Breaking the Girl

Single infobox
Name = Breaking the Girl


Artist = Red Hot Chili Peppers
from Album = Blood Sugar Sex Magik
B-side = "Fela's Cock"
Released = 1992
Format = CD, 7" single
Recorded = May-June 1991
Genre = Alternative rock
Length = 4:55
Label = Warner Bros. Records
Producer = Rick Rubin
Last single = "Suck My Kiss"
(1992)
This single = "Breaking the Girl"
(1992)
Next single = "Behind the Sun"
(1992)

"Breaking the Girl" is a song by the alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers released in 1992, from their 1991 album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik". It is a melodic ballad that refers to a turbulent relationship between frontman Anthony Kiedis and his then-girlfriend, Carmen Hawk, and their subsequent break-up shortly before the recording of "Blood Sugar" began. The bridge of the song makes unique and heavy use of what sounds like an array of strange percussion instruments, which were actually just various pieces of debris taken by drummer Chad Smith from a junkyard for himself, guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea. The song also makes notable use of a Mellotron, using the flute patch, creating a soothing yet purposeful tone. It is also the first and one of only two songs recorded by the band to be in the 6/8 time signature, the other being "Porcelain" on "Californication".

The music video was released in 1992 and was directed by Stéphane Sednaoui, who had previously made the video for the song "Give It Away". It makes heavy, experimental use of vibrant colors, with the background and costumes changing constantly. The Chilis themselves also adopt surreal appearances and behavior, with Kiedis for example having an overall Princess Leia-esque look, complete with robes and a "donut" hairstyle. The "Breaking the Girl" video is one of only two videos to feature Arik Marshall (who briefly acted as a replacement for guitarist John Frusciante) the other video being for "If You Have to Ask" - though he didn't play on either track. The video also features a brief cameo by River Phoenix, who was good friends with members of the band. The woman in the video is played by model/actress Patricia Velasquez.

The song was put on their "Greatest Hits" compilation, but the music video was not put on the DVD. The most likely explanation is that it featured Arik Marshall rather than Frusciante, who had quit the band early in 1992.

"Breaking the Girl" is the first melodic 'ballad' to appear on a Red Hot Chili Peppers album, unless one includes the sombre instrumental "Grand Pappy Du Plenty" from their self titled album the 30-second-long interlude "Lovin' and Touchin'" on "Freaky Styley", the instrumental "Pretty Little Ditty", or the power ballad of sorts, "Knock Me Down", both featured on the "Mother's Milk" album.

Cover versions

Singer/songwriter Anna Nalick recorded an acoustic version of the song for her "Shine EP", released April 2008.
British acoustic Band Turin Brakes recorded a version for their 'Napster live' session.

Track listing

CD single (1991)
# "Breaking the Girl (Edit)"
# "Fela's Cock (Previously Unreleased)"
# "Suck My Kiss (Live)"
# "I Could Have Lied (Live)"

CD single version 2 (1991)
# "Breaking the Girl (Edit)"
# "Suck My Kiss (Live)"
# "I Could Have Lied (Live)"

CD single version 3 (1992)
# "Breaking the Girl (Edit)"
# "Fela's Cock (Previously Unreleased)"
# "Suck My Kiss (Live)"
# "I Could Have Lied (Live)"

7" single (1992)
# "Breaking the Girl (Edit)"
# "Fela's Cock (Unreleased)"

12" single (1992)
# "Breaking the Girl (Edit)"
# "Fela's Cock (Previously Unreleased)"
# "Suck My Kiss (Live)"
# "I Could Have Lied (Live)"

Cassette single (1992)
# "Breaking the Girl (Edit)"
# "The Power of Equality (Album Version)"

A common misconception amongst new fans is that the B Side "Fela's Cock" is misspelt and the song's title is meant to be "Flea's Cock", after their bassist, "Flea". However, the song is intended to be a dedication to "Fela Kuti", the late Nigerian musician.