Under the Bridge

Red Hot Chili Peppers

About Under the Bridge

"Under the Bridge" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is the eleventh track on the group's fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and was released as its second single on March 10, 1992. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the lyrics to express feelings of loneliness and despondency, and to reflect on narcotics and their impact on his life. Kiedis was driving home from rehearsals when "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" was in pre-production and said he sang the lyrics to himself. Kiedis initially did not feel that "Under the Bridge" would fit into the Chili Peppers' repertoire, and was reluctant to show it to his bandmates until producer Rick Rubin implored him to do so. The rest of the band was receptive to the lyrics and wrote the music. The song became a critical and commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, behind "Jump" by Kris Kross and later receiving a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. The single's success was widened with the release of its accompanying video, which was frequently played on music television channels. It won the "Viewer's Choice Award" and "Breakthrough Video" at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. 


Year:
1992
4:24
3,940 
#18

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Sometimes I feel
Like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel
Like my only friend
Is the city I live in
The city of angels
Lonely as I am
Together we cry

I drive on her streets
'Cause she's my companion
I walk through her hills
'Cause she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds
And she kisses me windy
I never worry
Now that is a lie

I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the way
I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the way (yeah yeah)

It's hard to believe
That there's nobody out there
It's hard to believe
That I'm all alone
At least I have her love
The city she loves me
Lonely as I am
Together we cry

I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the way
I don't ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the way (yeah yeah)
Ooh no (no no yeah yeah)
Love me I say yeah yeah

Under the bridge downtown
Is were I drew some blood
Under the bridge downtown
I could not get enough
Under the bridge downtown
Forgot about my love
Under the bridge downtown
I gave my life away (yeah yeah)
Ooh no (no no yeah yeah)
Here I stay yeah yeah

Here I stay

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk rock and psychedelic rock. Live, they incorporate many aspects of jam rock due to the improvised nature of much of their performances. Currently, the band consists of founding members Anthony Kiedis (vocals) and Michael "Flea" Balzary (bass), longtime drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who joined in late 2009, following the departure of John Frusciante. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have won seven Grammy Awards and sold over 80 million albums worldwide. In 2012 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. more »

17 fans

Written by: Michael Peter Balzary, John Anthony Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Gaylord Smith

Lyrics © MoeBeToBlame, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Under the Bridge" was composed by the band's lead singer Anthony Kiedis and the other members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The song was produced by Rick Rubin.
Album Release
The song is a track from the band's fifth studio album entitled "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," which was released on September 24, 1991.
Chart Performance
"Under the Bridge" reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the band's most successful songs. It also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including the UK and Australia.
Emotional Background
The song lyrics are drawn from Kiedis's feelings of loneliness and alienation. It reflects his experiences of drug addiction and the impact on his relationships and sense of connection to the city he loves, Los Angeles.
LA Landmarks
The bridge referred to in "Under the Bridge" is an actual location in Los Angeles. However, Kiedis has declined to disclose the exact location, stating that it's a personal memory.
Song Legacy
The song contributed significantly to the Red Hot Chili Peppers' mainstream success. It also brought them recognition as serious musicians and songwriters beyond their earlier funk-rock style.
Cover Versions
"Under the Bridge" has been covered by many artists, such as All Saints, who had a hit with their version in 1998.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Gus Van Sant, prominently features various scenes from around Los Angeles, notably the city's downtown area.
Awards and Recognition
The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including "Best Rock Song" and "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" in 1993. In 2004, it was ranked #357 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Cultural Impact
The song's themes of isolation, addiction, and the healing power of music have resonated with many listeners worldwide. Even decades after its release, "Under the Bridge" remains an iconic alternative rock anthem.
Song Origin
"Under the Bridge" is a song by the American rock band "Red Hot Chili Peppers". It was released as a single in 1992 and is one of the band's most successful and well-known songs.
Chart Success
The song was a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. This made "Under the Bridge" the band's highest charting single until "Scar Tissue" reached number one in 1999.
Inspiration
The lyrics of the song were inspired by the feelings of loneliness and desolation that vocalist Anthony Kiedis experienced in relation to his drug addiction. The "bridge" in the title refers to a specific location in Los Angeles where Kiedis used to buy drugs.
Album Feature
"Under the Bridge" is the eleventh track on the band's fifth studio album, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" which was generally well-received and marked a significant turning point in the band's career.
Accolades
In 2000, VH1 placed the song at number 54 in the "100 Greatest Rock Songs" list.
Musical Style
The song, which is primarily comprised of a melody-driven rock and pop style, has been noted for its contrasting verse and chorus dynamic, featuring a melancholy intro that builds up to an anthemic chorus.
Video Recognition
The song's music video, directed by Gus Van Sant, won the Viewers Choice Award at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.
Live Performances
Considered a staple in the Red Hot Chili Peppers' live performances, "Under the Bridge" is almost always included in the setlists for their concerts.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many artists in various styles. One of the most successful versions was recorded by British girl group All Saints in 1998, which reached the top spot in the UK Singles Chart.
Society Impact
The song has often been interpreted as an appeal for understanding and solidarity, with many fans and listeners relating its lyrics to their own experiences of loneliness and alienation.

Discuss the Under the Bridge Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment
  • Aaric Hansler
    Aaric Hansler
    Original Lyrics say...City of Angels. You tube video sings and says, City of Angel. I remember City of Angels, or, L.A
    LikeReply6 years ago

Citation

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"Under the Bridge Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/910138/Red+Hot+Chili+Peppers/Under+the+Bridge>.

Missing lyrics by Red Hot Chili Peppers?

Know any other songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers? Don't keep it to yourself!

Watch the song video

Under the Bridge

214.9M
982.6K     27,204

Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

Billboard #2


Browse Lyrics.com

Quiz

Are you a music master?

»
"I sit and wonder does the message get to you?"
A Uap Widya - Get Back to You
B Curtis Stigers - I Wonder Why
C Baltimora - Tarzan Boy
D Selena Gomez - Good for You

Free, no signup required:

Add to Chrome

Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

Free, no signup required:

Add to Firefox

Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

Don't miss Red Hot Chili Peppers's

Upcoming Events

»
Red Hot Chili Peppers tracks

On Radio Right Now

Loading...

Powered by OnRad.io


Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

Movies soundtrack

Under the Bridge

»