Rolling Stone and MTV compiled a list of the "100 Greatest Pop Songs Since The Beatles" in 2000, with "Under the Bridge" coming in fifty-fourth.
Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the lyrics to express feelings of loneliness and despondency, and to reflect on narcotics and their impact on his life.
The song became a critical and commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, behind "Jump" by Kris Kross and later receiving a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
It won the "Viewer's Choice Award" and "Breakthrough Video" at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.
David Fricke of Rolling Stone said that the song "unexpectedly drop-kicked the band into the Top 10".