 " Under the Bridge " is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers , released on September 24 , 1991 as the second single from the group 's fifth studio album , Blood Sugar Sex Magik . 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 initially did not feel " Under the Bridge " would fit into the Chili Peppers ' repertoire and was reluctant to show it to his band mates until producer Rick Rubin implored him to do so . The rest of the band was receptive to the lyrics and wrote the music . 
