My late wife clung to this song after our son died, losing your child before you is devastating it killed her. I lost my beloved ten months later. Her heart was truly broken. I miss her everyday five years later
He "put it away" for more than a decade. He said he wasn't feeling it the same way. It was because he had 3 little girls to fill his days and demand his attention. Recently, now that the daughters are in their teens and nearing their twenties, Eric has reintroduced Tears in Heaven in a more upbeat tone. I like it, but the original laced with true emotion will always grab me.
People change in the passage of time. One person is very different in their 50s compared to their 30's. The pain of losing someone fades over time, but never fully goes away. I'm glad he was able to find happiness in his other children, and that kept him going after the loss of his son.
When i first heard it I thought it was between a man and woman. Love. But after his loss I knew he felt he didn't deserve seeing his son again. He wants to see him. So heartfelt.
My son, my only child, was killed by a drunk driver 6 years ago. He was one of the best friends I've ever had. This song breaks my heart and gives me hope all at the same time. Thank you for your heartfelt reaction. You are such a good person. God bless.
I don't have children yet, so I was surprised that simply reading your comment made me tear up. I NEVER cry. I hope that by sharing his story and talking about the lovely young man he was you can find some small modicum of (I'm struggling with the word here. Neither "happiness" nor "peace" seems fitting. Perhaps "comfort"?) knowing that through you, others will know about him and his memory will remain alive. I'm rambling again, darn it. God bless. -Becca
He wrote the song for himself. To help himself deal with the loss. A few years later, he announced that he would not perform the song anymore because it was written for a purpose and it had served that purpose.
Elton John said the same thing about Candle in the Wind. While he continues to perform the Marilyn Monroe version he said he would never again perform the Princess Diana version for that very reason.
I saw Clapton when I lived in Santa Monica... George Harrison and he sang it together, we were all emotional and in awe. Both the men were also obviously moved and in tears. I'll never forget this concert since Harrison wasn't the only 'Guest' that came out and stayed on stage to play and sing. It was like an all night jam! I still feel amazingly Blessed. Take Care and Be Well...
I am a HUGE Clapton fan, and just my opinion, but I think Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill is the most emotionally charged song for me, and I don't even dig on Country Music that much. He played it at George Jones's memorial concert and could barely compose himself. The crowd was weeping!! It's for his brother... Sorry, I can't... Damn it!!!! That's why I love music!!!
Listen to Clapton's less well known River of Tears. It is incredibly sad and you can feel the emotion in it. I lost my dad at an early age and Tears in Heaven came out right after he passed away.
When your spouse dies you’re a widow or a widower. When your parents die, you’re an orphan. But there is NO word to describe what you’re called when you’re child dies... ponder on this
His son, Conner, was 4, when he died. He fell from the 53rd floor of a New York apartment building. His mother was getting ready to take a shower and the nanny was watching him. In one of the rooms, a maintenance guy was in there, cleaning a window, or perhaps replacing it...I can't remember. Anyway, Conner came running in and ran straight to the window, to possibly look out, like they say he always did...not knowing there was no window there and fell. He actually landed on the roof of an adjacent building. So very tragic....
I also herd that Eric wasn't going to release the song but Connors' mother herd it and told him he needs to release it that the world deserves to hear it
Your empathy for the pain that Eric Clapton must have felt while creating, and preforming this song, helped me appreciate the song even more after all these years since it first was released. Your a good man with a big heart Jamal.
I wanted to comment this but you worded it better then i ever could. Thanks for letting him know hes sutch a pure and real man. Most of these reactors dont really break it down like he does.
@@mandarinlearner as a child I remember tuning in with my parents and them sobbing during that song. I didn't understand why until I grew up. Not that I didn't understand what the song was about and that it was an absolutely beautiful tune, just how deep it effected those who connected with it then and still to this day. Still gives me those emotions today.
i lost a child 17 years ago and it is something you never totally get over, so a song like tears in heaven, which already hits pretty hard, hits even harder for people who have lost a child.
Just the thought of losing one of my kids is devastating. I'm so sorry for the pain both you and Duane have to feel every time you're reminded of that loss. Sending love to both of you!
I lost my son in October 2018. There is no grief or loss worse than losing a child no matter how old they are. It has crushed me and as Kaie Peters said there is no getting over it.
I lost my daughter on March 18, 2018. Thank you for your prayers. My bay girl was 32, but she will always my baby. The pain cannot be it into words. The only way to even start to describe it is I feel hollowed out. When Becca died, I lost the best part of me - she was my heart. I have to e strong for my grandchildren.... but some days it is just so hard.
And when you say, "instead of me crying, I'm going to make this guitar cry for me." You've just unlocked what music means to so many, and why so many people long for a return to human-made music(and that's part of why channels like yours are so awesome).
I can say I understand. My first son was stillborn. I found out he was dead on my due date. They made me carry him 11 more days until I went into labor naturally. This was 47 yrs ago which was before ultrasound. There was nothing wrong with him. There was a blood clot in the placenta that slowly cut off his oxygen. I hope you have or will have other children. I have 2 wonderful sons and 6 grandchildren now but I'll never forget Matthew.
So well said, Andrew. Real love must give. It just has to! Love that can't find its place, and doesn't know where to go...Such profound grief! Appreciate you sharing that thought with us. ♥️ from Atlanta
My son was stillborn at about 32 weeks. That was nearly 37 years ago. I still think about what he might have been. This song helped me gain a new perspective. Now when I hear of another loss of a baby, I think of my son, waiting to welcome them into Heaven, and dancing away...
This song hits me like a sledgehammer every time a hear it. I can never keep from crying. I couldn't believe Eric Clampton could perform this song. Side note: Eric had not been in his son's life for a very long time. He was an addict & didn't want fo deal with being a father. However, he cleaned up his act and reached out to his ex and she was happy to have him finally get to know Conner. They had just started to get to know & love each other. I'm glad he did and am so happy he managed to stay sober through out that horrible tragedy. This song makes me cry every single time because I believe Eric Clampton poured his guilt, grief & love into it.
I lost my daughter 7 weeks ago today, we lost her before she even had chance to take her first breath. She never got chance to open her eyes, to see the world, to see me and her mother, I never got chance to do any of the things a father should do. I never even got the chance to go to any doctors appointments, scans and all that because of the pandemic I was banned from going even though me and the mother live together. I never got chance to go or do anything, it was all taken away from me and from my daughter Hollie. Watching this, I know I shouldn't have as I know what Eric went through and what this song was about and I feel his pain and it just brought it all back up. Anyone who has lost grandparents, auntie's, uncles or even their own parents know the pain but I can tell you, that is painful but when you lose your own child, it is 10 times worse. It has broke me as a man and it still hasn't even really hit me yet as I've been staying as strong as I can for my fiancee and the rest of the family who are hurting too. I stay awake as long as I can, just watching things like this on UA-cam because I don't want to sleep, when I do sleep a part of me hope's that I never wake up so I can be with Hollie, a part of me fears that she won't even know who I am too. The only thing that keeps a part of me fighting on is knowing that Hollie wouldn't want us to be like this, knowing that we need to carry on in her memory but it's like an angel and demon battling inside on which is right, never to wake up again or carry on for her memory. This pain will never go away and will always be with me. Hollie should be safe in my arms right now, protecting her from all the evil in this world but we're both just left with empty arms and hearts and nothing will ever fill the void that has been left behind.
I know that pain friend , I lost my baby girl and her name was Holly ,I held her in my arms and didnt want to let her go .. She was an infant ... Then I lost my boy at the age of 24 in a car accident and that crushed me ! Days went by in darkness .. The sun would shine but I didnt see it .. The flowers bloomed but I ceased to notice. I saw smiles on people's faces and wondered why .. I sunk into complete darkness... God rescued me or else I couldnt have suffered much longer ..
Dear Kaisar , She will know who you are ... When that day comes ,many littles ones will listen for their parents voice and they will recognize them .. It's a blessed hope friend ... Do not despair you will hold her in your arms at last .. Be comforted ... God knows every tear, and not one has has been lost ...and also know, that when I named my baby girl it had a significant meaning .I didnt know it at the time but later I found it a great comfort .. Her name was Holly which means Holy her middle name was Elaine, which means light .. Together its Holy Light ... That may sound to some as nothing important, but to me it brought hope .. And your right their is No greater pain known to man than the loss of your own child ! Nothing !
Part of the tragedy of Eric’s son dying is that happened just as it seemed Eric had moved past problems with drugs and alcohol. Miraculously, he stayed on track.
The really sad part is that he barely knew his son because of his touring and is expressing regret for it, hence "would you know my name?"- Eric is unsure his son would even know who he is.
My son was killed by his daycare provider at 16-months old, it's been 3 years, you never lose that pain, it's so out of order, that it recks and rocks your whole world and still to this day I haven't been able to pick up the pieces... this song is amongst my playlist on the sad days, but the pain never goes away, you just kinda become uncomfortably numb 😔
I'm so sorry to hear this. My son had a near fatal experience at a day care also. Love and light to you . You can do this now, you have to live for them, Momabear.
Notice how Jamel refers to Clapton as “Brother”. I’ve heard Jamel say this before about other people. Hat’s off to you, Brother Jamel. I feel the exact same way about all the Brothers and Sisters, that I share the planet with.....👏✌️🙏🏻
So tragic. I can only imagine what he went through having to deal with it. Thank God he had an outlet through song. Tears in Heaven garnered Grammys for record and song of the year in 1993.
Very true. His history of addiction is very well known. I thought for sure he would relapse. While this song won him so much acclaim I’m sure he would trade it all for his son to be with him now.
Andrew, you are obviously a very down to earth and you have a big heart. It is very difficult to loose a great friend but rather than "poor me, I lost my friend" your heart goes to his parents. Bravo. Keep in touch with them, it will help ALL of you heal.
after our daughter passed away at 20 years old her friends would call , text , drop by and attend family and memorial events for a very selfless long time . it meant the world to us. just so you know . condolences on the passing of your friend . let your grief be meaningful , but not too long lasting . peace .
This song reminds me when I tragically lost my 15 year old son Ethan almost 7 years ago. The pain is almost unbearable and continues! Thanks for your reaction!
Tom, thanks for sharing something so visceral/painful. Please allow me to carry forward for you just a humble facet of that hard dark diamond in this living world - in the form of the natural worry of another parent. I have a beautiful teenage daughter. My only child. I know even if I did everything right (impossible), we live every day dancing on the event horizon between order & chaos. Like herding a whale with a twig, we have very little control over the big picture. She's pretty much the only thing in this world I did right. Yet I'm all too aware of the capricious game of ironic fate, knowing if I'm overprotective I weaken her future strength & resilience. As well as knowing it's unfair to her if I selfishly slip into living my own life vicariously through her. But there's a price. Over the years I've lost sleep to the fear of losing her to something beyond my control - or perhaps the deeper darker terror if it wasn't. It's always in the back of my mind. Ethan and you inspire me to strengthen my resolve to be the best Dad I can be. Much respect! I won't even begin to imagine how it must feel. But you two have made a difference to me here and now. Aloha, Tim
Just an interesting piece of trivia. The first person Eric performed this song for was Phil Collins. Eric wanted his input and Phil told him not to change a thing.
Also Phil was with Genesis recording the “We can’t dance” Album, when he heard the news. They wrote a song “since I lost you” for Eric, of course getting his approval before they put it on the Album.
I lost my son recently & this song rips me to shreds when I hear it. I don't just tear up....I literally sob my way through it. I've lost 2 sons & it's impossible to convey how much it tears you apart inside. We're not built to cope with it. I'm not religious but the melody, singing voice & lyrics are just perfect.
My favorite memory of this song was as a freshman in high school. One of our teachers would play the radio while we did our reading and this song came on. Kid gets up and changes the station saying "I don't want to listen to this pussy shit." This other kid, big, biker looking dude with a full beard as a freshman and shoulders like a linebacker gets up and grabs his wrist, tells him to sit the fuck down. "I fucking love this song. Leave it." Teacher just watched this happen and went back to his own reading. First kid sat the fuck down. I was glad, cause I fucking love this song too, even though it makes me tear up a little every time I hear it.
Real men tear up during this song and the end of Armageddon . That's just a fact of life they teach in school when learning about puberty and the changes boys get when they become men
Wow, to me that's what's called old school in the natural way of life; these days they would not allow that to happen , that teacher had wisdom to let life roll on.. Nobody is a tough guy when death comes.
Playing this song and your reaction has generated a lot of response especially from those who have lost a child. I've never understood how he managed to sing this without collapsing. I think he felt he must honour his son and did so with this beautiful memorial. A truly moving tribute for his son, but one that touches others.
Sandra, songwriters write songs to help them come to terms with major moments in their lives. I’ve written songs that I’ve recorded but never played live, and I’ve written songs that are hard to play live because of the emotions they bring on. There have been several times I’ve been playing a song written for a loved one, and I’ve just stepped back from the mic and kept playing, composing myself and continuing when I could. It helps.
I'm sorry for your loss of your family members. Your empathy came through in this reaction. I feel like we were connected as humans for 13 minutes. Thank you, for the way you handled this.
if there was ever a use for the word palpable, you nailed it. profoundly sad song yet transcending.... clapton was close to george harrison. he seems in his own way connected to God also. obviously this is a tough way to make that connection. but it gives hope.
Oh girl its 2020 and those lyrics, Sr. Claptons voice? STILL tears my soul.A cry in the dark, hits our abbys, heart, soul, all in one.One does not have to focus much if one listens instead of hearing the message: Walk on Sr. Claptons shoes because a soul cant be amputated, however the words spelled.Its 2020 and I cry as first time.
I lost my brother, my aunt and two cousins in a 4 day span this last summer, and it was very hard to grasp why. but songs like this can get you thru the tears
My heart goes out to you... I cannot even imagine losing one of my sons. I am blessed with four plus a daughter. They are my heart walking around outside my body... Much love to you.
Yes, Jean Portway, and your heart never heals. You just learn to go on with it broken... My son had just turned 29.. 19 years ago 💔 I'm deeply sorry you lost your baby Jean. I will keep you in prayer. Sending you love and hugs 💜🤗🙏
@@charlareese8871 God Bless you honey, life goes on, but it sometimes is difficult. Knowing the pain others have makes us kindred spirits. His son just graduated from LSU and is now engaged. So happy although he was to young to be a father, he left part of himself as a son. God bless you
I enjoyed this song as a teenager, but listening as an adult, it's so heartbreaking. I love the lyric, "I don't belong here in heaven." Just the pain of continuing and choosing life. I hadn't understood it before. 🥺
I always interpreted those lines as him saying he didn't deserve to be in heaven with his son. Like, he sees himself as a bad person, and is stealing a bit of time in heaven to see his son one last time. Or maybe as an acknowledgement that he needs to change his ways so he can go to heaven to be with him.
@@JPDillon I've interpreted them both ways over the years. I used to think he meant, I don't deserve to be here, because I've not pure enough. But I think it probably means that life has to go on. That he has a life, people who depend on him, and he has to live his life because the only way to join him would be suicide, in which case, he wouldn't get to Heaven anyway. I was always happy that he remarried a few years later and had many more children. But this song always brings me to tears. The pure heartache is so real.
I don't often comment on UA-cam, but I had to on this one. Eric Clapton is probably my all time favourite musician, and he's written some incredible songs. But very few of them move me the way this one does - you can hear the pain in every line. I was lucky enough to see him perform this song and I've never been at a performance where an entire arena was as silent for a whole song. Listening to it these days - as a parent - genuinely brings me close to tears.
I remember when this happened. Little boy was only four years old. Every parent’s worst nightmare. The movie is called Rush. It’s about undercover cops that get hooked on heroine.
My boy is 13 weeks old and the thought of your loss is incomprehensible. I am so sorry for you both, nothing could compare to the loss of a child. My thoughts are with you ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
My heart breaks for you. My mother & father had to lay to rest my older sister at age 30. It broke my mother. Breaks my heart every day. Hugs from Australia.
About his son that died. I'd stick around, but this song makes me well up every time I hear it. It's also a song that my mom listened to a lot after her boyfriend died. Ugh...
Love your videos Jamal Please do one on Mike and the Mechanics, "In the Living Years". Heard this song thirty years ago and brought me to tears. It changed my relationship with my father and just as one verse of the song says, "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away". Two years ago my Dad died while I was working overseas. But thanks to this song I had a good relationship with him and never left anything unsaid, no regrets. We played the song at his funeral. It's amazing the power music can have. Thanks for taking the time to share all these great songs to a new generation.
I just never have understood how Clapton made it through singing this once, much less recording it , shooting the video and singing it on tour. It's a beautiful beautiful song. I never hear it that Ii don't cry and I never had children! Strong guy!!
@@stephengevers5894 its a buitiful and sad song. was my dads favorite over everything else, he died at age off 49, and in the funeral one off his friends wich where a blues style singer preformed this song for him right as we where carrying him out off the church. was tough. it was 15 years ago, and only lately have ive been able to listen to this song whitout breaking down completely.
Lost my son 4 months to a heroin overdose. He was an addict, which in reality is a disease. He was 34 and had 3 kids, 2 of which live with my wife and I. He had finished 7 months jail time, got released, and then started right back to it with two weeks. We cry over his death still. Three lives lived on thanks to organs he donated.
Clapton didn't want to release that album, he thought it wasn't worthy... 3 Grammy's later including Album of the year, and sold 26 million copies world wide.
@@p0llenp0ny The song was originally (?) performed live on MTV Unplugged in 1990. The album was released later that year. The movie "Rush" was released in 2013.
Skentmar This movie “Rush” isn’t from 2013. It’s from 1992. There was a different movie called “Rush” in 2013.... Also, Clapton’s son died in 1991. The unplugged is from 1992
I remember so clearly when this happened, & the sadness & sorrow for Eric Clapton & his family was overwhelming.....After all these years, this song still brings tears to my eyes, knowing the story, & hearing the despair & loss in his voice.......😥 So sorry to hear about your sister, & I lost my brother early when he was 33, & I still miss him every single day of my life......
I hate that word closure. Closure is a myth, a lie people tell themselves when they have no clue how to deal with someone else's grief. There is no such thing as closure. In 14 days it will be 19 years since I lost my husband. No closure. You only learn how to live with, make friends with, the grief. The grief is always there. Some days it's just quieter than others.
@@sarahzimmerman2953 Thank you, someone gets it. And I am so sorry for your loss. People don't understand. This wasn't our choice, like a divorce. Maybe that's part of it. Having no choice. Being a wife in a husband-less marriage. You know, this should make you laugh, sort of. Someone once said to me they understood my loss because......they had just lost their dog. 🤯🤯🤯🤯 I like to believe that those who have not experienced painful loss are not purposefully mean or obtuse....just uncomfortable & that make them say stupid stuff. Nineteen years later, it scares them when they realize how much I miss & love him still. I will include you in my prayers for comfort, peace, love & strength.
Pearl Finney you are correct, unless someone has experienced a similar loss, there is no understanding. I had no choice and no time to say goodbye. I work in HR. An employee called and requested bereavement time off because her hamster died. 😂
@@sarahzimmerman2953 😂😂😂😂😂Hamster!!!😂😂😂😂 Ohmigosh! Thank you. I needed that. BTW...was she granted the leave? In today's screwy world....anything is possible! I will be laughing about this for days!
This summer marked 7 years since my little brother lost his battle with cystic fibrosis, a month from his 24th birthday. Losing a sibling leaves a monster hole in your heart life and world. I know watching mom go through it was hard and still is at times..
Conor accidentally fell to his death from the 53rd-floor residence through a window that had been inadvertently left open following janitorial work in the apartment. Clapton was staying in a hotel nearby and was preparing to pick up Conor for a planned father-son lunch and visit to the Central Park Zoo
Now there's a day you would do anything to have a do over...Tremendously,profoundly heartwrenching...A parent would give their life in exchange for their child.💞😭My sincere condolences to every parent that has lost a child.
He also wrote “Circus Left Town” but only performed it once live. Eric Clapton MTV Unplugged is all about Connor. He used to say “If you want to know what it took to make this album visit my son’s grave”
I avoid this song because it touches me so deeply Of course , that’s a testament to how moving / brilliant it is Cathartic - if you don’t feel something listening to this then you haven’t truly lived yet
You are so right. This song came out when I was single. Now that I'm a parent, it affects me Much differently. If I could only be spared one sadness in life, I'd want to NOT have my kids predecease me.
I don't know about living but loosing someone close to you most definitely. Some people live long lives, into their 30s and 40s without ever loosing someone close to them, it's rare but it does happen.
Su: NOT to sound silly buts 2020, Conor had no relation whatsoever with me but were all one BIG family and as time goes by the lyrics hurt more....My very God this is an eternal pain in the heart .I always cry it.
He no longer plays this song live because he says he "no longer needs to" and that the song had served it's purpose for him. So you're right about the guitar crying for him AND with him.
Guitarra, guitarra querida Guitar, dear guitar Eu venho chorar contigo I have come to cry with you Sinto mais suave a vida For I feel my life is softer Quando tu choras comigo When you cry with me The song "Guitarra" by Madredeus (in Portuguese)
I remember that movie I was in a weird time at that point in my life something to do with what was happening in my marriage my wife recommended this movie reminded her of her ex Tetra Etc drama drama drama lol yeah but I did like it in the music great and Gregg Allman's part in the movie as the villain was very interesting and very realistic
in 1998 when I was 16, I spend all my savings to go see Eric Clapton live. He played this song with so much feeling, just him sitting alone on stage with his guitar. It was so amazing and so sad at the same time, and I cried my eyes out.
I can understand somewhat of what Eric went through watching my parents go though their pain from losing my younger brother which was 45 years ago. i was 5 he was 2 and a half when he died.
What amazes me more than anything is watching Jamal get the message that this music helped define our lives. I'm a 60 year old fan and this was my time. We were so lucky to be alive during this era! Jamal you da Man brother! I love what you do
Jamel.... This moving song was the one that was played at my mother’s funeral when her casket was being taken out of the church & it ALWAYS brings a tear to my eye whenever I hear it ✋️😰 RESPECT to anyone & everyone who holds this song dear to their hearts when it comes to remembering the loss of loved ones ✊️😔
When my Dad died from cancer, my Grandma passed less than 6 months later, then my Grandpa, not much longer after that. I think it was too much for them. You just aren't supposed to outlive your kids.
I completely agree with this sentiment... I had a good friend at school who had a younger brother who was severely autistic. When I was growing up I used to go with him, his brother, and his dad swimming to the local special needs school swimming pool that they had access to, at least a couple of times a week. We lost touch when we left school, but he lived with his brother, his mum, and his grandmother, who basically were full time care workers for his brother. He ended up getting stabbed in the heart by someone who went back into a house and grabbed a knife, after some stupid vandalism thing that he did, I never really did get that part of the stuff that happened. The paramedic who attended said he died before he even hit the pavement. Within a day after finding out, his grandmother who had never been sick in her life, had a heart attack and died. 2 weeks later, his mum had to bury him and his grand mother at a double funeral, and ended up having to put his brother into a care home as he was too much work for her on her own. Within a month, she lost pretty much her entire family, and died a couple of years later, in her early 60’s. R.I.P. Danny and Anne Collard, and Sarah (Anne’s mum, who I don’t know the surname of). Hoping his brother is still doing ok, but I’ve got no way of finding out.
Jamel -- My family is going through a difficult & emotional time right now, and your compassionate videos are a healing balm to my heart. There is so much warmth and understanding in every video you make. And, when you're listening to upbeat songs, the joy in your face is contagious. New subject!: During these turbulent times, perhaps consider doing reactions to old protest songs from the 60's: "This is My Country" by the Impressions, "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield 1966, "Choice of Colors" by the Impressions 1969, and "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke 1964. I am thankful for you, Jamel!
I'm so glad your channel popped up in my feed. The songs bring me back and your reactions and input on them is fun to watch. You are so real. I can tell you would be fun to hang out with. I would adopt you but I'm sure your parents would object. My son would get all jealous if I did any way ☺️ So sorry for the loss of your sister and cousin. I lost my brother. They never leave our minds or our hearts. This song is evidence that beauty can come out of ashes.
Eric Clapton really showed his heart & soul through this song about his 4 yr old son. How devastating it must have been & ofcourse both he & the mom will NEVER forget it. R.I.P. little one xx
“Tears in Heaven” is one of the Clapton’s most heartbreaking songs, based on the tragic death of his Conor, who was only four when he died after accidentally falling from a 54 story apartment. The track was written during Clapton’s 6-month hiatus from music after this devastating event and has three verses and a bridge. The first verse is Clapton singing to his son about whether if he would recognise or know him if he saw him in heaven, and whether it would be the same if he was in heaven too - but he knows that he has to “be strong and carry on”, because he can’t “stay here in heaven”, meaning he can’t spend his whole life mourning over the loss of his son or just focusing on that, he has to move on. The second verse is Clapton asking his son if he would still “hold his hand” and “help him stand” if he saw him heaven, maybe alluding to Clapton seeking forgiveness from his son. Again, Clapton reiterates that he’ll get through night and day as he cannot “stay here in heaven”. The bridge focuses on the concept of time, and how it can break your heart and have you begging for time to progress quicker for you to heal through the pain. He knows that “beyond the door there’s peace I’m sure”, meaning he is aware that after this painful time (“the door”) he’ll be fine. The song ends with Clapton repeating the first verse.
Great reaction and thoughts, you're a good man Jamel. I have kids and cant even fathom how he had the strength to not only write these words, but to perform them as well, and hes a recovering addict, both alcohol and drugs, and he didnt fall off the wagon, the man has huge strength. As for the video, see below. The video is from the 1991 movie Rush, about 2 undercover officers infiltrating a drug ring, but getting caught up in the drug life, falling in love with each other and dealing with all the stress of the drugs and trying to bring the criminals to justice.
![Eric Clapton - I Shot The Sheriff [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/APWhx97QvxE/mqdefault.jpg)
![Eric Clapton - I Shot The Sheriff [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video)](/img/tr.png)
My late wife clung to this song after our son died, losing your child before you is devastating it killed her. I lost my beloved ten months later. Her heart was truly broken. I miss her everyday five years later
rip
God bless and grant you peace
I have no words, but I wanted to more than just like your comment. You are so strong
I am so sorry.
So sorry for your pain and loss.
Much love
I've always been amazed that Clapton could ever hold it together to perform this song live. Just way too personal.
He "put it away" for more than a decade. He said he wasn't feeling it the same way. It was because he had 3 little girls to fill his days and demand his attention. Recently, now that the daughters are in their teens and nearing their twenties, Eric has reintroduced Tears in Heaven in a more upbeat tone. I like it, but the original laced with true emotion will always grab me.
@@gmb858 I saw him perform it on an awards show just after the song came out, and of course the Unplugged version. The emotion was palpable.
Another good one to go along with this is Fiddler's green by the Tragically Hip. Similar story.
People change in the passage of time. One person is very different in their 50s compared to their 30's. The pain of losing someone fades over time, but never fully goes away. I'm glad he was able to find happiness in his other children, and that kept him going after the loss of his son.
I was able to see Clapton play this live when I was around 13, was a great show.
What really impressed me was that Clapton is an addict and alcoholic, and he maintained his sobriety after Conor died. That is strength.
Was. Was an addict.
When i first heard it I thought it was between a man and woman. Love. But after his loss I knew he felt he didn't deserve seeing his son again. He wants to see him. So heartfelt.
@@leighannstumblingbear2380No. With addiction, one is always an addict. Either you use, or you abstain, but you're an addict forever.
Clapton is an addict in recovery.
He is still an addict. He has managed to get control of it, but addictions aren't really cured. Recovered addict maybe.
I used this song for my own sons funeral, this is only the second time I’ve listened to it in 20 years.
Wow. I’m so sorry for your loss and pain. Hugging you right now 🙏😪😇💔
Sheri Taylor thank you. It’s weird but the two times I have listened to it have been in the last month. Hugs back at you. Stay safe.🌻☀️🌻
May you find some peace.
Sorry for your lost I'm sending my condolences
I'm praying for you stay strong
When our elders die, we lose our connection to the past. When our children die, we lose our connection to the hope of a better future.
kennashan - How beautifully put! Thank you
kennashan you put it so well
No body can say better 😇😇😇
@Mike C Can't debate that you should go away.
@PaigeAnn Forrest PaigeAnn don't waste your time on ignorance like Mike; clearly he is a headcase
If Tears in Heaven doesn't hit you right in the feels, you don't have a soul or a heart. So beautiful. So sad.
No bad energy or accusations please, everyone is beautiful even though they feel different from most. Bless.
Clapton's best song ever. IMO.
Damn straight!
@@slick18me sad
@@slick18me 😥
My son, my only child, was killed by a drunk driver 6 years ago. He was one of the best friends I've ever had. This song breaks my heart and gives me hope all at the same time. Thank you for your heartfelt reaction. You are such a good person. God bless.
God bless you Marie. My thoughts are with you.
Sending you peace from Woodstock NY xo
Renee Manosh How kind of you! Thank you and God bless.
Stan Michael Thank you so much! I’m blessed that you would take the time to reach out to me!
I don't have children yet, so I was surprised that simply reading your comment made me tear up. I NEVER cry. I hope that by sharing his story and talking about the lovely young man he was you can find some small modicum of (I'm struggling with the word here. Neither "happiness" nor "peace" seems fitting. Perhaps "comfort"?) knowing that through you, others will know about him and his memory will remain alive. I'm rambling again, darn it.
God bless. -Becca
He wrote the song for himself. To help himself deal with the loss. A few years later, he announced that he would not perform the song anymore because it was written for a purpose and it had served that purpose.
Elton John said the same thing about Candle in the Wind. While he continues to perform the Marilyn Monroe version he said he would never again perform the Princess Diana version for that very reason.
@@PlumbPitiful Nor does sing Empty Garden.
I saw him live in September. He played it then
I saw Clapton in 2022. He played this.
My Dad was at Clapton’s first performance of Tears In Heaven. Said there was tens of thousands of people and you could’ve heard a pin drop.
That's amazing to know. It must have been excruciating for Eric, but I hope he felt the love from the crowd.
His son was a toddler an had fell out a window of a highrise building his condo.
I saw Clapton when I lived in Santa Monica... George Harrison and he sang it together, we were all emotional and in awe. Both the men were also obviously moved and in tears. I'll never forget this concert since Harrison wasn't the only 'Guest' that came out and stayed on stage to play and sing. It was like an all night jam! I still feel amazingly Blessed. Take Care and Be Well...
Your dad was absolutely right. I will never forget that moment.
I bet they all cried.
Even the guitar cries in this song, it's so quietly powerful.
So true!
I was pregnant with my son when this song came out. When my son was born, I named him Connor, after Eric Clapton’s son.
What a lovely tribute for that child.
Such a sad song. A real loss of life. I do hope "Tears in heaven" brought Mr. Clapton and his family and friends some closure. RIP, Connor.
Omg thats so lovely 💙
@@natalieking8712 he’s 26 now and his wife is expecting.❤️
@@pattytyndall1021 ahhhhhhhh congratulations! I wish you & your family all the love & happiness 💙
Eric got an award for the song and thanked his son for giving him the strength to write it!
This song is widely considered one of the saddest songs ever written. 5 seconds into it and I'm already crying.
I am a HUGE Clapton fan, and just my opinion, but I think Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill is the most emotionally charged song for me, and I don't even dig on Country Music that much. He played it at George Jones's memorial concert and could barely compose himself. The crowd was weeping!! It's for his brother... Sorry, I can't... Damn it!!!! That's why I love music!!!
Try Linkin Park - One More Light, or Avenged Sevenfold - So Far Away, both very sad
😭😭
Listen to Clapton's less well known River of Tears. It is incredibly sad and you can feel the emotion in it. I lost my dad at an early age and Tears in Heaven came out right after he passed away.
Craig Morgan's "The Father, My Son, and The Holy Ghost" performed at the Grand Ole Opry is one to watch too. It is extremely emotional and powerful.
When your spouse dies you’re a widow or a widower. When your parents die, you’re an orphan. But there is NO word to describe what you’re called when you’re child dies... ponder on this
How sad 😔
As a parent who has lost a child I can agree with this.
Devastated! My sister ( 35 yrs ago) lost an 18 month old who choked to death on an upholstery tack. He died in his fathers arms
You're a Survivor, a living memory of that child.
I don't think there are any to describe such a painful state.
His son, Conner, was 4, when he died. He fell from the 53rd floor of a New York apartment building. His mother was getting ready to take a shower and the nanny was watching him. In one of the rooms, a maintenance guy was in there, cleaning a window, or perhaps replacing it...I can't remember. Anyway, Conner came running in and ran straight to the window, to possibly look out, like they say he always did...not knowing there was no window there and fell. He actually landed on the roof of an adjacent building. So very tragic....
That's the way I heard it happened, too.
So heartbreaking.
I also herd that Eric wasn't going to release the song but Connors' mother herd it and told him he needs to release it that the world deserves to hear it
Your empathy for the pain that Eric Clapton must have felt while creating, and preforming this song, helped me appreciate the song even more after all these years since it first was released. Your a good man with a big heart Jamal.
I wanted to comment this but you worded it better then i ever could. Thanks for letting him know hes sutch a pure and real man. Most of these reactors dont really break it down like he does.
"The guitar is crying for him" is the revelation. A devastating loss that any parent fears, and can absolutely empathize with.
That comment was profound
🥺🥺🥺
The MTV Unplugged performance of this is absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking. How Eric managed to perform this live without crying is beyond me.
I remember seeing the original broadcast and sobbing watching it. I don’t know how he got through it
@@mandarinlearner as a child I remember tuning in with my parents and them sobbing during that song. I didn't understand why until I grew up. Not that I didn't understand what the song was about and that it was an absolutely beautiful tune, just how deep it effected those who connected with it then and still to this day. Still gives me those emotions today.
His unplugged is wonderful. One of the best. ❤️
I definitely prefer that version sonically as well. Listening to this version for the first time in awhile, it sounds a touch over produced.
Yes. It is heartbreaking
I lost a child 40 years ago, and I still cry every time I think about her death, like today.
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God bless you... You will be in my prayers.
God bless you!
i lost a child 17 years ago and it is something you never totally get over, so a song like tears in heaven, which already hits pretty hard, hits even harder for people who have lost a child.
Just the thought of losing one of my kids is devastating. I'm so sorry for the pain both you and Duane have to feel every time you're reminded of that loss. Sending love to both of you!
I lost my only son 12 years ago you go on but your not the same. I hurt so bad still. I love you James.
My heart and prayers go out to every parent that has lost a child.
Prayers to anyone who has ever lost a child
Thanks
It is truly the most heartbreaking ecperience...and there is no getting over it
I lost my son in October 2018. There is no grief or loss worse than losing a child no matter how old they are. It has crushed me and as Kaie Peters said there is no getting over it.
Thank you..It is the most unimaginable pain anyone can ever go through..My son was, is my life..
I lost my daughter on March 18, 2018. Thank you for your prayers. My bay girl was 32, but she will always my baby. The pain cannot be it into words. The only way to even start to describe it is I feel hollowed out. When Becca died, I lost the best part of me - she was my heart. I have to e strong for my grandchildren.... but some days it is just so hard.
And when you say, "instead of me crying, I'm going to make this guitar cry for me." You've just unlocked what music means to so many, and why so many people long for a return to human-made music(and that's part of why channels like yours are so awesome).
YES!❤🙋♀️
This is exactly what good music does
This song is one of many things that helped me through losing my stillborn daughter at 37 weeks. Grief is simply love that has lost it's place to go.
I can say I understand. My first son was stillborn. I found out he was dead on my due date. They made me carry him 11 more days until I went into labor naturally. This was 47 yrs ago which was before ultrasound. There was nothing wrong with him. There was a blood clot in the placenta that slowly cut off his oxygen. I hope you have or will have other children. I have 2 wonderful sons and 6 grandchildren now but I'll never forget Matthew.
im so sorry. what a loss. how hard for you. your heart must have been so broken.
So well said, Andrew. Real love must give. It just has to! Love that can't find its place, and doesn't know where to go...Such profound grief! Appreciate you sharing that thought with us. ♥️ from Atlanta
I really love that quote, "Grief is simply love that has lost its place to go".
I will need to remember that, thx!
My son was stillborn at about 32 weeks. That was nearly 37 years ago. I still think about what he might have been. This song helped me gain a new perspective. Now when I hear of another loss of a baby, I think of my son, waiting to welcome them into Heaven, and dancing away...
This song hits me like a sledgehammer every time a hear it. I can never keep from crying. I couldn't believe Eric Clampton could perform this song. Side note: Eric had not been in his son's life for a very long time. He was an addict & didn't want fo deal with being a father. However, he cleaned up his act and reached out to his ex and she was happy to have him finally get to know Conner. They had just started to get to know & love each other. I'm glad he did and am so happy he managed to stay sober through out that horrible tragedy. This song makes me cry every single time because I believe Eric Clampton poured his guilt, grief & love into it.
I lost my daughter 7 weeks ago today, we lost her before she even had chance to take her first breath. She never got chance to open her eyes, to see the world, to see me and her mother, I never got chance to do any of the things a father should do. I never even got the chance to go to any doctors appointments, scans and all that because of the pandemic I was banned from going even though me and the mother live together. I never got chance to go or do anything, it was all taken away from me and from my daughter Hollie. Watching this, I know I shouldn't have as I know what Eric went through and what this song was about and I feel his pain and it just brought it all back up. Anyone who has lost grandparents, auntie's, uncles or even their own parents know the pain but I can tell you, that is painful but when you lose your own child, it is 10 times worse. It has broke me as a man and it still hasn't even really hit me yet as I've been staying as strong as I can for my fiancee and the rest of the family who are hurting too. I stay awake as long as I can, just watching things like this on UA-cam because I don't want to sleep, when I do sleep a part of me hope's that I never wake up so I can be with Hollie, a part of me fears that she won't even know who I am too.
The only thing that keeps a part of me fighting on is knowing that Hollie wouldn't want us to be like this, knowing that we need to carry on in her memory but it's like an angel and demon battling inside on which is right, never to wake up again or carry on for her memory. This pain will never go away and will always be with me. Hollie should be safe in my arms right now, protecting her from all the evil in this world but we're both just left with empty arms and hearts and nothing will ever fill the void that has been left behind.
So sorry my friend. Keep fighting and persevere.
💔
I know that pain friend , I lost my baby girl and her name was Holly ,I held her in my arms and didnt want to let her go .. She was an infant ...
Then I lost my boy at the age of 24 in a car accident and that crushed me !
Days went by in darkness .. The sun would shine but I didnt see it .. The flowers bloomed but I ceased to notice.
I saw smiles on people's faces and wondered why .. I sunk into complete darkness... God rescued me or else I couldnt have suffered much longer ..
Dear Kaisar ,
She will know who you are ...
When that day comes ,many littles ones will listen for their parents voice and they will recognize them ..
It's a blessed hope friend ... Do not despair you will hold her in your arms at last .. Be comforted ... God knows every tear, and not one has has been lost ...and also know, that when I named my baby girl it had a significant meaning .I didnt know it at the time but later I found it a great comfort .. Her name was Holly which means Holy her middle name was Elaine, which means light .. Together its Holy Light ... That may sound to some as nothing important, but to me it brought hope .. And your right their is No greater pain known to man than the loss of your own child ! Nothing !
I'm so very sorry. I will keep you in my prayers and in my heart.
Part of the tragedy of Eric’s son dying is that happened just as it seemed Eric had moved past problems with drugs and alcohol. Miraculously, he stayed on track.
That is miraculous.
Read his autobiography. It's amazing and heartbreaking.
I think about my daughter every time I hear this song . I can’t wait to see her again . She would’ve been 24 this year .
(Hugs) I can't even imagine.
David Sandoval / ???? / Why would I need to ? This doesn’t make sense due to the nature of Eric’s song .
No more tears in heaven my friend! They are in a better place than us.
lost my grandson almost 2 years ago and it still is too fresh for me. god bless his 2 day old soul. love you levi.
His son was only 4 and he fell out of a 53rd-floor window, this was erics return song in almost a year of not making any music.
It was also written at the same time FOR the movie, so it has a double meaning for Eric.
Oddly enough Phil Collins, who is close friends with him, also wrote a song for Clapton's son called "Since I Lost You".
Good lord. I cant even breathe. I cant even imagine that. My heart is breaking
It's a sad situation
The really sad part is that he barely knew his son because of his touring and is expressing regret for it, hence "would you know my name?"- Eric is unsure his son would even know who he is.
Eric Clapton is a legendary guitarist and his performance in this song is a testament to that.
My son was killed by his daycare provider at 16-months old, it's been 3 years, you never lose that pain, it's so out of order, that it recks and rocks your whole world and still to this day I haven't been able to pick up the pieces... this song is amongst my playlist on the sad days, but the pain never goes away, you just kinda become uncomfortably numb 😔
I'm so sorry for your loss 😥
Oh my gosh, Mamabear. Your loss is unimaginable - my sincere condolences to you and yours.
My prayers are with you. It isn’t easy and I hope it get easier for you. 🙏🙏
I'm so sorry to hear this. My son had a near fatal experience at a day care also. Love and light to you . You can do this now, you have to live for them, Momabear.
Oh,my mama heart is broken for you...I pray for the day you are reunited in Heaven.
Mr. Clapton should see your reaction, Jamel. He would be honoured by your selfless showing of kindness, insight, respect and depth of empathy. 💙✌
Notice how Jamel refers to Clapton as “Brother”. I’ve heard Jamel say this before about other people. Hat’s off to you, Brother Jamel. I feel the exact same way about all the Brothers and Sisters, that I share the planet with.....👏✌️🙏🏻
We are all God's children.
Amen 🙏🏻
I am a 63-year-old white man from East Texas and feel the exact same way. Bless you. These are the songs of my youth and beyond.
Jeffery Rightmire I’m with you Jeff...Me too.
Jeffery Rightmire wow dude! I think you are related to my ex... his mother was a Rightmer from Tenaha/Nac area. Father was a Crawford from Nac.
So tragic. I can only imagine what he went through having to deal with it. Thank God he had an outlet through song. Tears in Heaven garnered Grammys for record and song of the year in 1993.
Very true. His history of addiction is very well known. I thought for sure he would relapse. While this song won him so much acclaim I’m sure he would trade it all for his son to be with him now.
I just lost one of my good friends today. My heart breaks for his parents. Nobody should ever have to bury their child.
Very sorry for your loss. I wish you sweet memories & comforting hugs.
Andrew, you are obviously a very down to earth and you have a big heart. It is very difficult to loose a great friend but rather than "poor me, I lost my friend" your heart goes to his parents. Bravo. Keep in touch with them, it will help ALL of you heal.
after our daughter passed away at 20 years old her friends would call , text , drop by and attend family and memorial events for a very selfless long time . it meant the world to us. just so you know . condolences on the passing of your friend . let your grief be meaningful , but not too long lasting . peace .
sorry for your loss, brother
Sorry man... thats sad.
This is such a heartbreaking song, but beautiful in its message. I think we need a group distanced hug ❤️
This song makes me cry like a baby every time!
This song reminds me when I tragically lost my 15 year old son Ethan almost 7 years ago. The pain is almost unbearable and continues! Thanks for your reaction!
i am so terribly sorry for your loss. just carrying on is such a testament to your love for him
Tom Rickman I'm so sorry for your loss
Tom, thanks for sharing something so visceral/painful. Please allow me to carry forward for you just a humble facet of that hard dark diamond in this living world - in the form of the natural worry of another parent. I have a beautiful teenage daughter. My only child. I know even if I did everything right (impossible), we live every day dancing on the event horizon between order & chaos. Like herding a whale with a twig, we have very little control over the big picture. She's pretty much the only thing in this world I did right. Yet I'm all too aware of the capricious game of ironic fate, knowing if I'm overprotective I weaken her future strength & resilience. As well as knowing it's unfair to her if I selfishly slip into living my own life vicariously through her. But there's a price. Over the years I've lost sleep to the fear of losing her to something beyond my control - or perhaps the deeper darker terror if it wasn't. It's always in the back of my mind. Ethan and you inspire me to strengthen my resolve to be the best Dad I can be. Much respect! I won't even begin to imagine how it must feel. But you two have made a difference to me here and now. Aloha, Tim
I'm so sorry for you and families loss Tom.
I couldnt imagine losing my kids to the reaper, good thing tho is that he is in a better place and you will see him again someday
This song make a MAN cry ... R.I.P little child.
Yessir, hits home. I agree.
Just an interesting piece of trivia. The first person Eric performed this song for was Phil Collins. Eric wanted his input and Phil told him not to change a thing.
Also Phil was with Genesis recording the “We can’t dance” Album, when he heard the news. They wrote a song “since I lost you” for Eric, of course getting his approval before they put it on the Album.
I lost my son recently & this song rips me to shreds when I hear it. I don't just tear up....I literally sob my way through it. I've lost 2 sons & it's impossible to convey how much it tears you apart inside. We're not built to cope with it. I'm not religious but the melody, singing voice & lyrics are just perfect.
My favorite memory of this song was as a freshman in high school. One of our teachers would play the radio while we did our reading and this song came on. Kid gets up and changes the station saying "I don't want to listen to this pussy shit." This other kid, big, biker looking dude with a full beard as a freshman and shoulders like a linebacker gets up and grabs his wrist, tells him to sit the fuck down. "I fucking love this song. Leave it." Teacher just watched this happen and went back to his own reading. First kid sat the fuck down. I was glad, cause I fucking love this song too, even though it makes me tear up a little every time I hear it.
That rules
Real men tear up during this song and the end of Armageddon . That's just a fact of life they teach in school when learning about puberty and the changes boys get when they become men
Wow, to me that's what's called old school in the natural way of life; these days they would not allow that to happen , that teacher had wisdom to let life roll on.. Nobody is a tough guy when death comes.
Playing this song and your reaction has generated a lot of response especially from those who have lost a child. I've never understood how he managed to sing this without collapsing. I think he felt he must honour his son and did so with this beautiful memorial. A truly moving tribute for his son, but one that touches others.
Sandra, songwriters write songs to help them come to terms with major moments in their lives. I’ve written songs that I’ve recorded but never played live, and I’ve written songs that are hard to play live because of the emotions they bring on. There have been several times I’ve been playing a song written for a loved one, and I’ve just stepped back from the mic and kept playing, composing myself and continuing when I could. It helps.
I'm sorry for your loss of your family members. Your empathy came through in this reaction. I feel like we were connected as humans for 13 minutes. Thank you, for the way you handled this.
I damn near cry every time I hear this song..I couldn't imagine preforming it.
I have a 3 year old daughter never truly felt this song until now. Go hug your kids keep them safe.
Such a sad, sad song. The feeling of loss is palpable in this song.
Can't imagine performing a sing like this every night on tour, devastating.
if there was ever a use for the word palpable, you nailed it. profoundly sad song yet transcending.... clapton was close to george harrison. he seems in his own way connected to God also. obviously this is a tough way to make that connection. but it gives hope.
Loss and guilt, as parents we have a responsibility to keep our little ones safe. "I know I don't belong here in heaven."
This song make me cry every time. Eric is amazing human being and artist.RIP Conor...
Oh girl its 2020 and those lyrics, Sr. Claptons voice? STILL tears my soul.A cry in the dark, hits our abbys, heart, soul, all in one.One does not have to focus much if one listens instead of hearing the message: Walk on Sr. Claptons shoes because a soul cant be amputated, however the words spelled.Its 2020 and I cry as first time.
I lost my brother, my aunt and two cousins in a 4 day span this last summer, and it was very hard to grasp why. but songs like this can get you thru the tears
I lost a son 17 years ago. That song gives me chills. The loss of a child, he was 23. Really does break your heart.
Dear Jean, I'm so sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you... I cannot even imagine losing one of my sons. I am blessed with four plus a daughter. They are my heart walking around outside my body... Much love to you.
Yes, Jean Portway, and your heart never heals. You just learn to go on with it broken... My son had just turned 29.. 19 years ago 💔
I'm deeply sorry you lost your baby Jean. I will keep you in prayer. Sending you love and hugs 💜🤗🙏
@@charlareese8871 God Bless you honey, life goes on, but it sometimes is difficult. Knowing the pain others have makes us kindred spirits. His son just graduated from LSU and is now engaged. So happy although he was to young to be a father, he left part of himself as a son. God bless you
@@jeanportway3128 Thank you Jean. God bless you too. Yes kindred spirits 💜
I enjoyed this song as a teenager, but listening as an adult, it's so heartbreaking. I love the lyric, "I don't belong here in heaven." Just the pain of continuing and choosing life. I hadn't understood it before. 🥺
I always interpreted those lines as him saying he didn't deserve to be in heaven with his son. Like, he sees himself as a bad person, and is stealing a bit of time in heaven to see his son one last time. Or maybe as an acknowledgement that he needs to change his ways so he can go to heaven to be with him.
@@JPDillon I've interpreted them both ways over the years. I used to think he meant, I don't deserve to be here, because I've not pure enough. But I think it probably means that life has to go on. That he has a life, people who depend on him, and he has to live his life because the only way to join him would be suicide, in which case, he wouldn't get to Heaven anyway. I was always happy that he remarried a few years later and had many more children. But this song always brings me to tears. The pure heartache is so real.
I don't often comment on UA-cam, but I had to on this one. Eric Clapton is probably my all time favourite musician, and he's written some incredible songs. But very few of them move me the way this one does - you can hear the pain in every line. I was lucky enough to see him perform this song and I've never been at a performance where an entire arena was as silent for a whole song. Listening to it these days - as a parent - genuinely brings me close to tears.
Imagine being able to express your pain in such a beautiful way. Such a gift to write music.
His pain is palpable.
I just want to say thank you Jamal for listening to all the older good music.
Yes, when music made u feel...⚡
I remember when this happened. Little boy was only four years old. Every parent’s worst nightmare. The movie is called Rush. It’s about undercover cops that get hooked on heroine.
Really good movie!
And a cameo appearance by Greg Allman as the drug dealer.
Excellent film. My heart broke for Eric when I heard about his son. Thinking about it still gets to me.
Thanks! I was Trying to figure out what that was! Thank You
Awsome movie WATCH over and over
my baby girl should have been 37 this august. oh how I miss my ashley rachel.
My baby girl would have been 13 now.... Rachel Ruth. The empty spot my heart is always there. I always miss her.
Condolences to both of you
My boy is 13 weeks old and the thought of your loss is incomprehensible. I am so sorry for you both, nothing could compare to the loss of a child. My thoughts are with you ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Sorry for your loss
My heart breaks for you.
My mother & father had to lay to rest my older sister at age 30.
It broke my mother.
Breaks my heart every day.
Hugs from Australia.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. You hear the ache.
Such a beautiful song. I'm bawling right now of course.
About his son that died. I'd stick around, but this song makes me well up every time I hear it. It's also a song that my mom listened to a lot after her boyfriend died. Ugh...
Love your videos Jamal
Please do one on Mike and the Mechanics, "In the Living Years".
Heard this song thirty years ago and brought me to tears. It changed my relationship with my father and just as one verse of the song says, "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away". Two years ago my Dad died while I was working overseas. But thanks to this song I had a good relationship with him and never left anything unsaid, no regrets.
We played the song at his funeral.
It's amazing the power music can have.
Thanks for taking the time to share all these great songs to a new generation.
@@matthewtracey140 This, The living years, Cats in the cradle and objects in the rear view mirror all have a poignant meaning to most.
@@cudwieser3952 yeah cats in the cradle another great one. Thanks for reminding me about that one.
@@matthewtracey140 The story behind it is just as poignant only this time it was Harry passing and his young son growing up with his father.
I should have followed you
I just never have understood how Clapton made it through singing this once, much less recording it , shooting the video and singing it on tour. It's a beautiful beautiful song. I never hear it that Ii don't cry and I never had children! Strong guy!!
Jamel, you are a sensitive soul. You definitely feel the music.
What an honest and comforting reaction,...you are such a lovely man.
Jamel, you're a genuine dude. You're the type of guy who you want to have as a best friend or brother. Keep up the great reactions!
It's been 12 years since my 4 month old daughter died in her crib. This song is still hard to listen to.
I feel sorry for you !
I'm so sorry☹☹ never wish it on anybody.
Tears forming just reading
@@jamesrobinson754 his Song *River of tears* definitly makes me cry !! Listen 2 it if you feel like. Verry good (but sad) "Greetz" from Germany
I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find some measure of comfort in the knowledge that you loved, and were loved in return.♥️
How can Clapton sing this without bursting in to tears every time? Such strength! I couldn’t l, I’d be a mess.
He stopped performing it in 2004 because he “didn’t feel the loss anymore.” Singing that song helped him move past it
I sing along with almost every song I know. I can’t get through this song. And I haven’t lost a child. No idea how he did it.
@@stephengevers5894 its a buitiful and sad song. was my dads favorite over everything else, he died at age off 49, and in the funeral one off his friends wich where a blues style singer preformed this song for him right as we where carrying him out off the church. was tough. it was 15 years ago, and only lately have ive been able to listen to this song whitout breaking down completely.
I lost my wife 2 years ago at the age of 34, this kills me everytime hearing this, it’s a beautiful song but get you in the heart strings💔
You’re wise beyond your years, my brother. God has blessed you with beautiful compassion.
Lost my son 4 months to a heroin overdose. He was an addict, which in reality is a disease. He was 34 and had 3 kids, 2 of which live with my wife and I. He had finished 7 months jail time, got released, and then started right back to it with two weeks. We cry over his death still. Three lives lived on thanks to organs he donated.
i'm very sorry for your loss
💔💖
You have my deepest sympathies and my prayers for wonderful relationships with your grandchildren and your wife!
Kathie says… I am so very sorry for your pain and grief. I will pray for you and your family.
I had a former student die of a heroin addiction. She died of a heroin overdose. Tragic. Heroin just overtakes you.
This is from Clapton’s magnum opus “Unplugged” which is utterly flawless. One of the most perfect albums ever produced.
Clapton didn't want to release that album, he thought it wasn't worthy... 3 Grammy's later including Album of the year, and sold 26 million copies world wide.
Incorrect. This was from the soundtrack to the movie Rush.
@@p0llenp0ny The song was originally (?) performed live on MTV Unplugged in 1990. The album was released later that year. The movie "Rush" was released in 2013.
Skentmar This movie “Rush” isn’t from 2013. It’s from 1992. There was a different movie called “Rush” in 2013.... Also, Clapton’s son died in 1991. The unplugged is from 1992
it's one of my favorite albums
You are correct, and you said it beautifully, "the guitar was cryinh"
My son died when he was 7 years old. When I hear this song and Art Garfunkel's Bright Eyes, I cry shamelessly.
Carol Bell ❤️
Bless you..heartfelt love sent your way.
@@MC-ii3qk Thank you so much.
I remember so clearly when this happened, & the sadness & sorrow for Eric Clapton & his family was overwhelming.....After all these years, this song still brings tears to my eyes, knowing the story, & hearing the despair & loss in his voice.......😥 So sorry to hear about your sister, & I lost my brother early when he was 33, & I still miss him every single day of my life......
I was crying before the music even started. As a father.... no words. Thanks Jamel.
Eric Clapton is an amazing guitarist. He has played for decades. He’s gifted...💔
I hate that word closure. Closure is a myth, a lie people tell themselves when they have no clue how to deal with someone else's grief. There is no such thing as closure. In 14 days it will be 19 years since I lost my husband. No closure. You only learn how to live with, make friends with, the grief. The grief is always there. Some days it's just quieter than others.
Pearl Finney almost 28 years since my husband died in the line of duty. No such thing as closure.
@@sarahzimmerman2953 Thank you, someone gets it. And I am so sorry for your loss. People don't understand. This wasn't our choice, like a divorce. Maybe that's part of it. Having no choice. Being a wife in a husband-less marriage. You know, this should make you laugh, sort of. Someone once said to me they understood my loss because......they had just lost their dog. 🤯🤯🤯🤯
I like to believe that those who have not experienced painful loss are not purposefully mean or obtuse....just uncomfortable & that make them say stupid stuff. Nineteen years later, it scares them when they realize how much I miss & love him still.
I will include you in my prayers for comfort, peace, love & strength.
Pearl Finney you are correct, unless someone has experienced a similar loss, there is no understanding.
I had no choice and no time to say goodbye.
I work in HR. An employee called and requested bereavement time off because her hamster died. 😂
@@sarahzimmerman2953 😂😂😂😂😂Hamster!!!😂😂😂😂 Ohmigosh! Thank you. I needed that.
BTW...was she granted the leave? In today's screwy world....anything is possible! I will be laughing about this for days!
Pearl Finney after I had muted my phone and laughed I told her no.
Even without knowing the story, this song tugs at the heart strings.
But when you know the facts, It rips your heart out!!!!
This summer marked 7 years since my little brother lost his battle with cystic fibrosis, a month from his 24th birthday. Losing a sibling leaves a monster hole in your heart life and world. I know watching mom go through it was hard and still is at times..
Sorry for you loss. I lost my little bro to an overdose 3 years ago! And its a hole nothing can fill!!
Yep. Be what comfort to her that you can.
So sorry for your loss.My brother Michael was killed by a car when he was 13,and I miss him everyday! God bless you as you treasure the memories.
Listen to Dani and Lizzy's "Dancing in the Sky"...I heard it right after my daughter died. Always a tear jerkier.
Conor accidentally fell to his death from the 53rd-floor residence through a window that had been inadvertently left open following janitorial work in the apartment. Clapton was staying in a hotel nearby and was preparing to pick up Conor for a planned father-son lunch and visit to the Central Park Zoo
Now there's a day you would do anything to have a do over...Tremendously,profoundly heartwrenching...A parent would give their life in exchange for their child.💞😭My sincere condolences to every parent that has lost a child.
4 years old OMG can anything be worse?
@@ericlevi5729 4 minutes old. imagine that.
A rag mag was sold a picture of the child’s body lying on a roof top and they published it. I will never understand
@@BettySturgeon Absolutely horrific!
He also wrote “Circus Left Town” but only performed it once live.
Eric Clapton MTV Unplugged is all about Connor. He used to say “If you want to know what it took to make this album visit my son’s grave”
I love this song even as it kills me..... but just the thought of looking up those other songs...... no no no no no no no i can't do it 🥺🥺🥺🥺
@@templeofthegods "Circus" was, no, is a tragic song. So loaded with emotions...
@@marcryvon 😢 still don't think I'll be watching it anytime soon
I avoid this song because it touches me so deeply
Of course , that’s a testament to how moving / brilliant it is
Cathartic - if you don’t feel something listening to this then you haven’t truly lived yet
You are so right.
This song came out when I was single. Now that I'm a parent, it affects me Much differently. If I could only be spared one sadness in life, I'd want to NOT have my kids predecease me.
It's a hard song to listen to but you did a great review of it.
I feel the same- the emotion is overwhelming.
I always avoid this song I immediately skipped to his reaction but it's a beautiful song though
I don't know about living but loosing someone close to you most definitely. Some people live long lives, into their 30s and 40s without ever loosing someone close to them, it's rare but it does happen.
I’ve owned this album for years , still can’t hear that song without crying.
me too
Su: NOT to sound silly buts 2020, Conor had no relation whatsoever with me but were all one BIG family and as time goes by the lyrics hurt more....My very God this is an eternal pain in the heart .I always cry it.
Very emotional song. I get tears in my eyes whenever I hear the song.
This song when I first heard it and to this day makes me cry. In my heart I believe Eric will see Connor in heaven or whatever our afterlife is.,
It's heaven and nothing else!
He no longer plays this song live because he says he "no longer needs to" and that the song had served it's purpose for him. So you're right about the guitar crying for him AND with him.
he also no longer does "My Father's Eyes" either
@@Dremag_Gaming why?
Gamer Dan huh didn’t know that. I thought he was still playing that relatively recently
Guitarra, guitarra querida
Guitar, dear guitar
Eu venho chorar contigo
I have come to cry with you
Sinto mais suave a vida
For I feel my life is softer
Quando tu choras comigo
When you cry with me
The song "Guitarra" by Madredeus (in Portuguese)
@@jgmiller804 It's recently that he stopped actually!
This song was in the movie “Rush,” about two undercover cops who become drug addicts while trying to bring down a drug dealer played by Greg Allman!
Fantastic movie!!!!🙏🏻
Great movie !
One of my favorite movies
No way! Is it a true story?
I remember that movie I was in a weird time at that point in my life something to do with what was happening in my marriage my wife recommended this movie reminded her of her ex Tetra Etc drama drama drama lol yeah but I did like it in the music great and Gregg Allman's part in the movie as the villain was very interesting and very realistic
There's a handful of songs that put a lump in my throat. This is one of them.
Likewise
6/9/2020
😪
Yup, everytime
And fields of gold by sting.
I played this song at my grandsons funeral, he was 2, he would be 7 now. The pain and loss never go away, you just learn to deal with it.
in 1998 when I was 16, I spend all my savings to go see Eric Clapton live. He played this song with so much feeling, just him sitting alone on stage with his guitar. It was so amazing and so sad at the same time, and I cried my eyes out.
I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone on earth.
Amen
I can understand somewhat of what Eric went through watching my parents go though their pain from losing my younger brother which was 45 years ago. i was 5 he was 2 and a half when he died.
A lovely song, but very sad!
I lost my mum 8 mouths ago. And... i have nothing more to say.
@@joeldunsmore5159 Believe me, it doesn't get any easier when your child dies at 30. Sometimes I think it's harder, because of all the memories.
I just violated CDC guidelines and rubbed my eyes...a couple of times...
😂😂
This song makes me just weep. I think about his loss. I think about people I’ve lost. Damn Eric. Perfect.
The shame! The horror! Lol.
I did before 1st line ended
:' (
What amazes me more than anything is watching Jamal get the message that this music helped define our lives. I'm a 60 year old fan and this was my time. We were so lucky to be alive during this era! Jamal you da Man brother! I love what you do
So sorry to hear about the loss of your sister, mat her memory be a blessing
Jamel.... This moving song was the one that was played at my mother’s funeral when her casket was being taken out of the church & it ALWAYS brings a tear to my eye whenever I hear it ✋️😰 RESPECT to anyone & everyone who holds this song dear to their hearts when it comes to remembering the loss of loved ones ✊️😔
When my Dad died from cancer, my Grandma passed less than 6 months later, then my Grandpa, not much longer after that. I think it was too much for them. You just aren't supposed to outlive your kids.
😔❤
That broke my heart 😔💔
I completely agree with this sentiment...
I had a good friend at school who had a younger brother who was severely autistic. When I was growing up I used to go with him, his brother, and his dad swimming to the local special needs school swimming pool that they had access to, at least a couple of times a week.
We lost touch when we left school, but he lived with his brother, his mum, and his grandmother, who basically were full time care workers for his brother.
He ended up getting stabbed in the heart by someone who went back into a house and grabbed a knife, after some stupid vandalism thing that he did, I never really did get that part of the stuff that happened.
The paramedic who attended said he died before he even hit the pavement.
Within a day after finding out, his grandmother who had never been sick in her life, had a heart attack and died.
2 weeks later, his mum had to bury him and his grand mother at a double funeral, and ended up having to put his brother into a care home as he was too much work for her on her own. Within a month, she lost pretty much her entire family, and died a couple of years later, in her early 60’s.
R.I.P. Danny and Anne Collard, and Sarah (Anne’s mum, who I don’t know the surname of). Hoping his brother is still doing ok, but I’ve got no way of finding out.
Same thing happened after my dad died his mom went less than a year after
Broke my heart, so sad
I cry every time I hear this song. His son was just a little boy. If this song doesn't touch your heart there's something wrong
Can tell that was a hard one for you Jamel. Love the heart you show my brother. Look after yourself.
Jamel -- My family is going through a difficult & emotional time right now, and your compassionate videos are a healing balm to my heart. There is so much warmth and understanding in every video you make. And, when you're listening to upbeat songs, the joy in your face is contagious. New subject!: During these turbulent times, perhaps consider doing reactions to old protest songs from the 60's: "This is My Country" by the Impressions, "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield 1966, "Choice of Colors" by the Impressions 1969, and "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke 1964. I am thankful for you, Jamel!
I'm so glad your channel popped up in my feed. The songs bring me back and your reactions and input on them is fun to watch. You are so real. I can tell you would be fun to hang out with. I would adopt you but I'm sure your parents would object. My son would get all jealous if I did any way ☺️
So sorry for the loss of your sister and cousin. I lost my brother. They never leave our minds or our hearts. This song is evidence that beauty can come out of ashes.
Eric Clapton really showed his heart & soul through this song about his 4 yr old son. How devastating it must have been & ofcourse both he & the mom will NEVER forget it. R.I.P. little one xx
“Tears in Heaven” is one of the Clapton’s most heartbreaking songs, based on the tragic death of his Conor, who was only four when he died after accidentally falling from a 54 story apartment. The track was written during Clapton’s 6-month hiatus from music after this devastating event and has three verses and a bridge. The first verse is Clapton singing to his son about whether if he would recognise or know him if he saw him in heaven, and whether it would be the same if he was in heaven too - but he knows that he has to “be strong and carry on”, because he can’t “stay here in heaven”, meaning he can’t spend his whole life mourning over the loss of his son or just focusing on that, he has to move on. The second verse is Clapton asking his son if he would still “hold his hand” and “help him stand” if he saw him heaven, maybe alluding to Clapton seeking forgiveness from his son. Again, Clapton reiterates that he’ll get through night and day as he cannot “stay here in heaven”. The bridge focuses on the concept of time, and how it can break your heart and have you begging for time to progress quicker for you to heal through the pain. He knows that “beyond the door there’s peace I’m sure”, meaning he is aware that after this painful time (“the door”) he’ll be fine. The song ends with Clapton repeating the first verse.
Thank you 😔
Just over 10 years ago my wife passed away, this song touches my heart Everytime I hear it.
Great reaction and thoughts, you're a good man Jamel. I have kids and cant even fathom how he had the strength to not only write these words, but to perform them as well, and hes a recovering addict, both alcohol and drugs, and he didnt fall off the wagon, the man has huge strength.
As for the video, see below.
The video is from the 1991 movie Rush, about 2 undercover officers infiltrating a drug ring, but getting caught up in the drug life, falling in love with each other and dealing with all the stress of the drugs and trying to bring the criminals to justice.
This song is from deep within the heart. Beautiful. Means so much to so many. God bless you Eric.