“Don’t Cry” is a powerful and emotional hard rock ballad by Guns N’ Roses, released in September 1991 as the first single from their albums Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. The song is known for its melancholic lyrics, soaring guitar solos, and Axl Rose’s passionate vocal delivery, making it one of the band’s most heartfelt and beloved songs.
Don’t Cry is about a painful breakup and offering reassurance to a former lover, reflecting sadness, regret, and lingering affection. The song is said to be inspired by a real-life breakup experienced by Axl Rose and co-writer Izzy Stradlin, giving it a deeply personal touch.
The track features gentle acoustic guitar work, an emotional electric guitar solo by Slash, and Axl Rose’s raw, expressive vocals that shift between soft vulnerability and powerful wailing. The Use Your Illusion I version has the classic, familiar lyrics, while the Use Your Illusion II version features alternate lyrics, offering a darker, more mysterious twist on the song’s story.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten of the singles charts worldwide, including the UK, Australia, and Eurochart Hot 100. It also played a crucial role in the epic trilogy of Guns N’ Roses music videos, alongside November Rain and Estranged.
Over the years, Don’t Cry has remained one of Guns N’ Roses’ most cherished ballads, frequently performed live and regarded as a classic example of their ability to blend raw emotion with powerful rock instrumentation, proving its timeless appeal as an iconic hard rock anthem.