Originally named Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed by Fairfax High School alumni Anthony Kiedis, Hillel Slovak, Jack Irons, and Michael “Flea” Balzary following what was supposed to be a one time performance in 1983. As Slovak was already committed to another group, What Is This?, the foursome never intended to become part of the Los Angeles punk scene. Their first performance was at the Rhythm Lounge, to a crowd of roughly 30 people. One song had been created for the occasion, which involved the band improvising music while Kiedis rapped a poem he had written called “Out in L.A.”. The performance was so lively the band were asked to return the following week. Due to this unexpected success, the members changed the band’s name to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, playing several more shows at various LA clubs and musical venues.
Under the Bridge
This was their second hit off of their 1991 breakout album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik.
It almost never became a song in the first place, because the lyrics and nature of the song made Anthony Kiedis reluctant to show it to producer Rick Rubin and also to record it. The song is about Anthony’s addiction to heroin, and about how he used to shoot up under the downtown bridge. It is also how he has been able to fight that addiction.
Ruben thought the song was beautiful and talked a reluctant Kiedis into sharing it with the band. After singing it to guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea, Kiedis recalls that they “got up and walked over to their instruments and started finding the beat and guitar chords to match it.”
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 cryI drive on her streets
‘Cause she’s my companion
I walk through her hills
And she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds
And she kisses me windy
I never worry
Now that is a lieI 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 wayIt’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 cryI don’t ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all that way
I don’t ever want to feel
Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love
Take me all the wayUnder the bridge downtown
Is where 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
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