No one talks about the last verse when he says "radicals and racicists, don't point your finger at me. I'm a small town white boy, just trying to make ends meet. Don't need your religion, don't watch that much TV."
This song describes the mentality of a country boy and is a great song. You can like the song and appreciate it's meaning without adopting the mind set. The subject has only been in his environment with people like him and only knows "the other" second hand.
Kansas City Raver I loved this song growing up. It was raw and you could hear the emotions in his voice. Almost the hurt or struggle in it. It’s a sad song from a perspective that I could see all around me growing up. It’s a view that evokes pity from me but could still nonetheless identify with.
This video actually cleared up a lot about Axl's point of view and the views of the band. I'm not saying it's okay to use that kind of language but I do understand what Axl was trying to do. I think if he were to write this song today, it would be a little different. This video was great. Thanks.
Peesonally i care a less what any band writes and/or performs if i like it its entertainment and like all america now days thats what matters most, axl rocks along w/ slash, duff, etc.... Not queer....Much
I do too. People read into it too far. There is downtown late night type people that he is talking about. White/black/ immigrants can be good or bad in the witching hour.
I don’t feel it was meant to be hurtful to anybody. Axl has a beautiful heart. He wrote a song to express others view points not his personal view point, I never took it any other way. Even before I was aware of the the issues others may have with it. Guns N Roses are artist, so leave them be and allow them to create.
Violent thug culture shouldn't be tolerated. They're ruining entire cities and neighborhoods turning this whole country into a giant ghetto. Just look at Chicago shootings every weekend. Not all of them obviously, but an overwhelming majority. Everyone is so afraid to be called the R word and the problems just get worse. The media even celebrates and promotes violent gang culture. Enough is enough. Decent hard working families want a future for their kids.
@@JawsVader1970 Fucking A. I love it and not bc I'm racist at all. I appreciate the mindset. Love that after he says police and ni@@ers, he goes "that's right" haha.
@@JawsVader1970 I knew at least 1 of you gnr fans would show your true colors you for sure racist my friend. Either way the song is beautiful and you are just gum off a dogs palm
Violent thug culture shouldn't be tolerated. They're ruining entire cities and neighborhoods turning this whole country into a giant ghetto. Just look at Chicago shootings every weekend. Not all of them obviously, but an overwhelming majority. Everyone is so afraid to be called the R word and the problems just get worse. The media even celebrates and promotes violent gang culture. Enough is enough. Decent hard working families want a future for their kids.
One In a Million is one of my favorite songs by GnR's. The melody is simple, beautiful, and powerful. The lyrics are raw as hell. I never got the feeling that Axl was a bigot, even when I didn't understand the lyrics to the song. I figured there was a certain ironic and/or artistic element to it. Axl may be a head case but he's always been a pretty damned open minded dude who lives life his own way. I genuinely believe him when he says that he doesn't care what color your skin is, where you come from, or what your sexuality is. He was just creating a piece of art and art isn't always supposed to be pretty and comforting. EDIT - The idiot magazine that ranked it the "worst" Guns N Roses song clearly doesn't care about art. They care only about politics. In no possible world is One in a Million the "worst" Guns N Roses song. In fact it's CLEARLY one of their better songs. Just musically regardless of the lyrics it's a great song. A song cannot be "bad" because it's offensive. That's NOT how art works.
I know your comment is now three years old and you may never see this reply, but, I want you to know how right you are. People DO need to lighten the fuck up and stop looking for shit to be offended by. If someone is offended they need to look in the mirror.. I'd bet a paycheck that the person looking back at them is legitimately more offensive than anything in written in 'One in a Million.
He did a very shit job in explaining it then! Most bigots like this song for the blatant bigotry in the lyrics. To make matters worse, 7:22 on this video shows what kind of person he is.
That's what I always thought too, but then when you read some of the stuff he said, like black guys robbing him/his friend and how he wanted to get back at them, the whole 'written from the perspective' of a bigot kinda goes out the window. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle, and the song was written from his perspective, when he used to be a bigot.
I know right, I say the same thing when the neighbors complain about me burning crosses on my lawn, I'm like "Hey man, I'm not racist, I'm just trying to get into the mindset of a racist."
Thank GOD Axl has opened up so many cans of worms! He always has put his feelings into music. It gets people talking about the things they are afraid of.
Hmm I think it was based on his negative experiences going to LA from a small town. He was just trying to get by living in the streets poor as hell dealing with a lot of low lives and negative experiences. Paradise city is about trying to escape LA and go back to his hometown because he got so depressed living on the streets, poor as hell, selling and doing drugs etc. And Welcome to the Jungle is about living in the streets of La (drug game, dealing with hustlers, police etc. and not getting along with immigrants etc in the city life).
Manson brings it up, says he's going to do it and then when he's asked about it in a later interview he whines, go bother Axl Rose about it. He's the one who brought it up in the first place. What an asshole
This is my #1 favorite song of all-time. I've been listening to it several times/day every day since I first heard it back in 1990. Such a raw, honest & prophetic song from Axl with the most beautiful melody of all-time.
@@christianc.christian5025 I never said it's my anthem. Maybe you shouldn't put words in people's mouths and judge them so quickly. Seems like you have a lot of growing up to do.
@@dinab7852 You just said "my #1 favorite song of all-time," Brenda... That's what "anthem" refers to. You should really think before saying stupid shit like this.
I've always known that it was a song about when Axl moved from Lafayette, indiana to L.A meaning that he's One In A Million. Since lafayette is so small, and L.A is huge. Its a really clever song. Axl got sexually abused by his stepdad and by the man that crashed on his hotel floor, that why hes pretty homophobic. GN'R is pretty much against censorship, so ofcourse Axl is going to release the song, and im thankfull that he did! One in a million is a really controversial song, which means that it'll generate alot of attention to GN'R. I love the song and i cant see why people call Axl homophobic n racist. Axl and Izzy spoke some serious truth about the song. Well Axl is Axl its something you'd expect from the 80's-90's GN'R. People need to chill on the *TRIGGERED* button. Thanks for posting! Been waiting for this!:)
I was also Malested at the aged of 4yrs old. It's not fun we didn't ask for it. I'm now PTSD on medicine I'm all Fuck up. But thank you Axl Rose for helping me or giving me a voice for this.
Being bisexual I don't feel offended by the song. I grew up in a small, closed minded village and my parents are Neo Nazis. When you are a child you believe what your parents say because... well, who do you trust if not your parents? The first time I went to a bigger city (Berlin in my case) I was totally shocked and kind of frightened by all that stuff that was different from everyting I knew. We didn't have punks, black or queer people in my village (well at least not openly) and it totally confused me. And I think this is what Axl wrote in his song. His feelings about entering that new world which was totally different from his overly religious home. If I would write about that first time in Berlin I would probably use similar language because this is how I felt back then. That visit however made me overthink my parents point of view. I started realising that I didn't want to live in that world of hatred and slowly understood how wrong everythng I was told was. I then moved out as soon as I could and started a new life in Frankfurt. And this is what is important. I changed and I think Axl did too. The song is about the Axl who came to L.A. and was shocked and overwhelmed but he has changed since then. (Sorry for the long text and my grammar, I just wanted to show my thoughts on the whole controversy. Thank you if you read it till the end ^^)
Simple fact is, Axl probably was a little racist, like Slash said he was a naive white boy from a small white town in Indiana moving to L.A. But I do think his views have changed like most of the band members said he just has to live with that mistake now
Darian Gomez I wouldn't be surprised. It's Indy. Home of the KKK. It wouldn't be a stretch he would have been raised with views commonly known as racist. Same for homophobic.
I hate that statement of everyone in America is an immigrant. I've never lived anywhere else, nor have my parents nor have my grandparents. What's sad with this song is the lyrics detract from the melodies and some nice guitar work.
Fuckin right.I hate that statement with a passion.Of course everyone in America has ancestors from other countries.That doesn't mean that just anyone should be able to sneak across the border into our country which is over crowded as it is.
It's funny how the people protesting Axl for writing lyrics featuring bad words aren't protesting Steven King for writing about serial killers. Great song, top 5 all time gnr song IMO. Love it. Have never taken it to be offensive personally.
Diggital Wizzard if by "marginalized" you mean unnecessarily & laughably lauded for no other reason than their very skin colors or sexualities, by giant corporations no less, then agreed. Also S. King is too busy writing child orgies and fishing for likes on twidder to feed his stupid ego & dopamine cravings. This song was braver and realer than anything he ever wrote.
I heard this song for the first time in Art class, when it was played I was the only one that noticed the lyrics. I pointed it out to a friend of mine Dennis K. He played it back including that's right! He couldn't believe it. The funny thing is I was the only black person out of the 30 students in the class. PHS
It always took it as more of a story through the viewpoint of a character, regardless of it being based on his experience. I never thought it was to be taken as s call to arms or anything like that.
"Empathy is not gay or trans. Empathy is bisexual - it must work both ways." - Dave Chapelle There are evil people, and there are the misunderstood. Clearly this was the latter. A story in which as dark and inconceivable to some, is relatable to many in this category, who are not only misunderstood, but were programmed to lack the understanding of the controversy of the words.
slash is half black. obviously he had "permission" to say the n word. obviously is slash cared that he said it then axl wouldnt have said it. love this song!
To me, one the biggest issues with Axl trying to explain away that the song wasn't his personal/present day views is that it's one of his most intense vocals. You would never know if a particular song was written by him or by Izzy, because he gave it so much on every song. But one in a million is possibly his most intense vocal imo.
Sid. This was a really great review of this song with thanks. This song alone is an easy 4 hour discussion at least under the right circumstances for people to learn about the actual lyrics, intent, music that the artist was trying to communicate about. The style Axl used to deliver this on can easily be received negatively rather than in a positive way. The language and vocabulary at the time fits into the time period when Axl wrote this song related to personal stories and possible traumatic events that can happen to young people. I'm personally enjoying the instrumental version of this song without the lyrics which is great music alone.
2:40 Kurt loder saying the N word and the other F word is surreal lol i mean hes just merely repeating the lyrics but its crazy to hear a reporter say that
The same thing happened to Dire Straits with Money for Nothin. The song is never played with the original lyrics anymore because of butthurt pansies. That song was truly written in third person from the point of view of a delivery guy.
It’s unfortunate that the critics of this song didn’t understand or consider the honest perspective of the experience of some hayseed who’s suddenly immersed in the cultural sewer of a bus stop in LA. I had almost the exact same experience taking a Greyhound from a small foothill town in NorCal to San Francisco when I was 16. I recall being hustled for money and sex the moment I stepped off the bus by the very “characters” he identifies in the song. Sometimes you just gotta call ‘em like you see ‘em! Do I consider myself racist, nativist or homophobic? Absolutely not. However, when I was 16 I was short on experience as well as words to describe them and can therefore completely relate to the song. That’s the kind of emotion a song should illicit if it’s an honest piece of art, IMHO. I love that song.
Listen to it closely as those he speaks of are those seen on streets doing exactly what he said pawning gold chains and such and he was sick of being harassed The entire song is about life in reality not a fantasy or anything else.
I like the melody, and Axl HAS grown over the years, as most people do. Don't care much for the lyrics, regardless of what he was trying to say. It was disrespectful towards the other bandmembers, especially Slash (and his family), as he is as we all know of African-American and British descent. I don't make excuses for ratchet behavior (as in this case), that doesn't make me dislike the band or anything, but I'm not like these other peeps on here who seem to be able to dig out the most asinine excuses for whenever a white guy says something bigoted. The mouth speaks what the heart thinks. Own your bigotry, and hold yourself accountable for your actions. Enough with the used up "political correctness" & "freedom of speech" excuses.
I don't believe Axl was ever racist, he was more ignorant, shocked at the big city and its diversity. He eventually got used to that scene, but even he said he didnt want anything to do with racists.
Yup but at that time he was a junkie and drunkie to realize what he was singing and that lyrics on one In a million wasn't even supposed to happen and his original manager was a racist and a homophobic that switched his lyrics.
I think Axl's choice of words were inappropriate, offensive and controversial (all things classic Axl) but he has shown many times over that he is not racist or homophobic and I don't think he intended to hurt anyone. I'm sure I've heard or read most every one of his explanations relating to this song and for the most part I feel like it is misunderstood and I get what Axl was trying to say. I also appreciate Axl's determination to speak his mind and I think the moment he shared with Elton at Freddy's tribute was a big thing for him and I'm happy he had that. ETA I personally like the song, I don't apologize for liking it and I would be prepared to defend Axl's lyrics because I've taken the time to understand where he was coming from. Most people don't IMO but that's okay.
All this handwringing over this song is ridiculous. Every rap album has 10,000x more slurs and no one says a peep about it. When are they going to complain about Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg etc.. They're fine with it as long as you're black.
I'll start off by saying that when this song was released, I was pissed off about Axl's point of view. I'm a Hispanic woman who came to the US at the age of 4. But, as I've grown up, I've come to understand it and even like it. I kinda take on Steven's explanation and Axl's explanation, that its about the scumbag of the earth and not a generalized sentiment about certain groups. Musically I thinks its fantastic. I love the guitars and Axl's voice, the melody. I just know that in today's world where everything is so politically correct, none of us would've heard that song cuz it would've been locked up immediately.
@@allendista don't tell me you don't have any personal biases against any group. I bet you have plenty of racist thoughts. For example, you probably think all Asian people are good at math. Germans are very precise. Irish people are drunks. Etc... Everyone is racist including you. If you try to pretend your not then you actually are the one who is not in touch with reality.
People see what they want to see. I think the lyrics are good, and he definitely got a reaction. If people want to think he is homophobic and racist let them, they missed the point. I'm not homophobic or racist and I don't think Axel rose is. It's only a song. I miss guns and rose's my 1st band. Check out merry go round Rosco, just ruff acoustic but ideas there. Peace world
First off I would like to say, I am really enjoying your videos man, this particular video is probably the third I have seen thus far, I would like to suggest that you normalize the audio your video would become that much better. There is a tech TH-cam channel called FrontPageTech, they have a video on normalization, check it out, otherwise awesome video man.
The top Rap artist of that era were wise not to criticize Axl too hard, they understood white kids who loved GNR also bought their albums, a fair amount did, anyways.
While the lyrics suck, the actual music, the chorus, and the sound of his voice are great. It is a shame they couldn't do new lyrics for it the same way they wrote a second version of Don't Cry.
@@klavier285 or, they just appeal to the worst kind of people. Filled with gate and anger towards those who are different because they are unhappy with their own lot in life and rather than improve themselves, they turn that anger outward.
From day one, I never thought the lyrics were about Axl's own point of view. It was pretty obvious to me that it was a character that Axl made as almost a straw man argument. Like how Archie Bunker was supposed to be mocked and laughed at for all his ignorant views. But I guess most people are too stupid to understand the difference.
Ohh. Don't underestimate The Spaghetti Incident?! There is some really good shit on that album. Buick McCain. Ain't it fun, and The U.K subs " Down On The Farm." Just like the album states: Do yourself a favor and check out the originals...hell, I love Down On The Farm so much that I prompted our band to cover it as well...
Love this song. I think it's a shame a few key words have marginalized it. Narratively I think it changes perspective a few times -- the singer portraying a character rather than BEING the character -- and I think it's muddled the interpretation. That said, over time, I feel like it's relatively tame compared to a lot of what's come out in its wake. Musically, undeniably, it's gorgeous, especially Slash's work. I think it's too bad GNR have washed their hands of it. It'd be great if they did a slightly revised/updated version.
Hrvoje Matetić I do too. sick of all THIS every time u open ur mouth its racism. stupid. all of this political agenda lately has done nothing but separate the races. it's made nothing better it's made everything worse I think it's a setup anyway and you go back as far as Axl Rose you know and he's right all the blacks call other blacks the very same thing and they call White's worse so why is it always directed toward the Caucasian race that they are the terrible race the racist race, the politically incorrect race . it's not true, it's not true at all .it's just our political leaders trying to cause pure Havoc in the races and why ??? and we are so stupid stupid stupid minions and we fall for it every single day. I don't get it I don't understand why people have to be this way. I really don't .you can't even walk into a store and if you don't smile and you're pathetically polite to an African-American then all the sudden you're racist is bullshit
I’m Asian American. There was a neighborhood pool hall that we use to patron. Every time we minorities would walk in, the workers there would stop what ever song that was playing and played “One in a million” and laugh. When a new pool hall opened up in that area, they lost ALOT of his customers. Me and my friends included.
Back in 2006 I played this song on guitar and sang it at a party not knowing that a girl who was sitting in front of me was an immigrant who's part mexican. Needless to say it was an awkward moment.
The song is honest and raw and he is entitled to his perception regardless if some people find it offensive. He obviously has his reasons and experiences for how he feels and people not respecting that but expecting everyone to respect their opinions and silence an opposing view are actually persecuting free speech and freedom. If you think Muslims should murder their wives because that is their tradition and anyone who disagrees is spreading hate is racist or intolerant than maybe you should consider people should be intolerant to certain unethical practices. Attacking morality and calling it love is very misguided imo.
This stuff stirs up some internal conflict. Its like when I found out Phil Anselmo racist. Why Phil!? On one hand I love this guys songs then on the other, would this guy hate me just upon seeing me. Tribalism is inherent in humans, kudos to those that manage to overcome it even in moments of anger.
No one talks about the last verse when he says "radicals and racicists, don't point your finger at me. I'm a small town white boy, just trying to make ends meet. Don't need your religion, don't watch that much TV."
Stereotyping is natural. People protect their own. It requires vigilance and hatred of those who fuck with your loved ones. Say what you want.
Snowflake
Just making my living baby and that's enough for me.
Love the song
Love that part
This song describes the mentality of a country boy and is a great song. You can like the song and appreciate it's meaning without adopting the mind set. The subject has only been in his environment with people like him and only knows "the other" second hand.
This is more relevant today than it was when it came out
I'm a 42 year old black female from Saint Louis and I love the song One in a Million. I love Guns N' Roses, I love Axl.
Kansas City Raver I loved this song growing up. It was raw and you could hear the emotions in his voice. Almost the hurt or struggle in it. It’s a sad song from a perspective that I could see all around me growing up. It’s a view that evokes pity from me but could still nonetheless identify with.
Sheriff David Clarke approves.
cause you know wtf he is talking bout
No1 Cares U N*****!
Good music is good music.
This video actually cleared up a lot about Axl's point of view and the views of the band. I'm not saying it's okay to use that kind of language but I do understand what Axl was trying to do. I think if he were to write this song today, it would be a little different. This video was great. Thanks.
I am a black homosexual man who works in law enforcement who also moved here from somewhere else. Rock On Axl!!!!!
rock on!
Peesonally i care a less what any band writes and/or performs if i like it its entertainment and like all america now days thats what matters most, axl rocks along w/ slash, duff, etc.... Not queer....Much
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!
Sorry. We already have enough gay, black cops. You have to go to Eastern Europe.( Never see blacks in pics of Russia)
Salute on u Dom!..an open-minded true professional man👍👏👏👏
Rock on AXL!!💖💖💖
I personally love one in a million
Same
Here here
I do too. People read into it too far. There is downtown late night type people that he is talking about. White/black/ immigrants can be good or bad in the witching hour.
Me to
I miss those times were bands could make controversial songs without the "woke mob" going all out insane.
I don’t feel it was meant to be hurtful to anybody. Axl has a beautiful heart. He wrote a song to express others view points not his personal view point, I never took it any other way. Even before I was aware of the the issues others may have with it. Guns N Roses are artist, so leave them be and allow them to create.
Violent thug culture shouldn't be tolerated. They're ruining entire cities and neighborhoods turning this whole country into a giant ghetto. Just look at Chicago shootings every weekend. Not all of them obviously, but an overwhelming majority. Everyone is so afraid to be called the R word and the problems just get worse. The media even celebrates and promotes violent gang culture. Enough is enough. Decent hard working families want a future for their kids.
I don't care who it offended rap bands do it and have been doing it forever and hey if you are gay or black don't listen freedom of speech
@@JawsVader1970 Fucking A. I love it and not bc I'm racist at all. I appreciate the mindset. Love that after he says police and ni@@ers, he goes "that's right" haha.
@@lagronemikal I agree brother he seen what he saw and expressed it
@@JawsVader1970 I knew at least 1 of you gnr fans would show your true colors you for sure racist my friend. Either way the song is beautiful and you are just gum off a dogs palm
Well, one thing's for sure, Axl gave people a song to discuss/debate until the end of time...
Violent thug culture shouldn't be tolerated. They're ruining entire cities and neighborhoods turning this whole country into a giant ghetto. Just look at Chicago shootings every weekend. Not all of them obviously, but an overwhelming majority. Everyone is so afraid to be called the R word and the problems just get worse. The media even celebrates and promotes violent gang culture. Enough is enough. Decent hard working families want a future for their kids.
This song became more relevant today than it was when it came out
One In a Million is one of my favorite songs by GnR's. The melody is simple, beautiful, and powerful. The lyrics are raw as hell. I never got the feeling that Axl was a bigot, even when I didn't understand the lyrics to the song. I figured there was a certain ironic and/or artistic element to it. Axl may be a head case but he's always been a pretty damned open minded dude who lives life his own way. I genuinely believe him when he says that he doesn't care what color your skin is, where you come from, or what your sexuality is. He was just creating a piece of art and art isn't always supposed to be pretty and comforting. EDIT - The idiot magazine that ranked it the "worst" Guns N Roses song clearly doesn't care about art. They care only about politics. In no possible world is One in a Million the "worst" Guns N Roses song. In fact it's CLEARLY one of their better songs. Just musically regardless of the lyrics it's a great song. A song cannot be "bad" because it's offensive. That's NOT how art works.
Love the song
It was a big hit he sang it great
spot on
👏👏👏
This is the BEST comment I've read thus far on TH-cam about this song! 10/10
My freedom to speak doesnt end where feelings are hurt. One of my favourite GnR songs.
Thats a great line. Not so much the case in 2023.
Axl ' s speech was the voice that we all as Americans, even as humans, can't say, either because lack of words knowledge or BALLS. Axl is the MAN!!
Axl's just brutally honest, people need to lighten up
I know your comment is now three years old and you may never see this reply, but, I want you to know how right you are. People DO need to lighten the fuck up and stop looking for shit to be offended by. If someone is offended they need to look in the mirror.. I'd bet a paycheck that the person looking back at them is legitimately more offensive than anything in written in 'One in a Million.
No. Who urgently needs to be LOCKED UP are racists, homophobes and nativists that can't even see the problem with these lyrics, just like yourself.
@@michaelbowen463 I know your comment is now two years old and you may never see this reply, but, I want you to know how right you are too.
Poor Axl, having to explain himself, he's an artist, as Billy Joel put it, he was writing from the perspective of bigots, not himself
Lol no, the words "betray" him. As a "white boy" myself I know exactly what he is talking about.
He did a very shit job in explaining it then! Most bigots like this song for the blatant bigotry in the lyrics. To make matters worse, 7:22 on this video shows what kind of person he is.
That's what I always thought too, but then when you read some of the stuff he said, like black guys robbing him/his friend and how he wanted to get back at them, the whole 'written from the perspective' of a bigot kinda goes out the window. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle, and the song was written from his perspective, when he used to be a bigot.
I know right, I say the same thing when the neighbors complain about me burning crosses on my lawn, I'm like "Hey man, I'm not racist, I'm just trying to get into the mindset of a racist."
Muffins McGeez YOU WIN! 😂🤣😂🤣
Thank GOD Axl has opened up so many cans of worms! He always has put his feelings into music. It gets people talking about the things they are afraid of.
Exactly!
This song is beautiful and fuck it if it's offensive. People need to toughen up !
Fukin A
FUCKING PUSSY SNOWFLAKES
You a bitch
Thank you for this video: after over 30 years I finally understood the behind the scenes fo this song.
Best song they ever fucking wrote
There's a band out there you might like the name of. Me first & the gimme gimme's.
You love it don’t you
Based
I'm sure you like it. It's the all racists, homophobes and nativists's favorite! Thanks for showing everyone the enormous piece of 💩 that you are.
My favorite line is “Deep inside we’re all somebody and it don’t matter who you wanna be”,I’d love to hear Axl talk about that
He didn’t mean it in a racist way, it was in the perspective of a bigot. Read the lyrics right after
It was a narrative not what he felt as a person because slash is part black, he was speaking of someone who might feel that way
@DnB and Psy Production Exactly what I was thinking! God I love that song
Hmm I think it was based on his negative experiences going to LA from a small town. He was just trying to get by living in the streets poor as hell dealing with a lot of low lives and negative experiences. Paradise city is about trying to escape LA and go back to his hometown because he got so depressed living on the streets, poor as hell, selling and doing drugs etc. And Welcome to the Jungle is about living in the streets of La (drug game, dealing with hustlers, police etc. and not getting along with immigrants etc in the city life).
Thanks for all the work you put into this video Sidd!
you're welcome Mike! Plenty more true stories on the way!
LMFAO @ Steven Adler calling Axl a "naive hick from Indiana". 😃😄😅😅😅
Manson talks about Rose backing down.....and then he never released his cover!
@J C Marilyn Manson dude. Mentioned near the end of this video, with reference.
Manson brings it up, says he's going to do it and then when he's asked about it in a later interview he whines, go bother Axl Rose about it. He's the one who brought it up in the first place. What an asshole
@@allsystemsgo8678 He is a poser.
This is my #1 favorite song of all-time. I've been listening to it several times/day every day since I first heard it back in 1990. Such a raw, honest & prophetic song from Axl with the most beautiful melody of all-time.
Yeah, that's not a good thing. I like this song a lot but if it's your anthem, you're probably a shithead.
@@christianc.christian5025 I never said it's my anthem. Maybe you shouldn't put words in people's mouths and judge them so quickly. Seems like you have a lot of growing up to do.
@@dinab7852 You just said "my #1 favorite song of all-time," Brenda... That's what "anthem" refers to.
You should really think before saying stupid shit like this.
@@christianc.christian5025
I love this song and it's my anthem fuckface
Cant deny the acoustic solo is fantastic.
Sid, thats an incredible documentary on this song! You are wise, years above your age!
Great video, more people should see this
It's a shame. It's a freaking good song.
Thanks Sid, didn't know for audio of axl's explaining for it, great work that you do
you're welcome Axl! Thanks for the kind words!
I've always known that it was a song about when Axl moved from Lafayette, indiana to L.A meaning that he's One In A Million. Since lafayette is so small, and L.A is huge. Its a really clever song.
Axl got sexually abused by his stepdad and by the man that crashed on his hotel floor, that why hes pretty homophobic.
GN'R is pretty much against censorship, so ofcourse Axl is going to release the song, and im thankfull that he did!
One in a million is a really controversial song, which means that it'll generate alot of attention to GN'R. I love the song and i cant see why people call Axl homophobic n racist. Axl and Izzy spoke some serious truth about the song. Well Axl is Axl its something you'd expect from the 80's-90's GN'R. People need to chill on the *TRIGGERED* button. Thanks for posting! Been waiting for this!:)
Snod - GN'R you're welcome
Snod - GN'R well actually, Axl was almost abuse by the man that he crashed out with, he woke up just in time ...
Snod - GN'R Sexually abused by his birth father. Abused by his step father.
Snod - GN'R 😎
I was also Malested at the aged of 4yrs old. It's not fun we didn't ask for it. I'm now PTSD on medicine I'm all Fuck up. But thank you Axl Rose for helping me or giving me a voice for this.
Love this song
Being bisexual I don't feel offended by the song. I grew up in a small, closed minded village and my parents are Neo Nazis. When you are a child you believe what your parents say because... well, who do you trust if not your parents? The first time I went to a bigger city (Berlin in my case) I was totally shocked and kind of frightened by all that stuff that was different from everyting I knew. We didn't have punks, black or queer people in my village (well at least not openly) and it totally confused me. And I think this is what Axl wrote in his song. His feelings about entering that new world which was totally different from his overly religious home. If I would write about that first time in Berlin I would probably use similar language because this is how I felt back then. That visit however made me overthink my parents point of view. I started realising that I didn't want to live in that world of hatred and slowly understood how wrong everythng I was told was. I then moved out as soon as I could and started a new life in Frankfurt. And this is what is important. I changed and I think Axl did too. The song is about the Axl who came to L.A. and was shocked and overwhelmed but he has changed since then. (Sorry for the long text and my grammar, I just wanted to show my thoughts on the whole controversy. Thank you if you read it till the end ^^)
Great song! It's his experience and millions related to it. The first two Albums are some of the greatest rock music ever created.
Simple fact is, Axl probably was a little racist, like Slash said he was a naive white boy from a small white town in Indiana moving to L.A.
But I do think his views have changed like most of the band members said he just has to live with that mistake now
What mistake? You're callin this song a mistake?
The proper word wouldn't be "racist" though. It would be "prejudice", if I understand the perspective you're trying to shed light on.
Darian Gomez I wouldn't be surprised. It's Indy. Home of the KKK. It wouldn't be a stretch he would have been raised with views commonly known as racist. Same for homophobic.
@@addicted2p0rn
Oh, give it a fucking rest...
@@henryrollins5455
Yeah... It was. Even he said he was considering removing it from the album, implying that it was a mistake to include it.
I hate that statement of everyone in America is an immigrant. I've never lived anywhere else, nor have my parents nor have my grandparents. What's sad with this song is the lyrics detract from the melodies and some nice guitar work.
Fuckin right.I hate that statement with a passion.Of course everyone in America has ancestors from other countries.That doesn't mean that just anyone should be able to sneak across the border into our country which is over crowded as it is.
It's funny how the people protesting Axl for writing lyrics featuring bad words aren't protesting Steven King for writing about serial killers. Great song, top 5 all time gnr song IMO. Love it. Have never taken it to be offensive personally.
because steven king isn’t ranting about how a marginalized group of people are the problem in america
Diggital Wizzard if by "marginalized" you mean unnecessarily & laughably lauded for no other reason than their very skin colors or sexualities, by giant corporations no less, then agreed. Also S. King is too busy writing child orgies and fishing for likes on twidder to feed his stupid ego & dopamine cravings. This song was braver and realer than anything he ever wrote.
I heard this song for the first time in Art class, when it was played I was the only one that noticed the lyrics. I pointed it out to a friend of mine Dennis K. He played it back including that's right! He couldn't believe it. The funny thing is I was the only black person out of the 30 students in the class. PHS
Axl Rose admitted to being a fan of NWA. Plus he planned on doing a project with them.
They were friends
@@dini6617 and he isn't homophobic either his idol was fredie mercury he is the one who inspired to him to be rockstar.
He was being honest. If we are truthful we all have felt how he did at one point or another.
Speak for yourself, dude.
@@rosstrent1877 yes it is what it is
@@rosstrent1877 you are in denial
Long live Axl, the greatest of all time.
Idk bout that but its really damn good
It always took it as more of a story through the viewpoint of a character, regardless of it being based on his experience. I never thought it was to be taken as s call to arms or anything like that.
I played this song on an acoustic guitar and sang it in a prison talent show to an audience of black men and prison gaurds. I won the talent show...
Lie
This is my theme song
No matter what anybody says about this song, Axl's vocals on this song are unbelievable. Especially towards the end, I think it's his best.
Definitely love this song but I put coma numerous uno, or maybe estranged.
Great song and so true espessially today.
"Empathy is not gay or trans. Empathy is bisexual - it must work both ways."
- Dave Chapelle
There are evil people, and there are the misunderstood. Clearly this was the latter. A story in which as dark and inconceivable to some, is relatable to many in this category, who are not only misunderstood, but were programmed to lack the understanding of the controversy of the words.
Probably my fav GnR song and definitely my fav rock band growing up. Glad to see most here in the comments seem to 'get it'.
It's my favorite song by guns and roses they should make more like it. it's just really life stuff
slash is half black. obviously he had "permission" to say the n word. obviously is slash cared that he said it then axl wouldnt have said it. love this song!
I maybe wrong but I'm sure I read an old interview where Slash was a bit annoyed about it.
yeah i wrote that before i started the video. slash basically said he was annoyed but it was axls battle to fight if he used the word
Dat N***** Slash is Half White!
@@NiteDriv3r saying the n word u bitch give me your address I bet I mop your ass up
Lol n word? Your a pussy
❤️ Thanks for the story,,Love the band 💃🏼👏
To me, one the biggest issues with Axl trying to explain away that the song wasn't his personal/present day views is that it's one of his most intense vocals. You would never know if a particular song was written by him or by Izzy, because he gave it so much on every song. But one in a million is possibly his most intense vocal imo.
Sid. This was a really great review of this song with thanks. This song alone is an easy 4 hour discussion at least under the right circumstances for people to learn about the actual lyrics, intent, music that the artist was trying to communicate about. The style Axl used to deliver this on can easily be received negatively rather than in a positive way. The language and vocabulary at the time fits into the time period when Axl wrote this song related to personal stories and possible traumatic events that can happen to young people. I'm personally enjoying the instrumental version of this song without the lyrics which is great music alone.
glad you enjoyed it!
How are you a guns n Roses fan and not like all of there songs? Pure legendary
2:40 Kurt loder saying the N word and the other F word is surreal lol i mean hes just merely repeating the lyrics but its crazy to hear a reporter say that
Great job putting all this together man.
thanks Brandon
The same thing happened to Dire Straits with Money for Nothin. The song is never played with the original lyrics anymore because of butthurt pansies. That song was truly written in third person from the point of view of a delivery guy.
I still, occasionally, hear the original version in public and it pleases me.
I love this song so much
It’s unfortunate that the critics of this song didn’t understand or consider the honest perspective of the experience of some hayseed who’s suddenly immersed in the cultural sewer of a bus stop in LA. I had almost the exact same experience taking a Greyhound from a small foothill town in NorCal to San Francisco when I was 16. I recall being hustled for money and sex the moment I stepped off the bus by the very “characters” he identifies in the song. Sometimes you just gotta call ‘em like you see ‘em! Do I consider myself racist, nativist or homophobic? Absolutely not. However, when I was 16 I was short on experience as well as words to describe them and can therefore completely relate to the song. That’s the kind of emotion a song should illicit if it’s an honest piece of art, IMHO. I love that song.
Great video thanks Sid
Thanks Sarina!
Listen to it closely as those he speaks of are those seen on streets doing exactly what he said pawning gold chains and such and he was sick of being harassed
The entire song is about life in reality not a fantasy or anything else.
I like the melody, and Axl HAS grown over the years, as most people do. Don't care much for the lyrics, regardless of what he was trying to say. It was disrespectful towards the other bandmembers, especially Slash (and his family), as he is as we all know of African-American and British descent. I don't make excuses for ratchet behavior (as in this case), that doesn't make me dislike the band or anything, but I'm not like these other peeps on here who seem to be able to dig out the most asinine excuses for whenever a white guy says something bigoted. The mouth speaks what the heart thinks. Own your bigotry, and hold yourself accountable for your actions. Enough with the used up "political correctness" & "freedom of speech" excuses.
Let me ask you something. Were YOU ever molested as a child?
Fuck off it’s an awesome song
Ive said nigger before in my life, doesnt mean im racist and hate black
@@Cr8Tron what the ever loving fuck was going through your mind when you asked this? Getting molested doesn't give you a pass on bad behavior
RickyboyH
Well said !!
I don't believe Axl was ever racist, he was more ignorant, shocked at the big city and its diversity. He eventually got used to that scene, but even he said he didnt want anything to do with racists.
Yup but at that time he was a junkie and drunkie to realize what he was singing and that lyrics on one In a million wasn't even supposed to happen and his original manager was a racist and a homophobic that switched his lyrics.
One of my favorites songs, gives me goosebumps 💜
Just a man speaking from his heart, nothing else to it
Exactly fam!
I think Axl's choice of words were inappropriate, offensive and controversial (all things classic Axl) but he has shown many times over that he is not racist or homophobic and I don't think he intended to hurt anyone. I'm sure I've heard or read most every one of his explanations relating to this song and for the most part I feel like it is misunderstood and I get what Axl was trying to say. I also appreciate Axl's determination to speak his mind and I think the moment he shared with Elton at Freddy's tribute was a big thing for him and I'm happy he had that. ETA I personally like the song, I don't apologize for liking it and I would be prepared to defend Axl's lyrics because I've taken the time to understand where he was coming from. Most people don't IMO but that's okay.
Exactly Fredie mercury was his idol and played one of his songs as a tribute
Great song, one of their best. real life experiences may offend but make great songs
@DnB and Psy Production Don't Damn Me :)
All this handwringing over this song is ridiculous. Every rap album has 10,000x more slurs and no one says a peep about it. When are they going to complain about Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg etc.. They're fine with it as long as you're black.
I'll start off by saying that when this song was released, I was pissed off about Axl's point of view. I'm a Hispanic woman who came to the US at the age of 4. But, as I've grown up, I've come to understand it and even like it. I kinda take on Steven's explanation and Axl's explanation, that its about the scumbag of the earth and not a generalized sentiment about certain groups. Musically I thinks its fantastic. I love the guitars and Axl's voice, the melody. I just know that in today's world where everything is so politically correct, none of us would've heard that song cuz it would've been locked up immediately.
Great episode by the way. I was waiting for this song since you started the series. You did a great job with it.
jennie 29 thanks Jennie!
jennie 29 what a cool way to say what you think! Your wiser than your age! Bravo lady
@@allendista don't tell me you don't have any personal biases against any group. I bet you have plenty of racist thoughts. For example, you probably think all Asian people are good at math. Germans are very precise. Irish people are drunks. Etc... Everyone is racist including you. If you try to pretend your not then you actually are the one who is not in touch with reality.
@@jasonruggen1511 , you are such an idiot LOL!!!!
People see what they want to see. I think the lyrics are good, and he definitely got a reaction. If people want to think he is homophobic and racist let them, they missed the point. I'm not homophobic or racist and I don't think Axel rose is. It's only a song. I miss guns and rose's my 1st band. Check out merry go round Rosco, just ruff acoustic but ideas there. Peace world
First off I would like to say, I am really enjoying your videos man, this particular video is probably the third I have seen thus far, I would like to suggest that you normalize the audio your video would become that much better. There is a tech TH-cam channel called FrontPageTech, they have a video on normalization, check it out, otherwise awesome video man.
Kurt Loder loved getting to say those words lol
Are u kidding me, that's one of my top 5 favorite GnR songs
Personally one of my favorite songs that got played a part in getting me hooked on GNR
My favorite GNR song period in no way because of the lyrics
The best song ever written
I agree
The top Rap artist of that era were wise not to criticize Axl too hard, they understood white kids who loved GNR also bought their albums, a fair amount did, anyways.
Kevin Michael that was my view they just didn't have the pull to say what they felt
What?
Great song!
One of my favorite.
I love the Song guns n'roses forever
While the lyrics suck, the actual music, the chorus, and the sound of his voice are great. It is a shame they couldn't do new lyrics for it the same way they wrote a second version of Don't Cry.
RansomeStoddard the lyrics are fine the way they are
Yeah the lyrics are bad. They failed to convey the message he was trying to put out.
Nah. The lyrics are fucking beautiful.
Nope, lyrics don't suck. I guess they do for fragile people who are perpetually offended.
@@klavier285 or, they just appeal to the worst kind of people. Filled with gate and anger towards those who are different because they are unhappy with their own lot in life and rather than improve themselves, they turn that anger outward.
"One ine a million is a great song in my opinion, very catchy ! Just those lines make it disturbing but otherwise....
My favorite song off the album
From day one, I never thought the lyrics were about Axl's own point of view. It was pretty obvious to me that it was a character that Axl made as almost a straw man argument. Like how Archie Bunker was supposed to be mocked and laughed at for all his ignorant views. But I guess most people are too stupid to understand the difference.
One in a million ranks right up there as one of my favorite Guns and Roses songs along with mr. Brownstone and you could be mine
What about don't damn me and coma and get in the ring and yesterday's and rocket queen... pretty much every song they made!
great video
Jeff Mccall thanks Jeff
Their best Song ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing !!!!!
I can't believe youtube never censored this yet LOL
No cop outs, no compromise, no backing down!...
Ohh. Don't underestimate The Spaghetti Incident?! There is some really good shit on that album. Buick McCain. Ain't it fun, and The U.K subs " Down On The Farm." Just like the album states: Do yourself a favor and check out the originals...hell, I love Down On The Farm so much that I prompted our band to cover it as well...
How come ''Ain't it fun'' has no video?
Axl was right, love the song and the lyrics
lmao !!! that’s foreal what these guys listen to
Naw
My favorite songs bye gnr
Love this song. I think it's a shame a few key words have marginalized it. Narratively I think it changes perspective a few times -- the singer portraying a character rather than BEING the character -- and I think it's muddled the interpretation. That said, over time, I feel like it's relatively tame compared to a lot of what's come out in its wake. Musically, undeniably, it's gorgeous, especially Slash's work. I think it's too bad GNR have washed their hands of it. It'd be great if they did a slightly revised/updated version.
I support Axl! Great song I love it. G N R FOREVER
Hrvoje Matetić I do too. sick of all THIS every time u open ur mouth its racism. stupid. all of this political agenda lately has done nothing but separate the races. it's made nothing better it's made everything worse I think it's a setup anyway and you go back as far as Axl Rose you know and he's right all the blacks call other blacks the very same thing and they call White's worse so why is it always directed toward the Caucasian race that they are the terrible race the racist race, the politically incorrect race .
it's not true, it's not true at all .it's just our political leaders trying to cause pure Havoc in the races and why ???
and we are so stupid stupid stupid minions and we fall for it every single day. I don't get it I don't understand why people have to be this way. I really don't .you can't even walk into a store and if you don't smile and you're pathetically polite to an African-American then all the sudden you're racist is bullshit
Poor you, I'll feast on your lilly-white tears tonight!
Hrvoje Matetić get over it moron.
greatest frontman ever. ur just ignorant. stupid immature dumbass. go to bed.
RickyboyH haha right
Same!
I’m Asian American. There was a neighborhood pool hall that we use to patron. Every time we minorities would walk in, the workers there would stop what ever song that was playing and played “One in a million” and laugh. When a new pool hall opened up in that area, they lost ALOT of his customers. Me and my friends included.
I heard that story about him writing a song with only the bottom two strings about Dead Horse. Maybe it was both?
Back in 2006 I played this song on guitar and sang it at a party not knowing that a girl who was sitting in front of me was an immigrant who's part mexican. Needless to say it was an awkward moment.
The song is honest and raw and he is entitled to his perception regardless if some people find it offensive. He obviously has his reasons and experiences for how he feels and people not respecting that but expecting everyone to respect their opinions and silence an opposing view are actually persecuting free speech and freedom. If you think Muslims should murder their wives because that is their tradition and anyone who disagrees is spreading hate is racist or intolerant than maybe you should consider people should be intolerant to certain unethical practices. Attacking morality and calling it love is very misguided imo.
The true story about "One In a Million?" its absolutely ridiculously, criminally, stupidly, and stupendously underrated.
Every true American has felt this way at least once no matter how much they hate it ,they have.
I have not.
Well said Living Color !!
During the interview you can hear beastie boys lmao
This stuff stirs up some internal conflict. Its like when I found out Phil Anselmo racist. Why Phil!? On one hand I love this guys songs then on the other, would this guy hate me just upon seeing me. Tribalism is inherent in humans, kudos to those that manage to overcome it even in moments of anger.