‘Cause nothin’ lasts forever/
Even cold November rain.

“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses is about a relationship that is facing strain. The man and woman know it. What they do next will probably determine if they last forever or break apart. Axl seems to be wanting the girl to jump in and give her all to the relationship. In his mind that would seal the deal.

But he equivocates: sometimes people need some time on their own to figure their shit out. “Which way do you want to go” he is asking the girl. Yes, you’ve been burned in the past, do you need time to heal? Or what? His love is like a flame in the cold November rain…it’s unlikely to last long unless things change.

The piano and orchestration in the beginning of the “November Rain”…and throughout, is especially beautiful. As is the choir that sings background. They are used sparsely– just the right amount. It sounds like the Angels lighting the way through the November rain. Axl’s voice is clear and we still have an iconic lead guitar solo as is customary in a Guns N Roses song. This is one of their best overall performances. I would have loved to have heard more songs from GNR in this vein. Cool outro.

Lyrics November Rain
When I look into your eyes
I can see a love restrained
But darlin’ when I hold you
Don’t you know I feel the same

Nothin’ lasts forever
And we both know hearts can change
And it’s hard to hold a candle
In the cold November rain

We’ve been through this such a long long time
Just tryin’ to kill the pain, oo yeah
But love is always coming and love is always going
And no one’s really sure who’s lettin’ go today
Walking away

If we could take the time
To lay it on the line
I could rest my head
Just knowin’ that you were mine
All mine
So if you want to love me
Then darlin’ don’t refrain
Or I’ll just end up walkin’
In the cold November rain

Do you need some time on your own
Do you need some time all alone
Everybody needs some time
On their own
Don’t you know you need some time all alone

I know it’s hard to keep an open heart
When even friends seem out to harm you
But if you could heal a broken heart
Wouldn’t time be out to charm you

Sometimes I need some time
On my own
Sometimes I need some time all alone
Everybody needs some time
On their own
Don’t you know you need some time all alone

And when your fears subside
And shadows still remain, oh yeah
I know that you can love me
When there’s no one left to blame
So never mind the darkness
We still can find a way
‘Cause nothin’ lasts forever
Even cold November rain

Don’t ya think that you need somebody
Don’t ya think that you need someone
Everybody needs somebody
You’re not the only one
You’re not the only one
Don’t ya think that you need somebody
Don’t ya think that you need someone
Everybody needs somebody
You’re not the only one
You’re not the only one
Don’t ya think that you need somebody
Don’t ya think that you need someone
Everybody needs somebody
You’re not the only one
You’re not the only one
Don’t ya think that you need somebody
Don’t ya think that you need someone
Everybody needs somebody

Songwriters: Saul Hudson / Izzy Stradlin / Duff McKagan / Darren A Reed / Matt Sorum / W. Axl Rose