Instability of Achieving Emotinal Stability

“Popular songs have both celebrated and skewered the state’s culture and customs for much of the twentieth century”(Lipsitz 154). Apparently, a trend continues into the twenty first century since melodies still expose the pros and cons of California dreams. An Example is Under the Bridge, a tune developed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers that embellishes the California dream of emotional stability with somber, yet lustrous shades. Already, the song’s title exposes a negative aspect- a metaphor representing sorrow and depression. Anthony, the lead singer of the band narrates his life as a drug addict. While projecting himself in such manner he refers to Los Angeles as “my only friend, is the city I live in, the city of Angels”, revealing the comfort Los Angeles instills into him to wash away the pain of physical and psychological addiction. Even though Anthony gives a promising impression on the California dream of emotional stability, he constantly doubts his ability to overcome his addiction mentioning “I never worry, now that is a lie”. Again although Los Angeles mitigates his indomitable battle against drugs, Anthony questions whether he can sustain a life without mind altering substances. Under the Bridge epitomizes the California dream of emotional stability, it reminds us “how hard life has been- and continues to me,-for so many in this state”(Lipsitz 167). The only difference though, is hope’s subtle introduction into the song

Works Cited

Lipsitz, George. Music, Migration, and Myth: The California Connection. Reading California -     Art, Image and Identity, 1900-2000. By Stephanie Barron, Sheri Bernstein and Ilene Susan Fort. New York:University of California P, 2000. 1-416.

Comments

[Patrick Ayers]

I actually picked the same song as you but I think you did a much better job at analyzing the lyrics and their meaning. The "Under the bridge" song truly does express the sorrow that many californians feel when they are addicted to a drug. However, I thought some of the lyrics were refering to the band member who died a few years ago from a drug over dose. When the singer says, "As lonely as I am together we cry", I thought he was refering to the comfort the city brings him when he has lost a loved one. Even though I have this opinion, I think you really did a great job at analyzing the song.

[Tyler Hay]

Above all else, I believe the title of the song represents the hopeless life of a druggie in Claifornia. Driving along the freeway on the way to San Diego, I always see bums sleeping under the bridge, and I cannot help but to believe that some of these people have fallen victim to drugs. Also, when the singer befriends Los Angeles, he would be befriending the structures (such as bridges) and buildings the city has to offer. The general meaining of the song can be interpreted just by anylizing the song's title, but you explained the lyrics in the song instead, making for an even deeper interpretation. Great Job