I believe the lyrics to 'Dani California' were written in reference to the constant back biting between Anthony Keidis and Mike Patton (vocalist for Faith no more and Mr Bungle).

This feud has been running ever since the late 80s/early 90s, when Anthony Keidis accused Patton of stealing his whole act.

Reasons for my hypothesis -

Mr Bungle released an album called 'California' at the same time the Chilis released 'Californication'. Apparently, the Chilis were not amused.

Chorus to 'Dani Calfornia' -

'California rest in peace,
Simultaneous release'

Keidis had Patton's Mr Bungle thrown off the bill at major festivals, stating he refused to share the same stage with Patton. Mr Bungle responded by holding a satirical 'tribute' gig to the chilis. They taped syringes to their arms, pretended to snort cocaine and mocked Chad Smith's constant sponsorship deals. Once again, the Chilis were not amused.

Link -

Live video

In the video for Dani California, the Chilis dress up as famous rock stars in numerous parodies - a reference to Bungle impersonating the Chilis perhaps?

Link -

Dani California video

In the last verse of Dani California, we have the lyric -

'...saving the best for last,
It only hurts when I laugh'

There follows a reprise of the 'California rest in peace' line. California was Bungle's last album before they split up.

I think Keidis is taking personal swipes at Patton with this song. I'd be interested to know what others think.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Duncan Black,

This sounds totally plausible. Patton is an artist of integrity unlike the overrated Peppers. I trust the art not the artist, so I really know nothing about the soap opera going ons of most acts, but you present a good case counsellor!

I got the impression that Dani California (and most of RHCP's hits) is about finding words that rhyme with names of American states.

I think you've both got something. I'm listening to the tune right now on the radio (how coincidental is that?) and I can hear the references to Mr Bungle in there, as well as at least ten of the fifty states. Honestly though, I rarely can tell what Kiedis and Co. are talking about.

You know it's funny. I was singing this the other day, yes I'm a Patton fan and I was singing a Chili Peppers song, and I was singing the main chorus and I just went, "Wait a minute!" And part of me just went, "Ofcourse, what else do the lyrics mean? And part of me went, "As if they'd do that."

I don't know, it seems to make so much sense when you know the 'California', 'Californication' story. It could be. I'm not entirely certain about the dressing up as different band things being a reference, that might also be true, but the lyrics may very well be intended to mean that.

The Chili Peppers are cool but, love Mr. Bungle.

I always thought "California rest in peace/Simultaneous release" was a roundabout way of saying Stadium Arcadium would be their last album, California being a theme the music is based on and simultaneous release being the double-disc Stadium Arcadium.

Dani is a fictional girl that the red hot chili peppers have used in their songs for a wile now, it started with the song "Californication" mentioned by (she was the "teenage bride with a baby inside") then moved on to "By The Way", and her name is finally released in Dani California. Theres a picture of her on their single cd. At least thats my take on whats behind Dani California