[1]
United Kingdom	February 10, 2003			[44]
Japan	February 13, 2003			[45]
Germany	February 20, 2003			[25]

In other media

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The Los Angeles Rams often use the song to start crowd chants or when the team enters the field from the player tunnel. Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss often performs the song in an effort to entertain fans.[46]

In 2019, Australian hip-hop group Hilltop Hoods performed a cover of the song on Triple J's Like a Version.[47]

The song was performed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers during the LA28 segment of the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.[48]

The song was featured in WWE 2k23.

In the Season 4 premiere of Love, Death + Robots titled "Can't Stop", the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform the titular track using audio from their live performance at Slane Castle in 2003. The band and the entire audience are portrayed as marionette puppets as the episode highlights multiple eras throughout the band's history. The episode was directed by David Fincher.

References

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1. ^ a b "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 3rd February 2003" (PDF). ARIA. February 3, 2003. p. 26. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 6, 2003. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
2. ^ Can't Stop Guitar Commentary; John Frusciante
3. ^ Spin Magazine Interview. August 13, 2002.
4. ^ Rolling Stone Magazine; By the Way Review – Tom Moon
5. ^ PopMatters; By the Way Review – Kimberly Mack
6. ^ a b "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
7. ^ "Timeline". redhotchilipeppers.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
8. ^ "John Frusciante's 1999 Fender Custom Shop Silver Sparkle Stratocaster ("Can't Stop" music video)". August 6, 2019.
9. ^ The Making of Can't Stop: The Video – Red Hot Chili Peppers Greatest Hits
10. ^ a b Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Can't Stop' video; interview with Director of Photography, Jeff Cuttler. [1].
11. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop - Live at Slane Castle". YouTube. August 18, 2009. - In most live performances, Flea takes over for Anthony Kiedis on the last line of each verse before the chorus, presumably to let Kiedis catch his breath before singing
12. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop - Live Earth, London - 07 [Remastered]". YouTube. January 2, 2017.
13. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers - Intro + Can't Stop - Lollapalooza Chicago 2016 HD". YouTube. July 31, 2016.
14. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
15. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
16. ^ "Top 50 Singles". Jam!. Archived from the original on April 15, 2003. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
17. ^ "Top Lista Hrvatskog Radija". Croatian Radiotelevision. Archived from the original on April 24, 2003. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
18. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 21, no. 11. March 8, 2003. p. 11. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
19. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in French). Le classement de singles.
20. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
21. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Can't Stop". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
22. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Top Digital Download. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
23. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 11, 2003" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
24. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
25. ^ a b "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Top 40 Singles.
26. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
27. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Singles Top 100.
28. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Swiss Singles Chart.
29. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
30. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
31. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
32. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard.
33. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
34. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of March 1, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved March 1, 2023.
35. ^ "Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
36. ^ "Danish single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
37. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Red Hot Chili Peppers; 'Can't Stop')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
38. ^ "Italian single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
39. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Radioscope. Retrieved July 23, 2025. Type Can't Stop in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
40. ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
41. ^ "Spanish single certifications" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Retrieved March 12, 2024. Select Canciones under "Categoría", select 2024 under "Año". Select 10 under "Semana". Click on "BUSCAR LISTA".
42. ^ "British single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
43. ^ "American single certifications – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can't Stop". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
44. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting 10 February 2003: Singles". Music Week. February 8, 2003. p. 23.
45. ^ "CDリリース" [CD Releases] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on February 7, 2003. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
46. ^ "The Rocker Gets Her ring! Rams' guitarist Nita Strauss with her Super Bowl Bling". October 22, 2022.
47. ^ "Hilltop Hoods cover Red Hot Chili Peppers/Phil Collins "Can't Stop/In the Air Tonight" for Like a Version". May 17, 2019.
48. ^ Ashley Iasimone (August 11, 2024). "2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Billie Eilish Brings 'Birds of a Feather,' Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Deliver 'The Next Episode' & More". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2024.

v t e Red Hot Chili Peppers
Anthony Kiedis Michael "Flea" Balzary Chad Smith John Frusciante Hillel Slovak Jack Irons Jack Sherman Cliff Martinez DeWayne McKnight D. H. Peligro Arik Marshall Jesse Tobias Dave Navarro Josh Klinghoffer
Studio albums	The Red Hot Chili Peppers Freaky Styley The Uplift Mofo Party Plan Mother's Milk Blood Sugar Sex Magik One Hot Minute Californication By the Way Stadium Arcadium I'm with You The Getaway Unlimited Love Return of the Dream Canteen
EPs	The Abbey Road E.P. 2011 Live EP Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Covers EP I'm with You World Tour Live in Paris
Live releases	Live in Hyde Park Official Bootlegs Cardiff, Wales: 6/23/04
Compilations	What Hits!? Live Rare Remix Box The Plasma Shaft Out in L.A. The Best of Red Hot Chili Peppers Under the Covers: Essential Red Hot Chili Peppers Greatest Hits I'm with You Sessions
Videos	Funky Monks What Hits!? Off the Map Live at Slane Castle Greatest Hits and Videos Red Hot Chili Peppers Live: I'm with You Red Hot Chili Peppers: Live from the Basement
Tours	The Uplift Mofo Party Tour Mother's Milk Tour Tour de La Sensitive Californication Tour By the Way Tour Stadium Arcadium World Tour I'm with You World Tour 2013–2014 Tour The Getaway World Tour Unlimited Love Tour
Related articles	Discography Videography Band members Songs Awards and nominations Scar Tissue Acid for the Children An Oral/Visual History by the Red Hot Chili Peppers Woodstock 1994 Unearthed Silverlake Conservatory of Music "Bedrock Anthem" "You Oughta Know" Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show Groups What Is This? Atoms for Peace Rocket Juice & the Moon Antemasque Chickenfoot Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats Ataxia Dot Hacker The Process Jane's Addiction Fear Eleven Pearl Jam The Weirdos Parliament-Funkadelic Dead Kennedys Thelonious Monster The Bicycle Thief The Latino Rockabilly War Aleka's Attic P The Mars Volta Gnarls Barkley Fishbone Circle Jerks Off! The Meters
Category

v t e Red Hot Chili Peppers singles
The Uplift Mofo Party Plan	"Fight Like a Brave"
Mother's Milk	"Higher Ground" "Knock Me Down" "Taste the Pain"
Blood Sugar Sex Magik	"Give It Away" "Under the Bridge" "Suck My Kiss" "Breaking the Girl" "If You Have to Ask"
One Hot Minute	"Warped" "My Friends" "Aeroplane" "Shallow Be Thy Game" "Coffee Shop"
Californication	"Scar Tissue" "Around the World" "Otherside" "Californication" "Road Trippin'" "Parallel Universe"
By the Way	"By the Way" "The Zephyr Song" "Can't Stop" "Dosed" "Universally Speaking"
Stadium Arcadium	"Dani California" "Tell Me Baby" "Snow ((Hey Oh))" "Desecration Smile" "Hump de Bump"
I'm with You	"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" "Monarchy of Roses" "Look Around" "Brendan's Death Song"
The Getaway	"Dark Necessities" "Go Robot" "Sick Love" "Goodbye Angels"
Unlimited Love	"Black Summer" "These Are the Ways"
Return of the Dream Canteen	"Tippa My Tongue" "The Drummer"
What Hits!?	"Behind the Sun"
Greatest Hits	"Fortune Faded"
Promotional singles	The Red Hot Chili Peppers "Get Up and Jump" Freaky Styley "Jungle Man" "Hollywood (Africa)"
Non-album singles	"Show Me Your Soul" "Soul to Squeeze" "Love Rollercoaster"
Other songs	"True Men Don't Kill Coyotes" "Catholic School Girls Rule" "For the Thrashers" "Good Time Boys" "Pretty Little Ditty" "Charlie" "Did I Let You Know" "Poster Child" "Eddie"

Authority control databases	MusicBrainz work MusicBrainz release group