
November Rain by Guns N' Roses is a nine-minute power ballad that includes a solo by Slash and vocals by Axl Rose. The song's music video, released in 1991, features a wedding scene that ends comically and a marriage that ends with the death of the bride. While some people consider November Rain a weird choice for a wedding song, others have expressed their desire to have it played at their wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song theme | Heartbreak, falling out of love |
| Video theme | Wedding that ends comedically, marriage that ends tragically |
| Video location | Villa del Sol d'Oro in Sierra Madre, California |
| Video director | Andy Morahan |
| Video cost | $1.5 million |
| Video length | 9 minutes |
| Video release date | 1991 |
| Song length | 9 minutes |
| First dance song | No |
| Wedding entrance song | Yes |
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What You'll Learn

November Rain's lyrics are about falling out of love
"November Rain" by Guns N' Roses is a song about falling out of love. The lyrics, inspired by Axl Rose's rollercoaster relationship with Erin Everly, explore the complexities of love and the fact that nothing, not even love, lasts forever. In the song, Axl Rose expresses his feelings of unrequited love, where he is still in love with a woman who is no longer in love with him. This is captured in the line "Nothin' lasts forever / And we both know hearts can change".
The song's theme revolves around the idea that romantic relationships are not permanent and are constantly evolving. This sense of uncertainty is reflected in the lyrics, "no one's really sure who's lettin' go today / Walkin' away". The singer desires a secure and permanent relationship, as indicated in the line "So if you want to love me then darlin' don't refrain / Or I'll just end up walkin' in the cold November rain". However, the song ends on a somber note, suggesting that this desire for permanence in love may not be achievable.
The metaphor of "cold November rain" is a powerful image used to describe the absence of love and the challenges and pains we face in relationships. The line "It's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain" captures the difficulty of trying to hold onto love when it is slipping away. The song also acknowledges the tormented emotions that come with falling out of love, as expressed by Axl Rose's "tormented visage and haunting vocal stylings" in the music video.
The music video for "November Rain" further emphasizes the theme of falling out of love. It features a wedding that ends comedically and a marriage that ends tragically, with the bride's death. This adds to the interpretation that the song is about the complexities and uncertainties of love, where joy can turn to pain.
Overall, "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses is a song that explores the emotional journey of falling out of love. Through its lyrics and music video, it captures the intense and doomed nature of a relationship, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties that come with romantic love.
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The music video ends with the bride's death
The Guns N' Roses song "November Rain" is a nine-minute power ballad that includes themes of love and heartbreak. The music video, directed by Andy Morahan, centres on a wedding that ends in a comedic fashion and a marriage that ends tragically.
In the video, an unnamed man with a flowing brown mane and khakis jumps sideways through the many tiers of a wedding cake in an urgent effort to reach safety, despite it only being rain. This scene foreshadows the end of the video, where the bride, played by model Stephanie Seymour, has died. The final scene shows the bride in a casket, her face half-covered by a mirror, as the video cuts between this and the sweating groom, Axl Rose, sitting up in bed.
The song's lyrics reflect on falling out of love, which may not be the most appropriate message for a wedding celebration. However, some couples have expressed a desire to have the song played at their wedding, despite its sombre tone and the bride's death in the music video. Sources indicate that while some consider the song inappropriate for a wedding, others have requested it for their wedding celebrations, including as their first dance song.
While the dramatic and unexpected ending of the music video may not be the typical choice for a wedding song, it is a memorable and emotional portrayal of the complexities of love and marriage. The video's message that joy can turn to pain is a poignant reminder of the fragility of relationships and the importance of cherishing one's partner.
Despite the potential controversy, "November Rain" remains a popular and iconic song by Guns N' Roses, and its music video continues to leave a lasting impression on viewers, even decades after its release in 1991.
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The song is a 9-minute power ballad
The song "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses is a 9-minute power ballad. It was released in 1991 and directed by Andy Morahan. The song centres on a wedding that ends comically and a marriage that ends in tragedy. The music video features a wedding scene that cuts between the bride throwing her bouquet and a flower being thrown into an open grave. The video's release caused a stir, with some viewers questioning whether it is appropriate to play the song at a wedding.
The song's lyrics include references to falling out of love and heartbreak, which may not be the typical themes one would associate with a wedding. However, "November Rain" is also about love and the importance of finding solace in a partner during difficult times. The song's length and epic nature make it a unique choice for a wedding, especially as a first dance song.
Some couples have expressed their desire to play "November Rain" at their weddings, despite its unconventional subject matter. In a wedding forum, one person shared that "November Rain" was their favourite song and that they wanted it for their first dance. The couple ultimately decided on another song for their first dance but agreed to play "November Rain" at some point during the reception.
The 9-minute length of the song provides ample time for a couple to showcase their dancing skills or for guests to join in the celebration. The song's powerful and emotional lyrics can evoke strong feelings and create a memorable atmosphere.
While "November Rain" may not be a conventional choice for a wedding song, its length, and emotional impact make it a potential choice for couples who want to make a statement and inject their unique personality into their special day.
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November Rain is a popular choice for first dance songs
November Rain by Guns N' Roses is a popular choice for first dance songs at weddings. The song has been described as epic for a wedding reception, with its title and lyrics capturing the sentiment of the occasion.
For couples who are fans of classic rock, November Rain offers a meaningful alternative to traditional "wedding songs". Its lengthy duration of over eight minutes can be adapted to fit the moment, with couples choosing to dance to a shorter portion or inviting guests to join them on the dance floor midway through the song.
The first dance is often considered a special and personal moment for the newlyweds, and song choices can vary from slow ballads to upbeat and lighthearted tunes. November Rain, with its evocative lyrics, can be a fitting choice for couples who want their first dance song to reflect their unique connection and shared memories.
While some couples may opt for popular choices like "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley or "At Last" by Etta James, others might prefer to showcase their personalities with less conventional selections. Ultimately, the first dance song is a decision that should honour the couple's preferences, whether it's a soulful ballad or an energetic rock anthem like November Rain.
In conclusion, November Rain by Guns N' Roses is a well-liked option for first dance songs, offering a blend of sentiment and individuality to set the tone for the wedding celebration.
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The song is considered cringe for a wedding
The song "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses is considered cringe for a wedding for several reasons. Firstly, the song is about falling out of love and heartbreak, which is not exactly the most romantic or appropriate theme for a wedding celebration. The song's lyrics include references to sleeping problems and the use of pills, further contributing to its somber and melancholy tone.
Additionally, the iconic music video for "November Rain" features a wedding that ends in disaster, with the bride's death being a key element of the narrative. This imagery of the bride's demise, while powerful and memorable, is not something that couples typically want to be reminded of on their wedding day. The video's chaotic and tragic conclusion, including the image of a ruined table with blood-red wine spilling across it, is a stark contrast to the joy and happiness that a wedding is meant to symbolize.
The song's length, clocking in at nine minutes, might also be a factor in its perceived cringe factor for weddings. While the song is indeed an epic power ballad, its duration might be seen as excessive for a wedding dance or entrance, potentially disrupting the flow and timing of the event.
Furthermore, in the context of a wedding, playing "November Rain" might be considered cringe due to its potential to shift the focus away from the couple and onto the person who chose the song or is performing it. As weddings are meant to celebrate the union of two people, any action that could be perceived as attention-seeking or self-indulgent might be frowned upon.
Despite the song's undeniable popularity and the fact that it holds a special meaning for many people, including those who want it played at their weddings, the combination of its somber lyrics, tragic music video narrative, and potential for disrupting traditional wedding norms contributes to the perception of "November Rain" as a cringe-worthy choice for a wedding song.
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Frequently asked questions
November Rain by Guns N' Roses is about falling out of love and in the music video, the bride dies. So, it's not the best choice for a wedding song, especially not for a first dance.
Some couples prefer to pick a song that is meaningful to them as a couple, regardless of whether it is a traditional wedding song or not. For example, Thank You by Led Zeppelin or any song that resonates with you and your partner.
There are plenty of romantic songs to choose from for a first dance, such as "At Last" by Etta James, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, or "All of Me" by John Legend.

































