This was written about Michelle Young, who was a friend of the band. When traveling to a gig with the band, Elton John's "Your Song" came on the radio, and Young remarked how she always wanted a song written about her. She was grateful they did not sugar-coat her life in the song.
Early on, Guns N' Roses relied on a support network of women who kept them fed and sheltered (and served other needs). These ladies usually had similar sensibilities and unhealthy habits. Michelle Young was hoping for something sweet when she asked for a song about her, but Axl Rose instead delivered a warty lyric based on her hardscrabble life. "At the time, I didn't care because I was so f--ked up," she said "But what it says is all true: my dad does distribute porno films and my mom did die."
Lyrics
Your daddy works in porno, now that mommy's not around She used to love her heroin, but now she's underground So, you stay out late at night and you do your coke for free Drivin' your friends crazy with your life's insanity Well, well, well, you just can't tell Well, well, well, my Michelle Look out Sowin all your wild oats in another's luxuries Yesterday was Tuesday, maybe Thursday you can sleep But school starts much too early and this hotel wasn't free So party 'til your connection calls, honey, I'll return the key Well, well, well, you just can't tell Well, well, well, my Michelle Well, well, well, you never can tell Well, well, well, my Michelle Everyone needs love You know that it's true Someday you'll find someone that'll fall in love with you But, oh, the time it takes When you're all alone Someday you'll find someone that you can call your own But 'til then ya better! Now you're clean and so discreet I won't say a word But most of all this song is true, case you haven't heard So c'mon and stop your cryin', 'cause we both know money burns Honey don't stop tryin' an' you'll get what you deserve Well, well, well, you just can't tell Well, well, well, my Michelle Well, well, well, you never can tell Well, well, well, my Michelle My my my Michelle My my my Michelle My my my Michelle Michelle
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