My Gen X Playlist: November Rain – Guns N Roses

While I was walking in Pasadena last week, I was greeted by an unexpected rain shower. The week before, the temperature hit 80 degrees. And even though warm weather is very unusual for November, this turn to raindrops took me by surprise. I found myself seeking cover from the rain.

I ducked into a nearby gallery. What luck. It was a good excuse to enjoy original black and white photography hanging from the walls. I had the gallery to myself and took my time. If I had to take cover from the rain, this was a nice place to do it.

A few doors down was a small vinyl record store. This wasn’t here when I lived down the street. I dodged a few drops and headed in. Looking through vinyl is pretty nostalgic for me. It reminded me of record shopping with my friends and brother back in high school. Unfortunately, I no longer have a turntable. If I did, I may have perused a little longer.

I looked out the window and the rain seemed to subside. That was my cue to avoid getting drenched. I quickly left and found my way back to my car. All in all, I was thankful for the brief rain. It lent me an opportunity to enjoy a few local independent shops that I would have otherwise missed. It turned out to be a nice unexpected detour.

Guns N Roses released November Rain in 1991. Who knew this began as a marathon long song.

Written by Axl Rose, the original version of this song was 25-minutes long, and was edited down to 8:59. It is the longest ever Top 10 hit and contains the longest guitar solo in a Top 10 single.

Songfacts

A twenty five minute song – just about the same amount of time as my November shower. The original version would have been perfect background music on my unexpected detour.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

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, ooh yeah
Love is always comin', love is always goin'
No one's really sure who's lettin' go today
Walkin' 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?
Ooh, everybody needs some time on their own
Ooh, 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?
Oh, oh, oh

Sometimes I need some time on my own
Sometimes I need some time all alone
Ooh, everybody needs some time on their own
Ooh, 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