Reportedly, Ethiophia got its name from a trip that Flea and guitarist Klinghoffer took to the country. In an Italian magazine, Kiedis spoke about the song: "It reflects the new spirituality of the band. Instead of drugs and alcohol, meditation, and injections of ozone, not heroin. Love for children and family. Respect and hope."

Unfortunately, Ethiopia also contains the worst aspect of Kiedis' wordplay, starting with "Eei-eei-oh-eei-eei-ee-aay" and going downhill from there.

Thankfully, the chorus is lush, with Smith playing slightly behind the beat. Soon after, Klinghoffer lets loose with a twisty little double-stop guitar solo. It's nothing fancy, but it does the job, and makes Ethiophia worth the price of admission.