Guns N' Roses - Civil War REACTION! 

The only comment people should make is ~ "Thank you for your service Billy!"

Something I don't believe a lot of people "get" about this song: "Civil War" is loosely indicating that every war we fight, whether it be between ideologies, nations, or continents... we are all ONE species, and thus, every war is a "Civil War", a war against our own kind.

In all honesty, one of the most underrated and deepest GNR's songs is "Estranged".

That would be slash on the guitar. One of the best.

Guns N Roses is one of my favorite bands ever, Slash can kill on the guitar. Try November Rain, Sweet Child of Mine, Patience, Don't cry, Paradise city, used to love her, knockin on heavens door. You can't go wrong with this band.

The quote at the beginning of the song comes from the movie, "Cool Hand Luke."

Guns N’ Roses - Coma. One of the deepest lyrics

Don't blame the troops, blame the politicians who put them in those situations.

he hasn't listened to guns n roses before "OMG" he doesn't know Slash *my heart stops*

This song is still as relevant as it was almost 30 years after it was initially released. The line what's so civil about war anyway is so poignant. Guns are the band that got me in to rock and metal, and for me one of the most important bands of all time.

"Welcome to the jungle" "Mr Brownstone!" "You could be mine" "Rocket Queen" Guns and Roses songs to react to. This song is deep.

In answer to your question - "War against a foreign country only happens when the moneyed classes think they are going to profit from it. " - George Orwell, it applies to civil wars also.

I love this song and I love our soldiers and vets. For me this song it about the corruption of power and world leaders. I think that it is important to note that this song was first released on the album "Nobody's Child: Romanian Angel Appeal". Which was a project, by many artist, to help raise money for orphans of the genocide that happened in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union. So I think the lyrics are Axl Rose's response to that situation. Great reaction Billy! Keep up the good work and thank you for your service.

Haven't clicked on a video so fast. One of my favorite GnR songs. Another good song and one of my other favorites is Sweet Child O' Mine and Welcome to the Jungle but you probably already heard that one. Another great reaction

Billy: I don't know who that is but he's playin' That's Slash, total badass!

GNR "Welcome to the Jungle"

From one veteran to another, we're living in a time when more and more people are asking what their country can and should do for them instead of the other way around.

If you’re looking for more Guns N Roses, you should do “November Rain” or “Patience”. Some of their best and most underrated songs.

“I don’t know who’s playing the guitar but he’s playin’”. Axl Rose once introduced Slash “ In a world that he did not create, but will go through it as if it was his own making, half man, half beast, Im not sure what it is, but whatever it is, its weird its pissed off and he calls himself Slash”. How do you not know Slash? And yes GNR has always had deep powerful lyrics in their songs.

They’re first album Appetite for Destruction is one of the greatest debut albums ever. Filled with great tunes.

Listen to Paradise City, and Mr. Brownstone by GnR

That guy playing is Saul Hudson... AKA SLASH!... Billy Kicks My Ass!!!!

Yes, this is one of the hidden gems of Guns and Roses (that almost none have reacted to). They are THAT good. I've been pushing reactors to listen to this song not JUST for it's lyrics, but its musicianship. It's a great song.

You should react to November rain and sweet child of mine by guns and roses

That’s why I recommend this song a while back. I’m glad you finally got to it!! I knew you’d enjoy it and have something to say. Love your videos by the way. Also thank you for your service!!

The more you listen to Guns N Roses the more you will love them. Start with their first album Appetite for Destruction and then the Use Your Illusions 1 and 2. They are a great band with some of the best songs ever written.

The Guitarist name is Slash, he is an amazing guitar player and a cool ass person. you could do whole show on just him.

Oh boy! Here we go. Open the treasure and enjoy one of the greatest rock bands ever. They broke up so early which makes them all the more special. Welcome to the jungle, November Rain, Estranged, Patience, Dont Cry, Paradise City, Knockin on heavens door............... Back then it was all about Us and not about Me.

I love this band. I've been listening to them since I was a kid.

"By bloody hands of the hypnotized who carry the cross of homicide" As a veteran, this line touches so deeply, because I was one of those hypnotized and now I am carrying that cross.

That playing is "SLASH" My first crush and remains my crush

Billy you should for sure react to Guns N Roses’ other song welcome to the jungle

Thank you for the awesome reaction and thank you for your service. There are many ways to take the lyrics of the song. So many truths to it, but so many necessities at the same time. Keep doing what your doing, I respect your time and efforts! Go Bills! 2020 Draft!

GNR has some great ones. “Mr Brownstone”, “November Rain”, “Sweet Child of Mine”, “Welcome to the Jungle” (though I’m sure you have heard that one before)

this song was written at the end of '80, it was in the 1991 album "use your illusion part2". now in the 2020 it's like is still "the way they've always done before"...

The intro text/words "What we've got here is a failure to communicate ... " were from Cool Hand Luke, a Paul Newman movie.

I listened to GnR in my early teens. I didn't understand all of their lyrics yet. Just thought they sounded cool. lol. Their guitar player is named Slash. Only one of the best guitar players ever. He also did several guitar parts for Michael Jackson songs.

As a former active duty Marine, I know that war is the ultimate extension of politics. Politics is the ultimate extension of monetary power. I was just a tool in the game and I knew it and accepted it. I was poor and needed a job. That was the job I chose at that time in my life. I'm still proud of my service. Patriotism was part of my raising. Peace to all, because all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines never want to go to war. We want to be there to stop one. But, if it happens, we want to win. ✌️

Bolly, first time viewer here. Firstly, thank you for your service. This song was originally released in 1991 for a compilation to support Romanian orphan relief.

Thank you billy, for you selfless service and the song. No politics just a heart felt thank you.

I'm so fucking happy someone, other then the two who have reacted, is finally reacting to this song.. And someone who has served no less... We need more reactions to this song. Thank you billy always love the videos you put out

"An't thet fresh " (Civil war ) was over 20yrs ago ,1 of my favorite G'n'R songs ever....

You never need to apologize for sharing your views. Thank you for your service, Billy!!! Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, nor will there ever be.

Hey Billy, this is my favorite band. Ive seen them twice in concert ! I highly, highly recommend checking out some of there lesser known songs. Example: Dont Damn Me (My fav by them), Bad Obsession, Locomotive, Night train, Its So Easy, One in a Million

My favorite guns n roses song is "double talkin jive"

Guns n Roses were a HUGE late 80's, early 90's band. They were rebels against the glam rock scene. They were definitely some bad boys, and had their share of trouble. This particular song was written in 1990. They have some incredible music. The band broke up for many years, but in 2016, 3 of the main members got back together, and they have been doing HUGE tours. Their concerts often last up to 3 hrs.

"I dont need one more war" that was true in 1991 and even more true in 2020 as we've been at non stop war since 2001

This is my favourite GnR song. I'm so glad this was your introduction to such an iconic band.

Great video. Thank you for your service brother. Fellow Army vet who retired in 2012.

I don't usually watch reaction videos, but Civil War has been one of my favorite songs for the better part of my life. Thank you for letting me see it again for the first time. Especially through the eyes of a fellow former soldier. I've been singing along with this song for over 25 years, so it's easy to forget just how powerful some of the lyrics are. I actually got goosebumps when the words came up and I was like "oh yeah, it DOES say that - and it's still relevant as hell" Thanks again, I really enjoyed that

Your time in the service doesn't bother me in the least - it is much appreciated! Thank you for your service!

Thank you for serving this country. Guns and Roses was one of the most influential bands of their time. Their guitar player Slash once auditioned for Kiss, Paul Stanley told him he wasn't ready yet.

Thank you for your service BillyYSC!! I appreciate that more than you will ever know.

I grew up in the 80s.....I can honestly say as true as this song was then, I had no idea how much closer to reality it would be today. Scared to think of how it’ll reflect reality tomorrow...

That song will fit in perfectly today.

Its sad how so many veterans and those who serve, they have such love and compassion for this country. And yet, consistently, the politicians in this country are so eager to send them to combat, at times for reasons that aren't tied to defending this country. I think it's a betrayal of the love and devotion that servicemen show. Hopefully we can start electing officials that don't do this. Hopefully we can keep these people accountable. Maybe reform the healthcare system for veterans. Thanks for your service, I hope you enjoyed the song. Hopefully these lyrics can inspire us all to do better for our veterans

This song so deep. My most favorite GNR song. Thanks for reacting.

GnR was one of the best concerts I ever saw! Hearing Axel play November Rain on piano.

I understand as a vet, you may have a different view on the song, but you also have to remember the time period it was written in, we were about to start fucking with the middle east for real, for the first time, coming right out of the Cold War, and the members of the band grew up through all of that.

Damn Billy i don't usually watch these reactions to videos but this one caught my attention, you got a fan bro hey that introduction was alot of words in one breath

Saw GnR a couple of years back in the “Not in My Lifetime”. It was great to see Axl and Slash back on the same stage and they killed it! Civil War was one of the highlights of the show and Slash was on fire.

I was part of the military industrial complex working as a Technician for a major defense company. I wasn't or am I now rich but it did pave the way for a fruitful life. Plus a lot of people don't understand all of the products that have come out of R&D that are used today, just like with the Space program. 1st off the good ol internet is just one thing. But I do know like everybody else I wish war wasn't necessary and I wish men weren't evil, but that is not a viable option today. Hopefully one day.

I love Guns and Roses!!!! You may have heard many of their songs in movies and commercials and just don’t realize it. When Slash did his solo on stage with Michael Jackson as a child I was amazed. When I had my son I showed him that performance because he grew a love for guitars; and told him that he could be like Slash some day. I told him they were similar in a lot of ways from his parents to his curls lol and my son was inspired. This song is my first time hearing it as well unless I’ve heard it and don’t remember. I heard many of their songs, worked out to some and have done dance routines to a couple not sure how I don’t recall hearing this one but yes it is very DEEP and for real, I have even more respect for this band.

Very much appreciate your comments and encouragement of the exchange of ideas and learning.

Only the corrupt rich...not all people who are rich are corrupt nor do they support any wars. Not many good people left like this, but the few that do are great people. 💯

This hit the feels section again . The lyrics ring true for me to a degree . We must absolutely defend our country first and ask questions later 🇺🇸 Billy thank you for your sacrifice! Freedom isn’t free .

The man saying what we’ve got here is failure to communicate. That was used in one of the biggest movies of the 1960’s “Cool Hand Luke” great prison movie with a lot of stars

Great reaction! And that’s Slash playin’ dude! 🤘🏻

Guns in Rose's is dope! Sweet child of mine!

“Speak My Mind” by The Willis Clan (about being abused by their father) “American Bad Dream” by Kane Brown (about the corruption in our society” “Learning” by Kane Brown (about learning to forgive and let go of the hurts and negativity of your past) “Guns, Bombs and Fortunes of Gold” by Griffin House (a powerful and thought provoking song” “Back When” by Tim McGraw (a fun tongue in cheek song)

That man playing guitar is Slash! In my opinion he is one of the greatest guitar players ever. He's the reason I play guitar!

I’m a veteran myself, and it’s simply a fact that the military tends to recruit enlisted almost exclusively from disadvantaged neighborhoods while it tends to recruit officers from affluent ones. In all cases, I don’t know of a single instance of the child of an executive of a company in the military industrial complex serving in any capacity. Therefore I would say that the lyric is simply factual.

we salute you billy my family knows what it means to serve as almost all of my generations have fought in a war i feel my need to serve next

A lot of guns and roses including this song absolutely hold up today in both lyrical content and music quality.

Day to day life, Wars or Pandemics, the poor always pay the highest price. Poor women pay the most. It doesn't have to be this way. IMO Thank you for your service BYSC 💚

"I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell" - General W. Sherman

"Billy",,,,Civil war is happening right now at it's worst!!!! "Thank you for your sincere and honest reaction's sir!!!!" Take care and Be safe, GOD BLESS!!!!✌

My opinion: We are living this now in this country... quarantined, stimulus checks to millionaires, and division! Perfect song for now!!!! All the history is repeating itself!!!! Thank you for serving Billy!!

First - thank you for your service! Second as for saying you've never heard G&R before - likely you have but just didn't know it. As a sports fan that I know you are, you've likely heard Welcome to the Jungle or at least parts of it many times - very popular at sport events especially NFL.

Great reaction. Thank you for your service. I know I am 2 years late but the lyrics to this song can shake you. The line "I went numb when I learned to see" hits hard. That is what happened to me. You are right, we all have differing opinions and I would never question why you served but will always be thankful that you did and I am happy that you are here to do reaction videos. Axl is considered one of the all-time greatest singers in the world. Yup, as much as I have loved GNR since they came out, I was blown away to learn that fun fact. Meatloaf is another. Check out "Paradise by the dashboard lights" when you get a chance. He was another world-renowned singer. Well deserved sub. Thanks.

I have waited for a Veteran to react to this. Bless You. Going to start crying.

Thank you for your service. Just saw this video and Guns N roses are deep in some songs with subtle meanings. This song blows my mind every time I hear it. The line "It feeds the rich while it buries the poor" is great never see a rich person going into war usually people who do not have a lot of money. it also reminds me of System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B song where they say "Where the fuck are you? Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?" Its is to say lets go to war when you sit behind a desk and not on the front line.

Guns n' Roses is an L.A. based band. The original five members, Axl (vocals), Slash (lead guitar), Duff (bass), Izzy (rhythm guitar), and Steven (drums) released their first official album release with the biggest selling debut album of all time Appetite for Destruction, which features hit singles "Welcome to the Jungle," "Paradise City," and "Sweet Child O' Mine." The whole album should be checked out though, because it's awesome. The band, in various incarnations due to personnel changes, has had four more studio albums and a cover album, GnR Lies, Use Your Illusion I & II, Chinese Democracy, and the cover album The Spaghetti Incident. All are worth checking out, but the first four are the best.

Won't give you my own words on the subject. Instead, here's some thoughts others had before me. "Why don't Presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?" - System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B.(Bring Your Own Bombs) "War isn't won by the ones who are right, but by the ones who are left. And then they write the history books." - Unknown "No more blood for oil, we got our own battles to fight on our own soil." - Eminem, Mosh. "Increased military spending can generate economic benefits through creation of employment as well as contributing to technological developments. This provides a multiplier effect which flows over to other industries." - Some random economist I remember reading once. Google it if you need the name.

Thank you so much for this video and I was so moved, I cried and wrote a response that kept me up half the night. And I am so grateful you took the time, thank you. @SailorTalk #911Truth AlwaysOutThere #RealPsychoTherapy

I just stumbled upon you BillyYSC through a search of this G&R tune. As a veteran myself, I wouldn't take anything for the experiences and the lifelong friends I made while I was in. In my case I joined the Air Force in '71 over the Army with a draft notice in hand, so I was legally dodging the shit by adding two extra years to my enlistment. Therefore when someone thanks me for my service, it makes me squirm a bit. I didn't believe in the Vietnam War while I was serving, and it makes me uncomfortable being thanked for my service during the conflict. Your case was different I'm sure, but I'd bet like me, you remember the good times and great friends as well. My buds when I was in are still my buds today. Like G&R says, from what I've seen, war does feed the rich and bury the poor...whether the ranks are filled through a draft of poor kids without connections or deferments...or through a volunteer enlistment fueled by a lack of choices...except for a select few, it's always the poorest among us who do the fighting and the dying. Just subscribed so I'll be checking more of your stuff out. It's nice to meet you Billy, and thanks! :-)

Thank you for your service!! Both of my sons are active in the Army

I wish this type of music would come back😢

Axl Rose (Lead Singer) wrote this in 1990-1991 during Desert Storm.

Civil War by Guns N Roses is the greatest anti-war protest song ever written. Axl Rose gave a dissertation on the nature of death merchants when he wrote those lyrics. The chord progression follows the form of the civil war era song When Johnny Comes Marching Home; and the melody from that song is heard in Axl's whistle at the beginning of the song and at the end of it.

There was a time on earth when there was no bigger band. They were IT, and it was undeniable.

SABATON - GHOST DIVISION You will never understand the true raw energy and power Sabaton has and is able to induce to a crowd until you watch the live video of “Ghost Division” at Woodstock in Poland back in 2012 where they brought a crowd of over 650.000 Europeans, including Polish and French, to jam their heads in circles to a song about the 7th German Panzer division.

I saw these guys in '92 (Dallas) with Metallica and Faith No More. Use Your Illusion tour, Black album tour, Angel Dust tour. This is a great band to get into.

Please react to Estranged, one of my favourite GnR songs

Always loved Guns and Roses! My faves were Mr.Brownstone and Nighttrain..my husband's favorite song is this one.

That would be the living legend Slash playing that guitar solo.

One of my favourite GNR songs. You should definitely know one of these GNR songs, Paradise City, Sweet Child O' Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, November Rain, You Could Be Mine (from Terminator 2), Don't Cry

Thank you for your service Billy! Pains of the past resonate to now. History tells the story, but we are all one!. BTW, its Slash on the guitar which I'm sure already heard. Lol

I already liked Rock but it was Guns N’ Roses in 1987 which made me (14 y.o. at the time) fall in love with Rock. Slash is still my favorite guitarist to this day.

Guns N' Roses were Phenomenal prior to their break-up - 1987's Appetite For Destruction is possibly the greatest Heavy Metal Debut album ever made. Civil War is the opening track off their 4th album - Use Your Illusion 2. Their fifth and final studio album before their break-up was 1993's Spaghetti Incident which is basically a covers album BUT with a collection of truly phenomenal covers! When they finally released their 6th studio album {Chinese Democracy} in 2008 they had lost their edge. Guns N Roses have sold over 100,000,000 Records Worldwide incl. 45 million in the USA alone!