Inspiration Behind Sweet Child of Mine:
During a jam session at Guns N Roses’ home in Los Angeles, guitarist Slash began playing a circus melody. While this melody was initially dismissed, Axl Rose and his girlfriend at the time Erin, co-wrote the lyrics to Sweet Child of Mine. As these two reminisced about their childhood, Slash’s circus melody seemed to make a perfect match.
Biblical Application:
In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it, Proverbs 22:5-6.
Exegesis of Sweet Child of Mine:
She’s got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything was as fresh
As the bright blue sky
The newness of Axl’s relationship with Erin reminded him of simpler times living as a child.
Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I stared too long
I’d probably break down and cry
Axl was in a great place in life after meeting Erin. He feels blessed and fortunate.
Whoa, oh-oh
Sweet child o’ mine
Whoa, oh-oh-oh
Sweet love of mine
Either Erin is younger or pictures of her as a child who makes Axl feel special.
She’s got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I’d hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
Axl is scared of hurting Erin, overwhelmed by the beauty of her eyes.
Her hair reminds me of a warm, safe place
Where as a child I’d hide
And pray for the thunder and the rain
To quietly pass me by
Erin must be a beautiful woman. Being with her has become Axl’s happy place.
Whoa, oh-oh
Sweet child of mine
Whoa-whoa, oh-oh, oh-oh
Sweet love of mine
The chorus reflects the happiness within Axl’s heart.
Whoa, oh-oh, yeah
Whoa, oh-oh-oh, sweet child of mine
Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, sweet love of mine
Whoa, oh-oh-oh, sweet child of mine, ooh, yeah
Ooh-ooh, sweet love of mine
This extended chorus reinforces Axl’s gratitude.
Where do we go? Where do we go now?
Where do we go? Mm-mm, oh
Where do we go? Where do we go now?
Oh, where do we go now?
Where do we go? (Sweet child)
Mm-huh, where do we go now?
This stanza suggests uncertainty in their relationship. What’s the next step? Was Axl considering marriage? At some point, there is a desire to take this relationship deeper, to the next level.
(Where do we go?) Ah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-oh
(Where do we go?)
Ooh, where do we go now? (Where do we go?)
Uh-uh-uh, uh-uh-uh-oh
There is uncertainty, a cause for concern.
Where do we go?
Oh-oh, where do we go now?
Oh, where do we go?
Where do we go now?
The more you think about something, the more stressful it becomes.
Where do we go?
Whoa-oh, where do we go now?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, sweet child
Sweet child of mine
The conclusion opens the door for either a joint decision to move on or end this relationship.
Final Thoughts:
Depending upon your childhood, you either have fond memories or you’re glad to be an adult. Since life is full of distractions, there is always something or someone pulling you away from the people you love. Relationships can be exhausting. Yet, if you have the will to love and God is the center of your relationship, you have a better chance to stick with it for better or for worse.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 