Lyric discussion by onezero 

Cover art for Ricky lyrics by John Frusciante

"Maybe the end, "and you can function as someone besides who you are", just re-affirms the song as a whole. He is saying that you can actually function as someone besides who you are - which is a scary thought. Yet - just because you can function in such a manner doesn't mean it is a good thing." - Owenparry

I agree completely. Just because you can function besides who you are doesnt mean its good for you. listen to how the song, which was in major, ends on that minor chord right as he says that for the last time.