Under the Bridge

About this song

Anthony Kiedis first wrote the lyrics as a poem while driving home from rehearsal on LA's 101 freeway, at a time when his sobriety seemed to be pulling him away from the rest of the band. Producer Rick Rubin found the poem among Kiedis's writings and insisted he turn it into a song, even though Kiedis was reluctant and didn't think it suited the band's style. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard charts and helped bring the Red Hot Chili Peppers into the mainstream.

What it's about

The song looks back on a lonely period in Los Angeles, when Kiedis wandered the streets and hills and thought about his late friend, guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died of a heroin overdose. It also explores the isolation he felt, with the city feeling like the only friend he could trust.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 17 other songs, like “Time of Our Lives: Songs from EVERY YEAR (1970-2020) by DJ Earworm”.
• Covered 19 times, including “Under the Bridge by Roachford”.
• Written by Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante and Chad Smith.
• Produced by Rick Rubin.
• Recorded at The Mansion.