“Not the One” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

This is a relatively complex love song, if a listener even decides to classify it in that manner.  And part of the complexity is founded in the fact that it’s not abundantly clear if the addressee is an established lover of the vocalist’s or someone he is now getting with.  But all lyrics considered, it reads as if he may have dealt with her in the past, and that their relationship was quite serious.  Since then, as most clearly alluded to in the third verse, they have parted ways.  And by the looks of things, the addressee wants the vocalist back.

But it’s almost as if what he’s saying, thesis wise, is that he’s not actually the person she remembers him as.  Or rather, it seems as if the addressee is someone who always valued the vocalist more for his potential than who he actually is.  And in the past, he may have been more inclined to strive towards her expectations, even till now appreciating the fact that she inspires him so.  But as time transpired, let’s say that the vocalist has become even more comfortable in his skin.  So even though his feelings for the addressee may still be strong, and he is interested in her romantically, Anthony knows that ultimately ‘he’s not the one for her’.  Or at least that’s one way of interpreting all that’s going down here.

When did “Not the One” come out?

On 24 March 2022, Warner Records made this the third single released in advance of the Red Hot Chili’s Peppers’ “Unlimited Love”, i.e. their 14^th studio album.

As the album’s third single, “Not the One” was preceded by these singles:

• “Poster Child”
• “Black Summer”

Credits

Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, Flea and John Frusciante – aka the Red Hot Chili Peppers – wrote “Not the One”  And the track was produced by another music industry mainstay, Rick Rubin.