Released August 17, 2002 Recorded March 2002 | Format CD, 7" vinyl Length 3:53 | |
B-side "Body of Water"
"Someone"
"Out of Range"
"Rivers of Avalon" Genre Alternative rock, neo-psychedelia, soft rock, acoustic rock | ||
"The Zephyr Song" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the second single released from the band's eighth studio album, By the Way, released on August 17, 2002. 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.
Contents
The single peaked at number 6 on the Modern Rock chart, breaking the band's streak of three straight number-one hits.
The working title for the song during the recording sessions was "Coltraine".
Composition
The song is about nature's healing power and human connection.
Music video
The music video on December 1, 2002, was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The couple has collaborated with the band on other CDs. It is generally suggestive and reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, by utilizing the same circular and intertwining figures in order to illustrate the psychedelic feel the band was aiming for.
Live performances
"The Zephyr Song" was performed over 120 times from 2002-2004 however remained absent from the band's setlists for twelve years until finally returning in 2016.