"Breaking the Girl" is a melodic ballad that delves into the turbulent and inconsistent love life of frontman Anthony Kiedis, highlighting his struggle to focus solely on his girlfriend at the time. The song's composition features a 12-string guitar, tuned a half step down, and a Mellotron, with a percussion break in the bridge that builds with increasingly complex rhythms. These unique percussive elements were created using junkyard debris found by the band members. The main guitar riff draws inspiration from Led Zeppelin ballads, while the drumming is influenced by Mitch Mitchell's work with Jimi Hendrix. At its heart, the song explores the emotional turmoil of a relationship strained by personal struggles.