The single was their 11th to top that chart, setting a record they still hold, extended in 2016 to 13 number ones.

Vocalist Anthony Kiedis states that the track is "about surviving, starting fresh.

"[2] "Snow (Hey Oh)" is a characteristically soft, melodic song, much like those from the band's prior album By the Way.

The song is driven by a rapid guitar riff by John Frusciante, and makes use of double stops on the bass by Flea.

[citation needed] The song was sampled in the 2024 track "Thick of It" by British rapper and internet personality KSI.