Lyric discussion by r1vers 

Cover art for Hey lyrics by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Re: "Take away the tourniquet" - some good thoughts already into a great line.

Another interesting fact about tourniquets is that generally speaking in usage outside of a hospital they are a last ditch effort to save a life. They are only to be used when there is going to be enough blood loss from a limb to potentially kill someone because using this method ultimately cuts off all blood flow to the limb, leaving no choice but amputation.

Sooooo possibly AK is suggesting that he'd rather die than live without this aspect of his life. Overall a straightforward song, but this first verse is a little trickier than meets the eye.

@r1vers tourniquets are also used for IV drug injection.. knowing Anthony that is the use I assume he is referring to.