When a poem becomes more.
The band Red Hot Chili Peppers, is a diverse rock group that has had a number of Top 40 radio hits. One song in particular, Under the Bridge has a very interesting creation story. It was released in 1992 as a single and hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. So, how did the song come about? Let’s find out.
The song started out as a poem written by lead singer Anthony Kiedis. Under the Bridge, was vastly different from any song the group had ever released. Producer Rick Ruben convinced Anthony to show his poem to the other band members, even though he wasn’t convinced it should be a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. Rubin thought the poem was beautiful and would make a soulful ballad.
Anthony sang it to guitarist John Frusciante, who then created the guitar part. Next, he showed it to bass player Flea and drummer Chad Smith, who both loved it, accepting it into the fold as a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. The song is about Kiedis and his heroin addiction and the loneliness that was a large part of it. He also references Los Angeles, the city where he grew up.
Poems and songs are very similar in that they both use rhyme and share common structures. They also possess the same goal, and that is to move and inspire audiences. The Red Hot Chili Peppers took a chance and created a top 10 hit. For more information check the article at musicradar.com