Guns N’ Roses – “November Rain” RARE Acoustic Demo

Use Your Illusion Demo

The iconic power ballad ‘November Rain’ by LA rockers Guns N’ Roses had humble beginnings as a simple acoustic ballad that Axl Rose had no idea how to finish. In fact, the polished, emotionally charged version that was featured on Use Your Illusion I wasn’t even properly finished until 1991, despite Axl having started it in 1983.

Whether the band knew it or not, this rough acoustic demo of ‘November Rain’ signaled a huge shift in the band’s musical sound, foregoing the grittiness and attitude of Appetite For Destruction in exchange for Use Your Illusion I + II’s more power ballad driven, lengthier tracks.

Clocking in at almost 9 minutes long, ‘November Rain’ peaked at number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the longest song in history to enter the top ten of that chart.

Guys, this is a definite must hear for Guns N’ Roses fans! It’s such a great look at Axl Rose’s creative process, and hearing the skeleton to what became one of the best power ballads of the 1990’s is definitely a once in a lifetime kind of moment!

+ November Rain lyrics +

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