About The Song
“Patience” is a song by American rock band Guns N’ Roses from their second studio album, G N’ R Lies (1988), released as a single in March 1989. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is a ballad, played using three acoustic guitars and was recorded in a single session by producer Mike Clink. A music video of the song was shot and appears on the band’s music video DVD, Welcome to the Videos.
The motivation for the track is generally accepted to be the troublesome relationship between Axl Rose and his now ex-wife Erin Everly, though this was never stated in the album or interviews. According to bass guitarist Duff McKagan, “Axl came up with a great lyric, seemingly out of nowhere, that of course became the story and melody of that song.”
Drummer Steven Adler did not record on the track, although in some live performances prior to release of the album, such as their performance at the Orange County Fair in New York in the summer of 1988, percussion (and electric instruments) were used.
In the video, the band members are situated in a hotel where they are the only constant images, as all other people are present for a moment, then fade away. Directed by Nigel Dick, it was one of the numerous videos produced by the band. The video was filmed on Valentine’s Day during 1989, some scenes being shot at the Record Plant. It was the last video in which Steven Adler appeared (even though he did not play on the recorded track) and the last before the Use Your Illusion videos. Mike Clink is also featured in the video, sitting at the mixing board. The video was shot in The Ambassador Hotel, made famous due to Bobby Kennedy’s assassination in 1968. The hotel was inoperative and scheduled for demolition, but was not demolished until 2006.
Video
Lyrics
One, two, one, two, three, four
Shed a tear ’cause I’m missin’ you
I’m still alright to smile
Girl, I think about you every day now
Was a time when I wasn’t sure
But you set my mind at ease
There is no doubt you’re in my heart now
Said “Woman, take it slow and it’ll work itself out fine”
All we need is just a little patience
Said “Sugar, make it slow and we’ll come together fine”
All we need is just a little patience
(Patience) ooh, yeah
I sit here on the stairs ’cause I’d rather be alone
If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait, dear
Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time
But you know, love, there’s one more thing to consider
Said “Woman, take it slow and things will be just fine”
You and I’ll just use a little patience
Said “Sugar, take the time ’cause the lights are shinin’ bright”
You and I’ve got what it takes to make it
We won’t fake it, oh, I’ll never break it
‘Cause I can’t take it
I’ve been walking the streets at night
Just trying to get it right (a little patience, yeah)
It’s hard to see with so many around
You know I don’t like being stuck in the crowd (could use some patience, yeah)
And the streets don’t change but maybe the names
I ain’t got time for the game ’cause I need you (gotta have more patience, yeah)
Yea-yeah, but I need you (all need more patience)
Oh, I need you (all need some patience)
Oh, I need you (just a little patience)
Ooh this time (is all you need)