Under The Bridge
Rock A Bye Baby Lyrics

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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

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

Under 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

Overall Meaning

The song “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a tale of loneliness and isolation set in the city of Los Angeles. The song starts with the lead singer, Anthony Kiedis, lamenting not having a partner despite being surrounded by so many people in the city. He explains how the city of Los Angeles is his only friend and how they both cry together. The city brings him comfort and familiarity, as it has been his home for so long. He feels a connection to the streets and hills of the city and sees recognition for his good deeds. However, he admits that even though he doesn't worry anymore, this is a lie.

The chorus of the song is a plea to be taken to the place he loves, which is the city of Los Angeles, as it keeps him from feeling lonely. The second verse reiterates the feeling of isolation and the search for love as Kiedis proclaims that it's hard to believe that he's all alone. However, he finds solace in the fact that the city loves him and that they cry together. Kiedis repeats the chorus for emphasis, then comes to the main verse “Under the Bridge,” where he recounts a time where he experienced a moment of peace and joy away from the loneliness. The bridge represents a spot in Los Angeles where Kiedis used to go when he needed a break from city life. It was there that he “forgot about his love” and gave a piece of himself away.

Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes I feel
At times I experience emotions

Like I don't have a partner
That make me think that I have no one to turn to

Like my only friend
As if my sole ally is the place I am currently dwelling in

Is the city I live in
The metropolis that I reside in is my confidante

The city of angels
Los Angeles, dubbed the city of angels

Lonely as I am
Despite being by myself

Together we cry
The city and I share our sorrows

I drive on her streets
I traverse along her roads

'Cause she's my companion
Since the city is my mate

I walk through her hills
I stroll amidst her mountains

'Cause she knows who I am
Because the city understands my essence