Perhaps

Album: single release only (2023)
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Songfacts®:

  • "Perhaps" stands tall as a quintessential Guns N' Roses anthem, brimming with all the cherished elements fans crave. Over a piano-driven riff, Axl Rose's vocals pack a punch of power and raw emotion. The guitar work balances dark menace and soulful blues, culminating in one of Slash's iconic hurricane-like solos.
  • "Perhaps" was originally written and recorded in 2000 during sessions for the belabored album Chinese Democracy. It was reworked and released as a single on August 18, 2023.
  • Vocalist Axl Rose, guitarists Slash and Richard Fortus, bassist Duff McKagan, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia wrote and recorded the song. All bar Brain were part of the Guns N' Roses lineup when the song was released (Brain was a member of the band 2000-2006).
  • Rose is listed as a co-producer of "Perhaps" along with Caram Costanzo. The same pair co-produced Chinese Democracy.
  • Lyrically, "Perhaps" takes a taunting stance, delving into what appears to be a personal feud that's crossed Axl Rose's path. The words point to a figure who's grievously betrayed his trust, maybe one of his past bandmates. But this isn't just an unapologetic brawl in verses. Rose sounds contrite and rueful at times.

    Perhaps I was wrong
    When I didn't see you
    Perhaps I was wrong
    When I didn't believe you
  • A rough demo version of "Perhaps" had been floating around for several years prior to its release. Guns N' Roses played the song during a soundcheck before a show in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 5, 2023, but didn't perform it at the gig. Low-quality clips surfaced online soon after.
  • The band released an official video for the song that features footage of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan on stage playing to packed stadiums.
  • Guns N' Roses played "Perhaps" live for the first time on August 18, 2023, at the PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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