Meaning of "Under the Bridge" by All Saints

The lyrics in "Under the Bridge" convey a deep sense of emotional attachment and reliance on the city as a source of comfort and companionship. The singer emphasizes feeling like they don't have a partner and that the city has become their only friend. The city is depicted as "the city of cities" and although the singer acknowledges feeling lonely, they find solace in the shared crying with the city. This highlights the singer's emotional connection to the environment they inhabit and the sense of belonging they derive from it.

The chorus repeats the desire to never feel a certain way again, referring to a specific day where they experienced a negative emotion. They want to be taken to the place they love, suggesting that being in that place brings them joy and relief from their emotional struggles. This place represents a refuge from their loneliness and the pain they have experienced.

Each verse provides a different perspective on the singer's relationship with the city. One of the members, Natalie, mentions driving on the city's streets and walking through its hills, emphasizing the familiarity and intimacy they feel with the environment. They believe the city knows who they are and acknowledges their good deeds, providing a sense of validation. However, the line "Now that is a lie" suggests that this perception might not be entirely truthful, hinting at a deeper dissatisfaction and potentially revealing the city's limitations in fulfilling their emotional needs.

Another member, Shaznay, expresses the difficulty in believing that there is nobody else out there and highlights the city's love for them as a form of companionship. This further emphasizes the singer's reliance on the city and their desire to be understood and loved. The repetition of "Lonely as I am, together we cry" reinforces the sense of shared emotions and the city acting as a source of solace.

Overall, "Under the Bridge" explores the complex relationship between an individual and their environment. It delves into themes of loneliness, emotional connection, and the search for a sense of belonging. The lyrics depict the city as a refuge and a companion, providing comfort and understanding to the singer's emotional state.