Guns N’ Roses – Patience – American Music Awards ’89
Axl Rose loves hitting those high notes!
Released as a single in 1989, on the album, G N” R, “Patience” was released as a power ballad, and immediately set a new trend in rock music.
Due to its all-acoustic instrumentation, it allowed hard rockers be able to display their sensitive, more vulnerable side. If you look back to the 90’s more and more bands started catching on to this trend. The song is played using three acoustic guitars, Axls’ whistling is definitely a huge part of the song, almost an added instrument. It was recorded in a single session and was produced by Mike Clink.
The motivation for the track is generally accepted to be the troublesome relationship between Axl Rose and now ex-wife Erin Everly, though this was never stated in the album or interviews. According to bass guitarist Duff McKagan, “Axl came up with a great lyric, seemingly out of nowhere, that of course became the story and melody of that song.
I’ve always loved the simplicity of this song, and everyone can relate. It’s a beautiful, honest song about a relationship. The emotion in this live performance is incredible. I love wacthing the band drown in their own passions.
+Patience lyrics below+
Shed a tear ’cause I’m missin’ you
I’m still alright to smile
Girl, I think about you every day now
Was a time when I wasn’t sure
But you set my mind at ease
There is no doubt you’re in my heart now
Said woman take it slow, and it’ll work itself out fine
All we need is just a little patience
Said sugar make it slow and we’ll come together fine
All we need is just a little patience (Patience)
Mm, yeah
I sit here on the stairs
‘Cause I’d rather be alone
If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear
Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time
But you know love there’s one more thing to consider
Said woman take it slow and things will be just fine
You and I’ll just use a little patience
Said sugar take the time ’cause the lights are shining bright
You and I’ve got what it takes to make it
We won’t fake it, I’ll never break it
‘Cause I can’t take it
Little patience, mm yeah, mm yeah
Need a little patience, yeah
Just a little patience, yeah
Some more patience, yeah (I’ve been walking the streets at night, just trying to get it right)
A little patience, yeah (Its hard to see with so many around
You know I don’t like being stuck in the crowd)
Could use some patience, yeah (And the streets don’t change but maybe the names)
(I ain’t got time for the game ’cause I need you)
Gotta have more patience, yeah (Yeah, yeah but I need you)
All need some patience (Ooh I need you, whoa I need you)
Just a little patience is all you need (Ooh, this time, ah)
