Lol, lots of people have requested One In A Million in the comments. Great discussion & breakdown! Vin made some really insightful remarks & was much more open minded about the lyrics than everyone was when the song first came out! But, I've come to expect that. ☺️
Also keep in mind Axl came from Lafayette, Indiana so going to LA to make it and it surely had to have been an eye-opener for him. Seeing cops fighting with people (LAPD was corrupt during this time), gangs (this was the 80s remember), Persian and Mexican Immigrants in LA. Axl Rose also gave unbelievable support to NWA,, collab'd with the late EazyE, Ice Cube and even wore their ball cap in their music video. Yeah, he used the N-word which is highly taboo but I cut him some slack. If those aforementioned black people didn't have an issue with it, I don't.
I love how the Christian nutcase Vin is still so butthurt that John Lennon had the gall to say "Imagine there's no Heaven" that Vin couldn't even reference him by his or his bands name.
This song is about a boy grown up in a small white town, in a religous, dysfunctional family and moving to L.A. to make ends meet. Axl wanted this song to be shocking, a punch in the throat, because that was what it was to go from Indiana to Los Angeles in the early 80’s to pursue your musical dreams. The song was released after Appetite, but describes a person before Guns N’ Roses was formed. One in a Million literally meaning being one in a million, in a city bigger than what you’re capable to imagine. Axl also describes a small mindset when arriving, being totally alien to the city and having to figure out a way to survive. If you listen to "Move To The City", "Welcome To The Jungle" & "One in A Million", in that order, you can get quite a grip of a storyline. Also, watch the Jungle music video as well. in the beginning of the video, it shows a small town white boy Axl arriving in the big city, instantly culture shocked by the man trying to sell him drugs (Played by Izzy Stradlin, Rhythm guitarist. He actually did this for a living when he first moved from Indiana to L.A., before Axl) and the women. We can see Axl being brainwashed in some scenes and at the end of the video we see a completely changed man, with teased hair and make-up, standing at the same bus stop as he first arrived at, watching the TV’s behind a glass wall displaying himself being brainwashed. Axl tells the story behind Jungle during a live performance at The Ritz in 1988: "Five or six years ago I hitchhiked here and ended up, stuck out in the middle of this place.. [I] climbed up out on the freeway and this black man comes up to me and my friend with our backpacks and about 10 bucks between us and he goes 'You know where you are? You're in the jungle, baby. You're gonna die!'" Axl also tells the story of him almost being raped in St. Louis, 1991: "I was seventeen and I left Indiana because I had a disagreement with the juvenile detectives, he was determined to put my ass in jail and I was determined to get the fuck out and dodge (moving to L.A.). As he was driving to my house I was getting my clothes out of the dryer and getting the fuck out. I had about 35 bucks and I took a bus to St. Louis. Then I went out to whatever freeway I was closest to and I hitched a ride with some air-conditioning repairman in a van. It all seemed pleasant and safe enough and nothing really happened. I was exhausted and beat, [and] had never been out of my fucking town on my own in my life. We went to some fucking hotel and I crashed out and this guy crashed out, and I woke up and this guy was trying to fuck me. I don't care, you can be a male, female, you can be a fucking dog, I don't care, man, that shit ain't right. But I guess 'I'm just homophobic [in a taunting voice], you know, that's my problem.' Anyway, it took everything I had inside of me to not.. I pinned this guy against the wall between the door in the hotel with my straight razor, cause I thought I was badass shaving with a straight razor. It took everything I had not to slice him." Hope everyone here has a bigger and better understanding of the song now, and understands that Axl didn't mean no harm using these words to describe the situation, he had been through shit at home and was going through shit in Indiana and needed to blow off steam and find ways to word the situation. This is also one of the facts as to why he hasn't released a book yet, he doesn't know how to word everything properly to give the right view, as he explained in 2016.
Except Lafayette, IN is over 30% black & LA is 9% black so there's that. Indy & Chicago are both 30% black as well. I'm sure he visited those cities just like every kid from Indiana does. So I don't think he gets a pass. Ever notice his defense on using the N word was "its just word, why can't I say it?" everybody else makes the LA argument for him. Not him.
@@GoEqBro His name is Saul Hudson, that's right. I'm not sure why that's related to his religion. Saul is a biblical name, but that's about the only connection. I believe I read that he was named after an artist.
Axl already addressed this song in multiple interviews, and yes, he admitted that it was a social criticism and yes, to himself also, when he lived In Indiana before arriving in L.A. and having his horizons broaden by all the different and multi cultural people he met and got exposed to. So it is also a song about personal growth and learning about how all the different people can get along.
Exactly. And the whole "don't want to buy none of your gold chains today" was about how he felt like he was being hussled by black guys getting off the bus from Indiana.
He’s not racist or homophobic. Slash is half black and they’re best friends, the new drummer is also black, he wouldn’t work with them if he was racist. He’s a huge Queen fan, and loves Freddy and he’s also a huge fan of Elton John, and has sang songs with Elton a few times as well, so he’s not homophobic. This song was about what he saw when he got to LA, not what he personally was feeling etc. He explained that when asked, and to top it all off, even the NWA approved this song. You explained the song extremely well I must say.
1. Great song, that solo was the main reason I started playing guitar 35 years ago. 2. Great reaction video, you reacted the the right way at all the right places, your honest shock at what you just heard was exactly what brought me here 3. Axl is not racist or homophob, you`ve got the song right. 4. It seems that nobody sees that the guy in the song went at everybody, he screams "All of you, just leave me the hell alone!" 5. I learned something watching this video, so thank you :)
The song is about someone coming from a small town in America and seeing a different America. The last verse says radical and racist don’t put your finger at me.
Axl rose had a personal experience where a man offered to house him when he first moved to LA... And in the night the man tried to rape him... That's what the line is referencing
It’s a great song. Straight raw. He shows u he was ignorant and to not take him seriously. Crazy how ppl can’t allow music like this come out today, but when I listen to rap I hear racial slurs for every race including black. Most ppl wouldn’t want to know what’s said behind closed doors in the average Americans home no matter the color.
@@G.L.O.S.S. might not like the truth . But the truth does not end , where your feelings begin . But let’s play a game . Where in anything I said , name one thing that I was wrong about ?
Jeez their reaction was on point with how one should view this with an open mind. I’m glad they didn’t shut down to the simple “he’s a racist boycott GNR!” Cool to see and will watch more of their videos.
It came out _after_ *Appetite* , but I think some of the songs are from their very early period, when they were still basically bums and junkies. Oh, and also: please do *Rocket Queen* , seriously!
Thank you guys for having the fortitude to react to this song. It's a tough one, for sure, but in today's hostile political and social climate, it's something that needs open discussion to air grievances and learn to grow and evolve as humans. Much love and respect to both of you beautiful people.
Such an insightful commentary on this song. Not a knee jerk reaction but a dive into the material and search for the truth the artist is trying to convey. Earned a sub.
Nah they got triggered, and they seem like the typical Biden voter. I’m glad I was not raised by Salvadoreños parents to be a “progressive” regressive ideology. These people are the ones pushing our nation into all types of depravity, as us Latinos say “ Ellos son cochinos de la cabeza y depravados.
I love this song. I always imagine all the easily offended people listening to it and the thought makes me laugh. We have freedom of speech for a reason, I believe.
Good for you guys, posting this reaction. I have been waiting to see a reaction to One In A Million from somebody... It was a very controversial song when it came out, it was more about his coming to LA and having the experience with the LA culture and it's actors. You can try GNR- Rocket Queen and Mr. Brown Stone as well...rock & roll lifestyle..lol.
Slash is half black. His mother is black, father white. Axl tried to get and NWA/GNR tour together. He was def NOT racist. It's a deep song and is heavily misunderstood.
@@damotheman4196 not at all... He wrote it from his perspective and his own experiences when he first came to L.A. There's plenty of interviews with Axl out there explaining the song. Do yourself a favor a go look them up. He didn't write the song from someone else's perspective. He's stated his whole entire career that he writes songs based on his own personal life, feelings, and experiences.
This song is played on the radio in New Zealand, we don't get affended by words from 1989, it's an amazing song for its time, there is more to it than the words.
New Zealand crosses my mind maybe once every 5 to 10 years. I might need to start paying more attention, because your statement makes it seem like a wonderful land.
GnR’s “Don’t Damn Me” seems to be the answer to the media’s coverage of “One in a Million” It’s also one of their best songs!! Intense, defiant, introspective... Riffs, vocals, lyrics, it’s a very strong song👍🏻
So glad you guys understood the intent of this song... The media had a field day crucifying Axl about his language while simultaneously repeating the slurs over and over again in order to stoke the fires... This is a powerful piece of art reflecting life, and could’ve been used for progress... Instead, the writer was demonized, and an intelligent, open minded discussion was never had... Good job handling this responsibly 👍🏻
I’ve watched quit a few of your videos over the past several days (just sort of got turned on to this reaction video thing ) and I think yours are some of the best. I love the way you can cut right through to an artists intentions, & recognize the different sorts of narrative & literary devices they use instead of just reacting to words at face value. It’s pretty unusual. This is the best, most mature discussion of this song I’ve seen.
Jagger M You’re a NIRVANA fan. They were with Geffen records. I think you take the words at face value and don’t take the time to understand the song. It’s not his perspective. Even if so, it’s not a racist song.
Axl loved writing about being a farm boy, or as he puts it in this "a small town white boy", and contrasting it with being in LA. Welcome to the jungle is similar, as are Paradise city, Move to the city and even Out to get me
This song caught a lot of flak back then, maybe as much as it would have today. The context of this is seriously important though, as questionable as Axl can be at times without a doubt, this song was written from the point of view of a young naive kid coming to the city for the first time and taking his small town narrow pointed views of the world and describing not only his thoughts but what he sees and hears. Its a reflection to the past and could be taken as a way to look at how incredibly naive we all are when we are young. As far as the language that was used? Its the reality of how some people talk and think but its not what Axl was supporting or claiming to be when he wrote it, merely how he may have been previously or what he saw.
I remember when this came out. If you know Axl's perspective on this one, or anyone in that position, you will understand what he portraying. It's really about learning how the world is when you jump outside of your little box....and how the defensive side comes out. Vin is right on point. Great review guys.
It was the early 90s. Slash is half black and asked his mothers permission to release the song. It was a time of controversy and its what they saw on Sunset strip. They knew this would piss alot of people off and that was the point I saw that on a rockumentary. Crazy times in music. Rewind to the 60s and John Lennon. Unreal stuff.
This song was written before the first album because it's about them trying to find a bassist (Duff). Hence one in a million. And don't forget Axel is from Lafayette Indiana so it was probably a huge culture shock with him going to LA.
Dude, this song is NOT about Duff at all. It's about Axl trying to find his way when he first came to LA and no one would help him, except for one guy (that was black, btw). That's why the name of the song is One in a Million, and it was written during the recording of the Lies album acustic half (the first half is the bad ass originals of the Live Like a Suicide EP).
@@NuCkInFuTs1I don't know, I'm just speculating but he could have had the tune, the music in his head for years but didn't put words to it until much later.
You nailed it, I can relate born and raised in a small coal town in East Ky. I joined the military and was my first interactions with any other cultures or nationalities. Some of us only know what we're taught and surrounded by growing up in whatever environment. Now I'm proud to have fellow brothers and sisters of many different nationalities that I'd run into a field of pure hell to pull one to safety. Adapt and overcome!!
The Song IS autobiographical about Axl's time growing up in a small town in Indiana he is singing about his own youth not about anyone else's and his run in with the law there frequently that is why he left on the Greyhound for Los Angeles to try and make a better life which he did indeed do ....
It's a song and some songs tell stories. It doesn't necessarily mean that it's his point of view. I think that's what separates good artists from the legendary status. I forgot about this part of Guns n Roses,I cant think of the album off hand, I think it was called 'Lies' ?? Excellent choice of song guys. 👍
As a singer / songwriter trying to make ends meet, I can tell you that it is 100% possible to write songs that do not have a real connection to you. When you write, it is your chance to be whoever, whenever and wherever you want to be. Kind of like acting. If I tried to make every song personal to me, I would write maybe 3 or 4 per year. The songs that are really personal....they come on their own.
This is who he was and it was captured in a song. It's who many were. They didn't include it in the rerelease and it caused many problems in the band at the time it was recorded. Slash in particular had issue because his mother is black. Aside from the hate and racism, it's a beautiful music comp and with a great chorus. I'd love to hear a modern revision of the song with his current views. Thank you for the listening and review. It was great to hear your honest views on hearing this.
This is a brilliant song. The Album cover is very important to this record. Which you obviously don't have, But Axl gives the following reasons for the lyrics:- "Ever been unjustly hassled by someone with a gun and a badge? Maybe you've been coned or had someone attempt to sell you stolen property and won't take no for an answer? Been to a Gas station or a convenience store and treated like you don't belong here by an individual who can barely speak English? Hopefully not, but have you ever been attacked by a homosexual? Had some so called religionist try to con you out of your hard earned cash? Have you ever been banned or censored by a relatively small group of people claiming to be the majority with self righteous and dangerous motives? (wow, how ahead of time was this statement?) This song is extremely generic or generalised, my apologies to those who make take offence. W Axl Rose. All that happens nowadays is people hear the N word or Faggot and all the snowflakes lose their shit!!
Its about when Rose jumped off the Greyhound station at 6th and Los Angels Street. The old station was right in the middle of the largest Skid Row in America west of the Mississippi. The impoverished population was mostly African American but it did have others in its population. A rustic young man would have challenged instantly
His real name is Bill Bailey from Lafayette, Indiana. In the video "Welcome to the Jungle" he is shown literally getting off the bus and describes an event that Axl claims happens to him. The part where he claims some guy screaming to him "You know where you are? You're in the Jungle, baby! You're gonna die!!!" I point this out because I believe this is Axl describing himself when he first comes to L.A. I think it's a confession. It doesn't mean this was who he was when he wrote the song or recorded it. I leave it to the individual whether that matters or not. By comparison/contrast, the Liam Neeson thing involves Neeson (after a friend had been raped) going through a period of racism. Neeson confessed this and also said he is ashamed of it. Does it matter Neeson stated regret? Did Axl ever state regret? Again, I'll allow that it may not matter to some folks and matter to others. As a Chicago white boy, I say that I don't get to decide what is right or wrong for OTHER people. I just don't understand racism when it comes from people who can observe for themselves how MOST folks are just like any other folks. Assholes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Mostly, people are just people with their concerns for their families, friends, and loved ones.
Exactly...it's not so much a song about the world changing but a kid running away and ending up in a different world...LA. Back before the Disneyfication of Hollywood Blvd. And the sunset strip. Just like how Times Square was back then. Welcome to the Jungle indeed...
When this was written GNR had not released Appetite for Destruction and they were nobodies. This song was written based on Axl Roses reaction to big city livin and experiences he had coming to LA from a small town in Indiana. A lot of songs in their catalog were written BEFORE AFD.
Axl Rose was notorious for writing songs like this...his lyrics were intedned to shock and make people react...this song does make you think too...in the world there is so much shit thrown at us we have to try not to get sucked into everything THAT comes directly from Axl himself in an interview he gave about the song...this song almost wiped this band out....songs like this do still infact get produced today most are rap and hip hop but they are out there in all genres
The song gave me a hard time when I was 13, but it helped me form my opinion, and I'm grateful to Axl for that. The song gives a voice to a small town boy without making you sympathize with his opinion. Should it be re-released? No, because as Axl himself said, it can be too easily misunderstood. Should it have been heard? Absolutely. The song forces you to take a stand, and that's what art is for.
If I remember right some of the song was based on him adjusting to Los Angeles after growing up in small-town Indiana. The character in the song was not meant to be sympathetic or specifically Axl.
I'm not American, but this song is amazing... I remember listening to this song in the 80s and it was ok for me... no drama... free speech always (!!), even if it hurts me in some way... I love this song
A lot of people do not know Axl aka Bill's childhood. His father "left" when his Mother started taking the kids to church at a odd ball church, one that was led by that JIm Jones. Axl found out after his step father left to join Jones in Utah, and then was found dead was not his real dad and that his real Dad was ran off due to the cult. Axl had a bad rep as a guy who would always go on late, and for good reason, and he never told many, also for good reason. Jones and his step dad used to make him sing in front of the church and if Axl wasnt perfect, he would get beaten and raped by his step dad, Jones and other members of the cult. And that is why is was always having anxiety attacks before a show and always late. He was tramautized bad.
@@rangers94ism gnr had a book out and axl mostly focal point and some of it was true what he said except the father stuff no sure where that guy came up with that story,,,, he was a idiot was the reason he would come out late etc
Great review and reaction guys, and thanks for remind me how great this song is; it was controversial back then but man, they would NEVER be able to perform this today... Don't take the lyrics really serious guys, I mean, their current drummer is a black guys and Slash is half black too so...This song is much more about some things that Axl experienced when he was in L.A. than a racist song. I really recommend the song Coma, it's dope, heavy and has great lyrics
i think it's a story , well written, and sung, slash guitars ,lots of people can relate too, can you write a story , don't hurt my feelings in 20 years, good luck
This song is not Guns N Roses point of view. Slash, the lead guitarist for Guns and Roses is half black. In fact, his mother is fully African American. Also, Axl hates racist. Back in the day he condemned James Hetfield the lead singer and Rhythm guitarist of Metallica for being a racist. All because James Hetfield did not want to include body count, the heavy metal band of rapper Ice-T to be on their tour.
Maybe because he didn't think Body Count was a true reflection of that genre of music, not because of a racial aspect. This is a very serious accusation you levied. In the same respect Oasis didn't think JayZ should have performed at Glastonbury. Not a racial thing. Just that they play different music.
@@eddie7098 Eh? Calm the fuck down. Maybe YOU need to do a better job of explaining yourself. I intepreted my comment based on what you wrote. Afterall, you didn't agree or disagree with Axl's assessment on Hetfield one way or another. If you did then I would have known your POV on the matter. And just simmer down with your words of wisdom, Pa. You can't teach me anything. Capische, fuckface?
@@RideMyBMW First I would have to know what "half-a-faig" even means, you degenerate redneck. Care to elaborate. Go brush your tooth. The other guy doesn't need you as his boyfriend to come to his defense.
I'm a small town Southern white boy, JUST TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET!!! Don't need ya religion "don't watch that much TV" just making my living baby, WELL THAT'S ENOUGH FOR ME!!!!😢
So many people misunderstood this and just look at the words Ngr, and Fgt. So many forget these are artist telling short stories and GnR were not afraid to tell a dark story. This is about a small town white kid showing up in LA for the first time. Guns N Roses always have had a black man in the group, currently 2 of them, and currently have 2 gay members in the band. This is just a story, no one bitches when a movie director uses those words in one of their stories, so cut them some slack, this was just art.
I've watched all the gnr videos and have enjoyed the insight given by you two. I like how you broke this down and managed to tell axl's story of coming to L.A. without knowing anything about him lol You listened instead of getting offended immediately. Well done sir. You have to listen to rocket queen, my michelle, mr brownstone, the garden, night train, you could be mine, it's so easy, and dont cry. They have so many good ones lol thanks
Song writers are story tellers and the good ones know how to strike a nerve with people,it just sounds like he had a shitty day and decided to write a song about it.Slash's parents were a mixed couple I believe and their drummer now is black so I don't think this song is how he really feels.He took a lot of shit for this song back then,in this over sensitive PC world today they would crucify him for it.
Vin, kudos to you for sticking with it. 3rd verse... "Radicals and racists, don't point your finger at me." Axl is a genius at writing lyrics. Axl speaking to Del James of Rolling Stone, he said, “I used words like police and niggers because you’re not allowed to use the word nigger. Why can black people go up to each other and say, ‘nigger,’ but when a white guy does it all of a sudden it’s a big put-down? I don’t like boundaries of any kind. I don’t like being told what I can and what I can’t say. I used the word nigger because it’s a word to describe somebody that is basically a pain in your life, a problem. The word nigger doesn’t necessarily mean black. Doesn’t John Lennon have a song ‘Woman Is the Nigger of the World’? There’s a rap group, N.W.A., Niggers with Attitude. I mean, they’re proud of that word. More power to them.”
Not a bad review of the song, which is one of the best songs GnR ever played! The story of course is misinterpreted, but when Axl came to Los Angeles from Indiana, had nothing but the clothes on his back, got off the bus in the Greyhound terminal on 6th Ave in LA, & was immediately occosted by alot of black men trying to sell him stuff, & one tried to rob him. There are alot of terrible things that have happened to people, & musicians have there music to express themselves to the world! It's a great song, & more relevant in 2022 than it was in 1988, & I'd bet more people share Axls point of view
Lol, lots of people have requested One In A Million in the comments.
Great discussion & breakdown! Vin made some really insightful remarks & was much more open minded about the lyrics than everyone was when the song first came out! But, I've come to expect that. ☺️
this is great but react to GNR - you could be mine
ruclips.net/video/d-nutpAsCw4/видео.html
Also keep in mind Axl came from Lafayette, Indiana so going to LA to make it and it surely had to have been an eye-opener for him. Seeing cops fighting with people (LAPD was corrupt during this time), gangs (this was the 80s remember), Persian and Mexican Immigrants in LA.
Axl Rose also gave unbelievable support to NWA,, collab'd with the late EazyE, Ice Cube and even wore their ball cap in their music video. Yeah, he used the N-word which is highly taboo but I cut him some slack. If those aforementioned black people didn't have an issue with it, I don't.
I love how the Christian nutcase Vin is still so butthurt that John Lennon had the gall to say "Imagine there's no Heaven" that Vin couldn't even reference him by his or his bands name.
Please react Architects - Broken Cross
@David Hannigan
Nah. Just dispise religious nutcase's and an am calling him out on it.
This song is about a boy grown up in a small white town, in a religous, dysfunctional family and moving to L.A. to make ends meet. Axl wanted this song to be shocking, a punch in the throat, because that was what it was to go from Indiana to Los Angeles in the early 80’s to pursue your musical dreams.
The song was released after Appetite, but describes a person before Guns N’ Roses was formed. One in a Million literally meaning being one in a million, in a city bigger than what you’re capable to imagine.
Axl also describes a small mindset when arriving, being totally alien to the city and having to figure out a way to survive.
If you listen to "Move To The City", "Welcome To The Jungle" & "One in A Million", in that order, you can get quite a grip of a storyline.
Also, watch the Jungle music video as well. in the beginning of the video, it shows a small town white boy Axl arriving in the big city, instantly culture shocked by the man trying to sell him drugs (Played by Izzy Stradlin, Rhythm guitarist. He actually did this for a living when he first moved from Indiana to L.A., before Axl) and the women. We can see Axl being brainwashed in some scenes and at the end of the video we see a completely changed man, with teased hair and make-up, standing at the same bus stop as he first arrived at, watching the TV’s behind a glass wall displaying himself being brainwashed.
Axl tells the story behind Jungle during a live performance at The Ritz in 1988:
"Five or six years ago I hitchhiked here and ended up, stuck out in the middle of this place.. [I] climbed up out on the freeway and this black man comes up to me and my friend with our backpacks and about 10 bucks between us and he goes 'You know where you are? You're in the jungle, baby. You're gonna die!'"
Axl also tells the story of him almost being raped in St. Louis, 1991:
"I was seventeen and I left Indiana because I had a disagreement with the juvenile detectives, he was determined to put my ass in jail and I was determined to get the fuck out and dodge (moving to L.A.). As he was driving to my house I was getting my clothes out of the dryer and getting the fuck out. I had about 35 bucks and I took a bus to St. Louis. Then I went out to whatever freeway I was closest to and I hitched a ride with some air-conditioning repairman in a van. It all seemed pleasant and safe enough and nothing really happened. I was exhausted and beat, [and] had never been out of my fucking town on my own in my life. We went to some fucking hotel and I crashed out and this guy crashed out, and I woke up and this guy was trying to fuck me. I don't care, you can be a male, female, you can be a fucking dog, I don't care, man, that shit ain't right. But I guess 'I'm just homophobic [in a taunting voice], you know, that's my problem.'
Anyway, it took everything I had inside of me to not.. I pinned this guy against the wall between the door in the hotel with my straight razor, cause I thought I was badass shaving with a straight razor. It took everything I had not to slice him."
Hope everyone here has a bigger and better understanding of the song now, and understands that Axl didn't mean no harm using these words to describe the situation, he had been through shit at home and was going through shit in Indiana and needed to blow off steam and find ways to word the situation. This is also one of the facts as to why he hasn't released a book yet, he doesn't know how to word everything properly to give the right view, as he explained in 2016.
Shackler's Revenge thank you.
Well written mate, thanks for the information.
Except Lafayette, IN is over 30% black & LA is 9% black so there's that. Indy & Chicago are both 30% black as well. I'm sure he visited those cities just like every kid from Indiana does. So I don't think he gets a pass. Ever notice his defense on using the N word was "its just word, why can't I say it?" everybody else makes the LA argument for him. Not him.
@@BIGLARRY100in the 70’s and early 80’s??? Usually they lived out of those towns.
@@TeddyxxMexx it would've been higher back then.
I really appreciate you guys understanding that it isn’t a hateful song I mean hell slash is a black man😂
@Guhraff his mother is black and his father is a British Jew. So he is in fact African-American and that’s how he identifies.
@@GoEqBro I don't believe his father was Jewish, but he was English and that's where Slash was born.
@@spencerific93 Slash’s real name is Saul Hudson. He’s Jewish, look it up.
@@GoEqBro His name is Saul Hudson, that's right. I'm not sure why that's related to his religion. Saul is a biblical name, but that's about the only connection. I believe I read that he was named after an artist.
@@GoEqBro Steven Adler is Jewish, however.
Axl took so much crap for this...
Check out Guns N' Roses song "Don't Damn Me" where he talks about freedom of speech
Axl
Axl*
Probably my favorite GNR song.
Great song...
"Don't Damn Me" is one of their best. I love the lyrics.
Axl already addressed this song in multiple interviews, and yes, he admitted that it was a social criticism and yes, to himself also, when he lived In Indiana before arriving in L.A. and having his horizons broaden by all the different and multi cultural people he met and got exposed to. So it is also a song about personal growth and learning about how all the different people can get along.
Exactly. And the whole "don't want to buy none of your gold chains today" was about how he felt like he was being hussled by black guys getting off the bus from Indiana.
He’s not racist or homophobic. Slash is half black and they’re best friends, the new drummer is also black, he wouldn’t work with them if he was racist. He’s a huge Queen fan, and loves Freddy and he’s also a huge fan of Elton John, and has sang songs with Elton a few times as well, so he’s not homophobic. This song was about what he saw when he got to LA, not what he personally was feeling etc. He explained that when asked, and to top it all off, even the NWA approved this song. You explained the song extremely well I must say.
1. Great song, that solo was the main reason I started playing guitar 35 years ago.
2. Great reaction video, you reacted the the right way at all the right places, your honest shock at what you just heard was exactly what brought me here
3. Axl is not racist or homophob, you`ve got the song right.
4. It seems that nobody sees that the guy in the song went at everybody, he screams "All of you, just leave me the hell alone!"
5. I learned something watching this video, so thank you :)
Axl wrote the song on his experience when he first went to L.A. Like you said, he's not a racist or a homophob people just don't understand.
True.listen I'm not racist but I agree with Axel , I'm a small town white boy just trying to get bye.
@@jaxsondishong6862 I also agree with Axl and what he said and im not racist
Please react to rocket queen now, I know you gonna freaking love it!
It’s one of their best songs
Especially Adriana Smith 🙂
Yea Rocket Queen was probably their best song.
It’s between that and Mr. Brownstone for me. Probably RQ.
Studio version please
please do the live from tokyo
Slash is half black, and wasn't totally on board with this one, but he went with it.
stfu idiot
Rover Waters you shut the fuck up! Jays right!
Izzy were against the song too
Did he have a choice?
He's quoted as saying it's true
The song is about someone coming from a small town in America and seeing a different America. The last verse says radical and racist don’t put your finger at me.
Ty for not pausing 50 times during a great song, like so many of the other reaction channels. Great song, nice reaction.
Axl rose had a personal experience where a man offered to house him when he first moved to LA... And in the night the man tried to rape him... That's what the line is referencing
Joseph Dehler Nope. The only reference Axl has made about that experience is “D’you know where you are? You’re in the jungle baby. You’re gonna die!
Nope? Try again...there’s an interview where Slash discusses it...
Mr.SmithGNR Smith You’re right. Both Axl and Slash have told the story
Axl told that onstage one night when he was hitchin out to LA
Mr.SmithGNR Smith Probably a lie just like every other story Slash ever told about Axl.
I forgot how good that song is
admitting your stupidity is not something to be proud of
@@RoverWaters Just because the content is controversial doesn't mean it's not a great song. Same for any art including movies and such.
Now Axel's a cuck. Sad.
@@leroybrown7870 True
It’s a great song. Straight raw. He shows u he was ignorant and to not take him seriously. Crazy how ppl can’t allow music like this come out today, but when I listen to rap I hear racial slurs for every race including black. Most ppl wouldn’t want to know what’s said behind closed doors in the average Americans home no matter the color.
He was not ignorant , those saying he was ignorant , are the ignorant ones. Dude was spitting straight up truth.
@@robertlawrence4719 Grow up
@@G.L.O.S.S. might not like the truth . But the truth does not end , where your feelings begin . But let’s play a game . Where in anything I said , name one thing that I was wrong about ?
@@robertlawrence4719 yea it was his story. Great song. If u listen to rap then u already know how they use racial slurs on whites
Jeez their reaction was on point with how one should view this with an open mind. I’m glad they didn’t shut down to the simple “he’s a racist boycott GNR!” Cool to see and will watch more of their videos.
Nevermind the lyrics....the song itself kicks ass
anything wrong with the lyrics?
The combination of electric and acoustic guitars is so good.
I actually think it’s one of their best. The recording, power, everything.
It is like bizarro Holiday In Cambodia.
It came out _after_ *Appetite* , but I think some of the songs are from their very early period, when they were still basically bums and junkies.
Oh, and also: please do *Rocket Queen* , seriously!
off gnr lies
Thank you guys for having the fortitude to react to this song. It's a tough one, for sure, but in today's hostile political and social climate, it's something that needs open discussion to air grievances and learn to grow and evolve as humans. Much love and respect to both of you beautiful people.
Such an insightful commentary on this song. Not a knee jerk reaction but a dive into the material and search for the truth the artist is trying to convey. Earned a sub.
Nah they got triggered, and they seem like the typical Biden voter. I’m glad I was not raised by Salvadoreños parents to be a “progressive” regressive ideology. These people are the ones pushing our nation into all types of depravity, as us Latinos say “ Ellos son cochinos de la cabeza y depravados.
I love this song. I always imagine all the easily offended people listening to it and the thought makes me laugh. We have freedom of speech for a reason, I believe.
Yeah I use to play this and Eminem's Kim in Bars to watch peoples reaction.
Good for you guys, posting this reaction. I have been waiting to see a reaction to One In A Million from somebody... It was a very controversial song when it came out, it was more about his coming to LA and having the experience with the LA culture and it's actors. You can try GNR- Rocket Queen and Mr. Brown Stone as well...rock & roll lifestyle..lol.
Slash is half black. His mother is black, father white. Axl tried to get and NWA/GNR tour together. He was def NOT racist. It's a deep song and is heavily misunderstood.
Father is Jewish. Jews don't consider themselves white.
It aint really that deep 2bh man,he's just wrote it from someone elses perspective..great songwriters can pass it off easily
@@damotheman4196 i meant deep as in it's not that easy to figure out how to decipher the song. But yeah.
@@ScubaDiverPicker Fair enough..👌
@@damotheman4196 not at all... He wrote it from his perspective and his own experiences when he first came to L.A. There's plenty of interviews with Axl out there explaining the song. Do yourself a favor a go look them up. He didn't write the song from someone else's perspective. He's stated his whole entire career that he writes songs based on his own personal life, feelings, and experiences.
This song is played on the radio in New Zealand, we don't get affended by words from 1989, it's an amazing song for its time, there is more to it than the words.
Everybody takes offense here, it's unreal, more places need to be like new Zealand
Makes NZ a interesting retirement spot for me
@@TheMarshallMathersLp1980exactly the u.s is soft
New Zealand crosses my mind maybe once every 5 to 10 years. I might need to start paying more attention, because your statement makes it seem like a wonderful land.
GnR’s “Don’t Damn Me” seems to be the answer to the media’s coverage of “One in a Million”
It’s also one of their best songs!!
Intense, defiant, introspective...
Riffs, vocals, lyrics, it’s a very strong song👍🏻
Nailed the meaning.
And Duff has said it is from the perspective of that kind of person not necessarily Axl himself.
That's duff's perspective not Axl's. Axl said himself it's about him.
So glad you guys understood the intent of this song... The media had a field day crucifying Axl about his language while simultaneously repeating the slurs over and over again in order to stoke the fires...
This is a powerful piece of art reflecting life, and could’ve been used for progress... Instead, the writer was demonized, and an intelligent, open minded discussion was never had... Good job handling this responsibly 👍🏻
who told you they understood?
I’ve watched quit a few of your videos over the past several days (just sort of got turned on to this reaction video thing ) and I think yours are some of the best. I love the way you can cut right through to an artists intentions, & recognize the different sorts of narrative & literary devices they use instead of just reacting to words at face value. It’s pretty unusual. This is the best, most mature discussion of this song I’ve seen.
Did you know that Guns n roses wanted to make music with eazy e N.W.A and there a photos with gnr and eazy and axl with ice cube
Jagger M
You’re a NIRVANA fan. They were with Geffen records. I think you take the words at face value and don’t take the time to understand the song. It’s not his perspective. Even if so, it’s not a racist song.
Slash did a song with easy-e that wasn't released. According to axl in a Q&A
Axl wears an NWA hat in one of his later videos
Ice Cube also confirmed partying with GnR a few times in the late 80’s
Eazy talked about working with GNR and Axl would wear NWA hats during concerts
Axl loved writing about being a farm boy, or as he puts it in this "a small town white boy", and contrasting it with being in LA. Welcome to the jungle is similar, as are Paradise city, Move to the city and even Out to get me
Isn't move to the city an Hanoi rocks cover?
@@seoman7283No. Although Hanoi Rocks do have "Back to mystery city", "Kill city kill", and "Lost in the city"
And the cover "down on the farm"
This song caught a lot of flak back then, maybe as much as it would have today. The context of this is seriously important though, as questionable as Axl can be at times without a doubt, this song was written from the point of view of a young naive kid coming to the city for the first time and taking his small town narrow pointed views of the world and describing not only his thoughts but what he sees and hears. Its a reflection to the past and could be taken as a way to look at how incredibly naive we all are when we are young. As far as the language that was used? Its the reality of how some people talk and think but its not what Axl was supporting or claiming to be when he wrote it, merely how he may have been previously or what he saw.
Shit, if this song was released today it would end GnR's career and Axl would have to go into hiding. lol
Gun's n Roses - Coma
My absolute favourite G 'n R song!
Yes plz
Its been 35 years and people still can get this song lol
I remember when this came out. If you know Axl's perspective on this one, or anyone in that position, you will understand what he portraying. It's really about learning how the world is when you jump outside of your little box....and how the defensive side comes out. Vin is right on point. Great review guys.
It was the early 90s. Slash is half black and asked his mothers permission to release the song. It was a time of controversy and its what they saw on Sunset strip. They knew this would piss alot of people off and that was the point I saw that on a rockumentary. Crazy times in music. Rewind to the 60s and John Lennon. Unreal stuff.
@hendrikVerwoerd88 false. 1988
Interesting that Vin didn't get all pissed off like he did with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I think, in a lot of ways, this is one of their best songs. A little more raw, and unhinged than Appetite. I like it.
This song was written before the first album because it's about them trying to find a bassist (Duff). Hence one in a million. And don't forget Axel is from Lafayette Indiana so it was probably a huge culture shock with him going to LA.
And I can see how it didn't make it on the first album lol
Oh really i never knew about the duff thing
Dude, this song is NOT about Duff at all. It's about Axl trying to find his way when he first came to LA and no one would help him, except for one guy (that was black, btw). That's why the name of the song is One in a Million, and it was written during the recording of the Lies album acustic half (the first half is the bad ass originals of the Live Like a Suicide EP).
@@ldcardoso2806 actually I had just seen a thing that said that he wrote it when he was still living in Indiana before he went to LA.
@@NuCkInFuTs1I don't know, I'm just speculating but he could have had the tune, the music in his head for years but didn't put words to it until much later.
This is a white kid coming from Indiana. He was using the words he had been taught to describe what he saw.
You nailed it, I can relate born and raised in a small coal town in East Ky. I joined the military and was my first interactions with any other cultures or nationalities. Some of us only know what we're taught and surrounded by growing up in whatever environment. Now I'm proud to have fellow brothers and sisters of many different nationalities that I'd run into a field of pure hell to pull one to safety. Adapt and overcome!!
The Song IS autobiographical about Axl's time growing up in a small town in Indiana he is singing about his own youth not about anyone else's and his run in with the law there frequently that is why he left on the Greyhound for Los Angeles to try and make a better life which he did indeed do ....
It's a song and some songs tell stories. It doesn't necessarily mean that it's his point of view. I think that's what separates good artists from the legendary status. I forgot about this part of Guns n Roses,I cant think of the album off hand, I think it was called 'Lies' ?? Excellent choice of song guys. 👍
GN'R Lies
As a singer / songwriter trying to make ends meet, I can tell you that it is 100% possible to write songs that do not have a real connection to you. When you write, it is your chance to be whoever, whenever and wherever you want to be. Kind of like acting. If I tried to make every song personal to me, I would write maybe 3 or 4 per year. The songs that are really personal....they come on their own.
I've searched for reactions to this song several times and never found any besides the one where the gal cut it short.
Now this pops up.
This is who he was and it was captured in a song. It's who many were. They didn't include it in the rerelease and it caused many problems in the band at the time it was recorded. Slash in particular had issue because his mother is black. Aside from the hate and racism, it's a beautiful music comp and with a great chorus. I'd love to hear a modern revision of the song with his current views. Thank you for the listening and review. It was great to hear your honest views on hearing this.
Actually in addition to being half black Slash is also technically an immigrant. I believe he still primarily identifies as British in fact
He was born in stoke England and moved to the USA when he was young. Had dual nationality so it’s an immigrant
My grandfather would always say there are no new problems, just new people. That's why songs like this and many other's will remain relevant.
That’s a damn good line! Whoo!!
This is a brilliant song. The Album cover is very important to this record. Which you obviously don't have, But Axl gives the following reasons for the lyrics:-
"Ever been unjustly hassled by someone with a gun and a badge? Maybe you've been coned or had someone attempt to sell you stolen property and won't take no for an answer?
Been to a Gas station or a convenience store and treated like you don't belong here by an individual who can barely speak English?
Hopefully not, but have you ever been attacked by a homosexual?
Had some so called religionist try to con you out of your hard earned cash?
Have you ever been banned or censored by a relatively small group of people claiming to be the majority with self righteous and dangerous motives? (wow, how ahead of time was this statement?)
This song is extremely generic or generalised, my apologies to those who make take offence.
W Axl Rose.
All that happens nowadays is people hear the N word or Faggot and all the snowflakes lose their shit!!
Appropriate af!
Only one in a million makes it , your race to the top is a shooting star, all high on heroin when u die you make us cry
Rocket Queen, Coma, Nighttrain, It's so easy and You could be mine are all great songs!
It's call IT'S SO EASY not Ain't It Easy
@@jimmiefarley4831 lol thanks
You should do "You coul be mine" or "Locomotive" or "Pretty tied up". I guarantee a serious headbanging :D
Locomotive = best Axl lyrics in my opinion
@@ryosukejoe9615 I just realized i typed Locomotion instead of Locomotive lol
Yes I totally agree with you. That's an underrated GnR song. I love it!
Pretty Tied up
Its about when Rose jumped off the Greyhound station at 6th and Los Angels Street. The old station was right in the middle of the largest Skid Row in America west of the Mississippi. The impoverished population was mostly African American but it did have others in its population. A rustic young man would have challenged instantly
As a native of LA - I remember that station. It was the pit of hell. He would have been ripped apart if he did not have music
Guns n roses.night train.you could be mine.appetite for destruction
Been requesting Nightrain like crazy or Rocket Queen which was recently voted best song on Appetite
Also as responses to the backlash listen to “Don’t Damn Me” and “Get in the Ring” … Axl was already addressing fake news back then.
His real name is Bill Bailey from Lafayette, Indiana. In the video "Welcome to the Jungle" he is shown literally getting off the bus and describes an event that Axl claims happens to him. The part where he claims some guy screaming to him "You know where you are? You're in the Jungle, baby! You're gonna die!!!" I point this out because I believe this is Axl describing himself when he first comes to L.A. I think it's a confession. It doesn't mean this was who he was when he wrote the song or recorded it. I leave it to the individual whether that matters or not. By comparison/contrast, the Liam Neeson thing involves Neeson (after a friend had been raped) going through a period of racism. Neeson confessed this and also said he is ashamed of it. Does it matter Neeson stated regret? Did Axl ever state regret? Again, I'll allow that it may not matter to some folks and matter to others. As a Chicago white boy, I say that I don't get to decide what is right or wrong for OTHER people. I just don't understand racism when it comes from people who can observe for themselves how MOST folks are just like any other folks. Assholes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Mostly, people are just people with their concerns for their families, friends, and loved ones.
Exactly...it's not so much a song about the world changing but a kid running away and ending up in a different world...LA. Back before the Disneyfication of Hollywood Blvd. And the sunset strip. Just like how Times Square was back then. Welcome to the Jungle indeed...
When this was written GNR had not released Appetite for Destruction and they were nobodies. This song was written based on Axl Roses reaction to big city livin and experiences he had coming to LA from a small town in Indiana. A lot of songs in their catalog were written BEFORE AFD.
"Youre a prince so don't worry about them"
Oh if only more mothers imparted this type of wisdom
Do Guns N' Roses, Don't Cry. One of the best
Axl Rose was notorious for writing songs like this...his lyrics were intedned to shock and make people react...this song does make you think too...in the world there is so much shit thrown at us we have to try not to get sucked into everything THAT comes directly from Axl himself in an interview he gave about the song...this song almost wiped this band out....songs like this do still infact get produced today most are rap and hip hop but they are out there in all genres
The song gave me a hard time when I was 13, but it helped me form my opinion, and I'm grateful to Axl for that. The song gives a voice to a small town boy without making you sympathize with his opinion. Should it be re-released? No, because as Axl himself said, it can be too easily misunderstood. Should it have been heard? Absolutely. The song forces you to take a stand, and that's what art is for.
What a great guitar solo! That's the important thing...
If I remember right some of the song was based on him adjusting to Los Angeles after growing up in small-town Indiana. The character in the song was not meant to be sympathetic or specifically Axl.
You guys need to do GNR more often
I'm not American, but this song is amazing... I remember listening to this song in the 80s and it was ok for me... no drama... free speech always (!!), even if it hurts me in some way... I love this song
still waiting on coma reaction wanne know what yall think of the lyrics
Chicago '92
@@98izzark69 no Live please.. civil war was ruined
@@aspirinwhite yeah you can't beat the studio version of Civil War but i think Coma is better at the Chicago '92 date
Coma is epic
@@98izzark69
No, man.
Studio version on first time listens. Not LIVE.
Let us all remember: this song was written by a 16 year old middle America kid that just got to LA
God I loved this album
Vin your break down and understanding of this song was spot on and impressive. For once you deserve credit and a pat on the back.
The guitar in this song is amazing! Forget it’s all guitar:)
You two just made my day by reviewing this song. ❤❤❤
A lot of people do not know Axl aka Bill's childhood. His father "left" when his Mother started taking the kids to church at a odd ball church, one that was led by that JIm Jones. Axl found out after his step father left to join Jones in Utah, and then was found dead was not his real dad and that his real Dad was ran off due to the cult. Axl had a bad rep as a guy who would always go on late, and for good reason, and he never told many, also for good reason. Jones and his step dad used to make him sing in front of the church and if Axl wasnt perfect, he would get beaten and raped by his step dad, Jones and other members of the cult. And that is why is was always having anxiety attacks before a show and always late. He was tramautized bad.
Where did you get that story?
@@rangers94ism gnr had a book out and axl mostly focal point and some of it was true what he said except the father stuff no sure where that guy came up with that story,,,, he was a idiot was the reason he would come out late etc
Nice to see a reaction to this song without the crying. Bravo
I loved the Gunners into the 80's, together with Black Sabbath, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Dio, Celtic Frost, Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Candlemass.
He was talking from his own point of view. He left small town USA to chase his dream in LA and got a culture shock when he got there.
My man - I look at these lyrics and the shock factor it had on your faces , then realise just how the WOKE movement had hijacked the human mind
@JujuBees reeee? 😂😂really? Weirdo
@JujuBees that’s even worse 😭😭boomers are people born from 1946-1954. You’re about 50 years off
@JujuBees I sound old bc I laughed at you? Okay
@JujuBees LMFAOOO. U sound sad
@JujuBees I’m glad :) that’s all I want to do In life. Give people happiness and laughter
Rose stated, "It was a way for me to express my anger at how vulnerable I felt in certain situations that had gone down in my life".[6]
Great song,insightful lyrics,wise words.
Great review and reaction guys, and thanks for remind me how great this song is; it was controversial back then but man, they would NEVER be able to perform this today...
Don't take the lyrics really serious guys, I mean, their current drummer is a black guys and Slash is half black too so...This song is much more about some things that Axl experienced when he was in L.A. than a racist song.
I really recommend the song Coma, it's dope, heavy and has great lyrics
i think it's a story , well written, and sung, slash guitars ,lots of people can relate too, can you write a story , don't hurt my feelings in 20 years, good luck
Again, I love that you two listen all the way through and then digress. Keep doin you.
hes describing how he felt when he first arrived in LA....at that time he was a small town white boy
This song is not Guns N Roses point of view. Slash, the lead guitarist for Guns and Roses is half black. In fact, his mother is fully African American. Also, Axl hates racist. Back in the day he condemned James Hetfield the lead singer and Rhythm guitarist of Metallica for being a racist. All because James Hetfield did not want to include body count, the heavy metal band of rapper Ice-T to be on their tour.
Maybe because he didn't think Body Count was a true reflection of that genre of music, not because of a racial aspect. This is a very serious accusation you levied.
In the same respect Oasis didn't think JayZ should have performed at Glastonbury. Not a racial thing. Just that they play different music.
@@eddie7098
Eh? Calm the fuck down. Maybe YOU need to do a better job of explaining yourself. I intepreted my comment based on what you wrote. Afterall, you didn't agree or disagree with Axl's assessment on Hetfield one way or another. If you did then I would have known your POV on the matter. And just simmer down with your words of wisdom, Pa. You can't teach me anything. Capische, fuckface?
@@CrociatoAzzurro eh-oh! Wussamada paysan? Ya wouldnt happen to be half-a-faig now, would ya? :D Yer hair-metal band still sucks. :D
@@RideMyBMW
First I would have to know what "half-a-faig" even means, you degenerate redneck. Care to elaborate. Go brush your tooth. The other guy doesn't need you as his boyfriend to come to his defense.
@@CrociatoAzzurro dude, chill brah. RUclips search : "Aries Spears - Italians" :D :D :D ...... now go get yer shinebox.
Great song. Who cares if anyone is offended.
Vin, im very pleased and impressed you got the point of the song so quickly. Took me several listens to understand. Props to you
I'm a small town Southern white boy, JUST TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET!!! Don't need ya religion "don't watch that much TV" just making my living baby, WELL THAT'S ENOUGH FOR ME!!!!😢
So many people misunderstood this and just look at the words Ngr, and Fgt. So many forget these are artist telling short stories and GnR were not afraid to tell a dark story. This is about a small town white kid showing up in LA for the first time. Guns N Roses always have had a black man in the group, currently 2 of them, and currently have 2 gay members in the band. This is just a story, no one bitches when a movie director uses those words in one of their stories, so cut them some slack, this was just art.
You hit it right on the head with reaction
I've watched all the gnr videos and have enjoyed the insight given by you two. I like how you broke this down and managed to tell axl's story of coming to L.A. without knowing anything about him lol You listened instead of getting offended immediately. Well done sir. You have to listen to rocket queen, my michelle, mr brownstone, the garden, night train, you could be mine, it's so easy, and dont cry. They have so many good ones lol thanks
Song writers are story tellers and the good ones know how to strike a nerve with people,it just sounds like he had a shitty day and decided to write a song about it.Slash's parents were a mixed couple I believe and their drummer now is black so I don't think this song is how he really feels.He took a lot of shit for this song back then,in this over sensitive PC world today they would crucify him for it.
I love, love slashes guitar in this song! This must be the short version. He is amazing. I saw him in concert and wow.
You could be mine by guns n roses
Wow, one in a million i love this song so much!
Im immigrant..thanks for playing this song and reaction im glad you did?
THATS RITE
honestly i'm saying everyone suggesting this song is trolling. i can't believe you nailed the meaning of the song so quick. bravo man bravo.
only watch this channel for GNR
Gnr and Metallica
Great song...good vid guys.
Its so easy or coma next for Guns n roses
So fukn easy..
Vin, kudos to you for sticking with it.
3rd verse...
"Radicals and racists, don't point your finger at me."
Axl is a genius at writing lyrics.
Axl speaking to Del James of Rolling Stone, he said, “I used words like police and niggers because you’re not allowed to use the word nigger. Why can black people go up to each other and say, ‘nigger,’ but when a white guy does it all of a sudden it’s a big put-down? I don’t like boundaries of any kind. I don’t like being told what I can and what I can’t say. I used the word nigger because it’s a word to describe somebody that is basically a pain in your life, a problem. The word nigger doesn’t necessarily mean black. Doesn’t John Lennon have a song ‘Woman Is the Nigger of the World’? There’s a rap group, N.W.A., Niggers with Attitude. I mean, they’re proud of that word. More power to them.”
This my favorite song from gnr
Not a bad review of the song, which is one of the best songs GnR ever played! The story of course is misinterpreted, but when Axl came to Los Angeles from Indiana, had nothing but the clothes on his back, got off the bus in the Greyhound terminal on 6th Ave in LA, & was immediately occosted by alot of black men trying to sell him stuff, & one tried to rob him. There are alot of terrible things that have happened to people, & musicians have there music to express themselves to the world! It's a great song, & more relevant in 2022 than it was in 1988, & I'd bet more people share Axls point of view
Slash is half African American and half British so I never thought this song was strictly from Axl's perspective. Or that would've been a bit weird.
You guys are awesome, great job on this one my friends!!!!