Meaning of "By the Way" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The lyrics of "By the Way" convey a sense of excitement and anticipation as the narrator describes waiting in line to see a show. The repetition of phrases like "standing in line," "waiting for," and "by the way, I tried to say" emphasizes the narrator's eagerness to attend the show. The use of vivid imagery, such as "beneath the marquee of her soul," adds a poetic and metaphorical element to the lyrics. The mention of specific phrases and words like "boot cut," "steak-knife," and "card shark" creates a playful and slightly cryptic tone. These words and phrases could be seen as metaphors for various aspects of life, such as risk-taking, deception, and fleeting moments of enjoyment. Overall, the song captures the anticipation and excitement of waiting for an event, while also exploring themes of identity, storytelling, and the fleeting nature of experiences.