Behind The Song: Guns N’ Roses “November Rain” Explained

Podcast Information:

• Title: Behind The Song
• Host: Janda Lane, The Drive | Hubbard Radio
• Episode: Guns N’ Roses “November Rain,” Explained
• Release Date: November 20, 2024

Description:
"Dig into the lyrics of classic rock songs and the storytellers that created them in 'Behind The Song,' a podcast of essays by The Drive's Janda Lane. Hear what was happening behind the scenes while some of the most iconic songs in rock history were being written."

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane delves deep into the creation and legacy of Guns N’ Roses' monumental track, “November Rain.” From its intricate composition to the elaborate music video that captivated millions, this episode uncovers the layers behind one of rock history’s most enduring ballads.

Background of "November Rain"

“November Rain” stands as one of Guns N’ Roses' most iconic songs, boasting over 2 billion YouTube views—a milestone achieved long before the platform's existence. Released as part of the Use Your Illusion I album on September 17, 1991, the song soared to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the title of the longest song to reach the US Top 10 at nearly nine minutes until Taylor Swift's “All Too Well” surpassed it in 2021.

Janda notes, “Guns N’ Roses’ 'November Rain' is as over the top as they come for a song that Axl Rose started writing on piano almost 10 years earlier” (00:11). The track was heavily inspired by Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” evident in its piano-driven melody and lush string orchestration.

Song Development and Composition

Axl Rose's dedication to perfection is a central theme in the song’s development. Originating in the early 1980s, Rose meticulously refined “November Rain” over nearly a decade. As he revealed to Rolling Stone in 1988, “if it wasn't recorded right, I would quit the business” (00:11). This relentless pursuit of excellence led to multiple demos, with Slash recalling an 18-minute version from 1986 that was ultimately pared down to the masterful nine-minute epic we know today.

The Recording Process

The recording of "November Rain" came during a transformative period for Guns N’ Roses. The Use Your Illusion albums marked the introduction of drummer Matt Sorum, who replaced Stephen Adler amid Adler’s struggles with drug use. This lineup change, coupled with the band's notorious lifestyle, introduced new dynamics and challenges.

Janda explains, “The Use Your Illusion albums were the first with drummer Matt Sorum, who replaced Stephen Adler due to Adler's drug use” (Transcript Segment). The band sought to channel their creative energy away from the distractions of Los Angeles by rehearsing in Chicago's Metro on Clark Street during the summer of 1989. However, the environment did little to curb their partying tendencies, with Slash revealing, “at the time he was drinking a half a gallon of vodka every day” (Transcript Segment). Amidst this chaos, Rose remained steadfast in his commitment to “November Rain,” eventually persuading the band to embrace its softer sound despite initial reservations.

The Music Video Trilogy

A pivotal aspect of “November Rain” was its groundbreaking music video, directed by Andy Morahan. With a budget of $1.5 million, it became the most expensive video at the time, setting a new standard for cinematic storytelling in music videos. The video was part of a trilogy that included “Estranged” and “Don't Cry,” all inspired by Del James’ short story “Without You.”

Del James, a long-time band affiliate and road manager, crafted the narrative foundation for the trilogy. His story revolves around a rock star named Main Man, whose tumultuous relationships lead to personal downfall—a narrative mirrored in the videos. Janda highlights, “The short story 'Without You' was the basis for all three Gn’r videos in the trilogy 'November Rain,' 'Estranged,' and 'Don't Cry,' which director Andy Morahan brought to stunning visual life” (Transcript Segment).

Real Life Influences and Relationships

The intertwining of real-life relationships with the band’s creative output is a notable element of the “November Rain” saga. The music videos prominently feature supermodel Stephanie Seymour, who was romantically involved with Axl Rose during the early '90s. Their two-year affair, fraught with allegations of assault and infidelity, influenced the narrative of the trilogy, particularly in “Don't Cry” where Seymour's character confronts Rose’s on-screen infidelity.

Janda reflects, “As for the real-life romance, it was pretty rocky... that's why Seymour isn't in the third video in the trilogy, 1993's 'Estranged'” (Transcript Segment). This blending of personal turmoil and artistic expression added a layer of authenticity and drama to the visual storytelling.

Lyrics and Themes

“November Rain” is often interpreted as a tale of lost love and emotional vulnerability. While the music echoes the grandeur of Elton John’s ballads, the lyrics reveal a more personal narrative. Indicators suggest the song was inspired by Axl Rose’s relationship with Erin Everly, his one-time wife, whose tumultuous marriage and subsequent divorce left a profound impact on him.

Janda analyzes the lyrics, highlighting lines such as:

• “When I look into your eyes, I can see a love restrained” (Transcript Segment)
• “Nothing lasts forever and we both know hearts can change” (Transcript Segment)

These verses encapsulate the transient nature of love and the pain of parting, themes universally resonant and poignantly delivered through Rose's emotive performance.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

“November Rain” transcended its initial release to become a cultural phenomenon. The song’s intricate arrangement and heartfelt lyrics provided a humanizing glimpse into Axl Rose’s complex persona. Its music video, long before the viral age of YouTube, became a staple on MTV, culminating in a memorable live performance at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, where Elton John joined Guns N’ Roses on piano for the full nine-minute rendition.

By 2023, the “November Rain” video had surpassed 2 billion YouTube views, a testament to its enduring appeal. Janda emphasizes, “Watching 'November Rain' is really like watching Hard Rock Time Capsule... It became part of the pop culture in ways that really couldn't have been imagined back in the '90s” (Transcript Segment).

The song also marked a shift in the rock genre, signaling the decline of extravagant music videos as grunge and minimalism began to dominate the scene. Despite this, “November Rain” remains a beloved anthem, celebrated for its emotional depth and artistic ambition.

Conclusion

In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda Lane masterfully unpacks the multifaceted creation of “November Rain,” showcasing how Guns N’ Roses melded personal experiences, artistic vision, and collaborative storytelling to craft a timeless classic. From the painstaking songwriting process to the groundbreaking music video trilogy, “November Rain” stands as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy in rock history.

As Janda concludes, “It’s a universal theme... nothing lasts forever, including their love affair. And in the end, the cold November rain is the thing that will pass” (Transcript Segment). This poignant reflection encapsulates the essence of the song’s lasting impact.

Tune in to discover more behind the music’s most iconic moments. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your favorite rock ballads in the comments!