The Democratization of the Music Industry (Part 5)
Guns ‘n’ Roses
I am certain that Axl Rose did not study literature, although, in his case, even if he had, I remain unconvinced that he would have thought better of writing, in the opening line of ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’:
“She’s got a smile that, it seems to me, reminds me of childhood memories.”
Axl is here singing about a girl whose smile reminds him not of his childhood, but of the memories of his childhood. As if that were not absurd enough, it also emerges that he is not entirely sure whether her smile reminds him of the memories of his childhood, since it only seems to remind him of the memories of his childhood. At this point, already in the first sentence, Axl is at least three levels removed from reality, which, with the knowledge of hindsight, is clearly where he felt he most belonged.
A student of literature would not have allowed that line to be committed to tape. It is non-sensical, clumsy and entirely divested of poetry. Fifty years ago, such a line would not have made it through the first run-through. Even the studio’s janitor would have shaken his head in disbelief (after he had finished wetting himself, that is.)
Twenty years ago, however, that line not only made it to the record, but actually went on to make an impact on the public.
The public is not to blame. The question is: how did the creation of music fall so irretrievably into the hands of dilettantes and amateurs? (We add to this the solemn promise to examine why at a later stage.)
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Bit rich of you to denigrate Guns and Roses. I’m sure Axl will have sleepless nights based on your comments…
December 5th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I know I begged him not to pick on my childhood hero but he wouldn’t listen!
December 12th, 2007 at 7:50 am
I am so relieved that there will be no split infinitives etc in your lyrics, because that’s my first priority when it comes to wigging out on timeless unforgettable rock….
A cursory glance at the lyrics of Jimi Hendrix for example revealed the following:
“He cries “Oh girl, you must be mad,
What happened to the sweet love you and me had?”
Against the door he leans and starts a scene,
And his tears fall and burn the garden green”.
Surely that should be ‘you and I’? Shock horror!
You know, I’d rather a rock star be an arrogant fuck based on his ability to rock, rather than his proofreading skills. I know which one applies to you.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
It was not Axl’s proof reading skills that I was calling into question, but his poetic skills. Nowhere in the above blog did I suggest that Sweet Child o’ Mine’s opening line was ungrammatical. I maintain, however, that it is absurd and unpoetical.
Timeless, unforgettable rockstars, such as have been handed down to us from the Sixties (like Hendrix,) have always known how to master all the disciplines involved in creating a timeless, unforgettable rock record. However, the genre ‘rock’ has been in decline for some time. Compared to Hendrix, Axl’s Eighties ravings are a clear symptom of this. Looking at our own age we cannot fail to realise that even the modest poetic standards that Axl applied to his lyrics are now generally deemed too high to aspire to.
My apologies for finishing the previous sentence with a preposition.
Thank you for your comment.
Sebastiaan Elsenburg.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Well fair play, I take your point re poetry into consideration and can only apologise for my impulsiveness and that I missed the point your were making.
However, might I say that Guns N Roses were never very good and don’t represent ‘rock’ to me or most people with a bit of sense. Perhaps it might help your argument if you analysed a band that actually were good originally and which then exhibited signs of a decline (in poetical terms). I’d then be more likely to agree.
It’s like arguing that the band Boyzone represents great pop and then lamenting over standards. They were, are and always will be shite.
And if you’re looking for some rockers that have always been right up there lyrically and poetically then buy some Jane’s Addiction. They’ve still got it.
Sorry about the “arrogant fuck” comment. Uncalled for.
December 22nd, 2007 at 11:34 am
Thanks ‘Dai’,
I really appreciate this response. I have been mulling over a reply for a few days and have come to the conclusion that I ought not to reply at all, except in the shape of this thank you, and to say that I completely agree with you.
Jan’s Addiction rule, by the way.
Stay in touch,
Sebastiaan.
January 15th, 2008 at 7:57 am
A peaceful and successful new year to you. It’s not easy to put yourself out there creatively. Good luck!
January 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Re. grammatical correctness, what about Prince and of course slade ‘coz i luv u’ skweeze me pleeze me’ ‘i would die 4u etc
Have a look at the writings of Theodore Adorno particularly Cadillacs and doo wop, send adress to my myspace and i will send you a few bpop culture essays/reference book to help youre investigation
cheers chris