Knock Me Down

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Knock Me Down is a song by Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 1989 album Mother's Milk. It was released on August 22, 1989, as the album’s second single. The track is about dealing with the ego and problems associated with rock-star life, and it serves as a tribute to guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died in 1988 from a heroin overdose. Anthony Kiedis says the song is about recognizing you need help and accepting it from others, whether the help comes from drugs or other personal issues. It peaked at number six on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

The basic tracks were recorded in March–April 1989 at Hully Gully Studios in Silver Lake. The song grew out of jam sessions and, at first, wasn’t produced by Michael Beinhorn. Flea has said these sessions were very productive and that John Frusciante’s presence helped shape the band’s new sound. Musically, Knock Me Down blends their punk roots with more melody and harmony, moving toward an alternative direction. It was originally planned as a duet between Kiedis and Frusciante, but a remix ended up highlighting Frusciante’s vocals more. An extended, longer version with extra verses is available on the Mother’s Milk bonus material.

The music video features Alex Winter and was directed by Drew Carolan, who also directed the video for Higher Ground. The B-side of the single is Millionaires Against Hunger, produced by Michael Beinhorn with George Clinton.