LeoGlossary: Guns N' Roses - Estranged (Song)

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"Estranged" is a 9-minute and 49-second epic ballad by Guns N' Roses, released as the second single from their 1991 album Use Your Illusion II. It is the band's longest single and one of their most critically acclaimed songs. It was written by the band's entire lineup, and it is a powerful and emotional exploration of the theme of alienation and loneliness.

Musical Composition:

Length: It is their longest song, clocking in at nine minutes and 45 seconds. This length allowed the band to explore a wide range of musical ideas and emotions.
Complex arrangement: The song features a complex arrangement of guitars, piano, and drums. Slash's guitar work is particularly impressive, and he uses a variety of different techniques to create a wide range of sounds.
Emotional vocals: Axl Rose delivers a powerful and emotional performance on Estranged. His voice is full of pain and longing, and he captures the desperation of the song's protagonist.

Lyrics:
Co-Written: The song's lyrics were co-written by all five members of the band, reflecting their personal struggles and the internal conflicts that were plaguing them at the time. The title, "Estranged", perfectly captures the emotional detachment and isolation that the song explores.
The pain of alienation and isolation: The song is about the feeling of being estranged from others, both personally and emotionally. The lyrics describe a sense of disconnection and loneliness, and the music reflects this feeling with its somber and melancholic tone.
The struggle with fame and fortune: The song also addresses the challenges of living in the spotlight. The lyrics talk about the pressure of being famous and the difficulty of maintaining relationships and a sense of self-identity.
The importance of self-awareness and healing: The song suggests that in order to overcome alienation and find peace, it is important to confront one's own demons and seek healing. The lyrics express a desire for change and redemption, and the music offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Cultural Impact:

Popularity: The song's impact has been significant, earning it critical acclaim and commercial success. It was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. "Estranged" has also become a fan favorite, consistently appearing on lists of Guns N' Roses' greatest songs.
Legacy: It is a landmark song in the history of rock music. It is a complex and emotionally charged song that has been praised for its lyrics, its melody, and its guitar work. The song's music video is also considered to be one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking videos of all time. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, and The Goo Goo Dolls.

Interesting facts:
The song was inspired by the film Thelma and Louise.
The song's title was inspired by the fact that the band members were feeling estranged from each other at the time.
The song was the subject of a legal dispute between Guns N' Roses and their record label, Geffen Records.

"Estranged" is a powerful and emotional song that has resonated with fans for over two decades. It is a testament to Guns N' Roses' songwriting and musicianship, and it remains one of their most enduring and impactful songs.

Lyrics

When you're talkin' to yourself
And nobody's home
You can fool yourself
You came in this world alone
Alone

So, nobody ever told you, baby
How it was gonna be
What'll happen to you, baby
Guess we'll have to wait and see

One, two, three

Old at heart, but I'm only 28
And I'm much too young to let love break my heart
Young at heart, but it's getting much too late
To find ourselves so far apart

I don't know how you're supposed to find me lately
And what more could you ask from me?
How could you say that I never needed you
When you took everything
Said you took everything from me

Young at heart, and it gets so hard to wait
When no one I know can seem to help me now
Old at heart, but I mustn't hesitate
If I'm to find my own way out

Still talkin' to myself
And nobody's home
Alone

So, nobody ever told us, baby
How it was gonna be
So, what'll happen to us, baby?
Guess we'll have to wait and see

When I find out all the reasons
Maybe I'll find another way
Find another day
With all the changing seasons of my life
Maybe I'll get it right next time

And now that you've been broken down
Got your head out of the clouds
You're back down on the ground
And you don't talk so loud
And you don't walk so proud
Anymore, and what for?

Well, I jumped into the river
Too many times to make it home
I'm out here on my own, and drifting all alone
If it doesn't show, give it time
To read between the lines

'Cause I see the storm is getting closer
And the waves, they get so high
Seems everything we've ever known's here
Why must it drift away and die?

I'll never find anyone to replace you
Guess I'll have to make it through this time
Oh, this time
Without you

I knew the storm was getting closer
And all my friends said I was high
But everything we've ever known's here
I never wanted it to die