Under the Bridge

Under the Bridge is considered one of the most successful songs by the Californian crossover band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It appeared on their 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik and was released as a single on March 10, 1992.

Song

The lyrics were originally written by singer Anthony Kiedis as a poem; it was only at the instigation of producer Rick Rubin that it was included in the album as a ballad. It deals with Kiedis' time of heroin addiction in L.A. (Spanish: Los Ángeles [losˈaŋxeles]), the city of angels. Under the bridge downtown is said to be the place with which Kiedis associates a drug experience.

The backing vocals are from a gospel choir that included guitarist John Frusciante's mother.

The song is in E major; the final section is based on a C major cadenza, each beginning with an A major chord.

Music video

In the music video, Frusciante can be seen playing the riff of the song, often associated with Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing, on a Fender Jaguar. The Fender Jaguar was also often played by guitarist Kurt Cobain, who was also a heroin addict.

The bridge featured in the music video is said to be the same bridge featured in the music video for By the Way from the 2002 album of the same name.