"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 only song recorded by the band to be in the 6/8 time signature.
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 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.
