I lost my 2-year-old son in 1991. And I lost everything else after, my job, home, and even myself, for over a year before I was able to start to pull myself back up. I was driving home one night when I heard this song on the radio for the first time. I didn't make it make halfway through the song before I had to pull over because I couldn't see the road. It's been 32 years, yet at times it can feel like it just happened. It changes you.
My heart goes out to you!! I lost my son almost 2 years ago and I still have rough days!!! We shared a love of music so I spend a lot of time here. Still can't get through this song though....maybe some day!!💕💕💕
@@commonsense4991 Eric was so mentally messes up after the loss...He couldn't look at pictures of his son..But yes he could have made a better choice on a video for the song.
It doesn't matter the age, losing a child is beyond describing. We lost our 26 year old son to cancer throughout his body. It will be 3 years this August, but I still sob almost every day. My heart goes out to Eric and his wife.
His son fell from a window in their apartment on the 53rd floor. People were cleaning that day and left the window open. He fell through the screen. Eric never blamed them. He said, It was a mistake and they feel bad enough as it is. I don't think I could ever get over losing a child. Just having the strength to get up every day takes so much strength and courage. I admire those parents all the time. ❤
I am pretty sure my heart would just stop beating. I truly don't think I'm strong enough to survive if I lost one of my children died. I think that would be way past my limit of strength.
I have mixed feelings about this. If he'd provided better for his estranged wife and their kid, they wouldn't have been living in a council flat in a tower block in the first place. For the four years this kid was alive, Eric hardly ever met him and here he is, capitalising out of his death. Yeah it's a great song but I don't feel totally comfortable with him exploiting the incident to cash in on the incident.
As a New Yorker, I remember the day this happened, it was all over the news. . . such a horrible tragedy. When the song first came out you couldn't get through a listen without falling apart! Clapton said writing and performing it was very cathartic for him.
Anyone who has lost a child knows what Eric was feeling. My son baby boy died after only 5 weeks of life. Grandpas also cry listening to this song. RIP Anthony Michael ❤😢
I miss my baby boy. I played this song at his funeral services. I practiced it for days straight trying to make it absolutely perfect. The notes and the words weren’t the problem. Half of it was getting through it without breaking down.
I can't take the Rock and Roll HOF as anything but a joke, considering all of the non-rock artists that they keep inducting, and all of the deserving rock artists that they refuse to recognize.
@@Gutslinger but it's all a matter of opinion what you like will be different to the next person and so on it would be a boring world if we all liked the same things ?
This song helped me so much when our first little baby, our little son, Adam Robert, lived only two days. That hole in your heart never heals but this helped. We were blessed with two sons within three years after Adam went to Heaven.
In an interview Clapton said " I walked by the accident and was so frightened to go over there and see what had happened . I walked right by and will never forgive myself for doing that ".
Eric said in a recent interview that he stopped performing this song, not just because of the pain, but he came to realize the trauma he was inflicting on his bandmates, who knew him, and some of them knew his son. He was really putting them through it at the same time, so he put it away for a while. Hard to blame him.
@@DoctorD250 I saw him play it a few months ago in Boston. pretty sure its very cathartic for him. Wasn't trying to be rude to you just stating that he does in fact still play it
@@UndercoverAlbino Yes, I see your point. I think it's more accurate to say that he stopped playing it for a time, for the reasons I mentioned. I read this somewhere... I'm getting old, so I can't remember anymore.
I remember the first time I heard the song on the radio. It was shortly after Connors death. I am mediately knew what it was about. I was driving at the time. I had to park the car so I could cry my eyes out. No song I have ever heard in my life affected me that much that quickly. Still to this day I cannot listen to it without tears rolling down my face....
It's such a beautiful song!! It's one of the worst tragedies that could happen to any parent, Eric poured his soul into this track and you feel it as soon as it starts. 'Change the World' with Baby face by Clapton is another great song that featured in the movie 'Phenomenon' starring John Travolta
my grandmother and grandfather lost not one, but two children. i dont know how parents can deal with the death of a child let alone losing 2. my father, the oldest son always made sure i knew who his brothers, my uncles were. great reaction guys. thankyou
Although not a child, my brother died aged 24 in 1981 and I saw my parents' pain. Sadly my dad couldn't cope and became an alcoholic, eventually dying from alcohol induced dementia. It just isn't the natural order for parents to outlive their children. This song is so beautifully written and has always made me cry. Eric C was heroic in being able to perform it. It's such a beautiful tribute to his son.
Same here. My parents two lost two of their children before they each passed. My brother who was five when he died and my sister at 42. My dad passed two years after my sister. I think it was heart break.
He wrote this and recorded in in 1991 and it was in 1991 Movie, Rush.Eric's son ,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.
I lost my daughter the same way accident she opened the window and she fell out and she passed away I heard this song the next day, this help my grief. This song was made it his home for me, and makes me cry everytime I love you my girl I'll miss you forever ❤😭
That is one of my favorite songs, so sad and so beautiful. Eric is one of the greatest musicians ever, I suggest you listen to more of his work. Thank you!
Even from a fan perspective, this particular song crushes me every single time. It's absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. Really appreciate the thought to research on the fly - good call! Layla is a personal favorite, if ya haven't heard it already. An interesting backstory to that one as well. GREAT reaction y'all 🖒🖒
This song inspired me to write when I had two heartbreaking losses in a short time. I thought that if it worked for Eric Clapton, so why not? So I started to write. Sad sad poems about sorrow and grieving. I didn´t show them to anyone; they were for my eyes only. And yes, I worked through that horrible mourning period by writing, thanks to Eric Clapton.
it's been along time since i have heard this, but i remember hearing the lyrics for the first time and thinking he was saying that the sense of loss and depression was deep enough that he would want to "join" his son, but that, ultimately, he realized it was not his time, that the time would come and he didn't belong there yet. there is still hope in such a sad song as well, having the faith that pain no longer exists in heaven. one of the most powerful and beautiful songs. thank you for sharing your hearts with us.
Anything Eric Clapton is good whether from his solo career or from his groups he has been in! Cream.Blind Faith,Derick and the Dominos! Always great live too in all songs!
When you know the real story behind this song, as many have stated in comments, it makes it so crushingly real and yet emotionally therapeutic for anyone that has lost a child. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists. Slow Hand can play anything.
When I first heard about this song I thought it was a good sign that Eric was at least beginning to emerge from the worst of his grief. He’s a musician to his core, and they tend to process life and their emotions through music. I was afraid the song would be overwhelmingly sad and tried to brace myself for it the first time I heard it. While it is sad I think there’s also a sense of peace and acceptance mixed with the grief. I usually could listen to it without crying until these reaction videos came along. Now I look at the unsuspecting reactors and know they’re about to get punched in the gut when they learn the backstory so yeah, it makes me cry every time.
He had gone to New York to see his son. He was in a hotel not far from the apartment. He was actually walking there to get Connor to take him to the circus when he got the phone call that Connor had been hurt in an accident. He said he ran flat out the rest of the way. The rest of the story came from his wife in the interview. She said Eric had come busting through the door and she told him Connor was gone, he had died. She said she just saw everything leave him emotionally, he didn't cry or anything she said she saw it come over his face he had just gone stone cold and steely. Every bit of emotion was locked in and he wasn't going to let it out and he turned around and left.
Knowing why Eric wrote this song still brings tears to my eyes. Being a dad with only one son and being a grandfather with two grandsons and a grand daughter it tears my heart out for Eric and his wife. The all consuming pain and agony they felt and I’m sure still do is something I never want to have to endure.
Eric Clapton went into deep depression following the death of his son who crawled out of a 53 story window. He secluded himslef for a period and wrote this song which was helped him pull himself out to recovery. The video shows his first, I believe, public appearance and performance and dedication to his son. This song is just soul crushing.
Great reaction guys! You'll have to listen to more Clapton. He's had a career over multiple decades, several bands and an outstanding soloist. Many people considered him as the best guitarist in rock back in the day. He is definitely one of the greatest.
I'd also recommend Sunshine of your love (Cream -band) And She's Waiting (Eric Clapton). There are obviously more songs, but those are my two favorites. Great reaction. Hopefully we all make it to Heaven where there are no tears or pain or sorrow.
I still cry when I listen to music that’s moving. This is about the most moving I’ve ever heard. I’m almost 70, been a fan of good music all those decades. I still get teary when I hear him sing this.
Conor was 4 years old and he was At Eric’s apartment on the 53rd floor ! Unfortunately it only takes a second of looking away ! Conor fell the window which didn’t have safety bars ! Eric Clapton suffered terribly with this unimaginable loss of his child…. I lost my 21 year old daughter in 2014 and I will always feel a sense of responsibility and guilt… she was my only child …. This song tears me up for Eric and his family and of course thinking of my daughter Rest easy Conor… Rest easy Marilyn Daddy will carry you right here in my heart forever 💔
I felt the song, as it relates to the movie "Rush" was misplaced, considering the circumstances surrounding his son's tragic death. Great song from a phenomenal artist.
I have a difficult time listening to this song. I lived in new york city at the time where this happened...sad and tragic beyond words. Sorry you guys weren't warned. You guys are great..ty!
I played guitar and for some reason this song was really hard for me to play(tried for over 5 years, and could never get it right). Ended up working in security, and one night I tried to play this with a band I was looking after, late in the night. The guitarist listened to this song for 3 minutes on his phone and played it perfectly. Some people are just so super talented. Aside from that, it still brings me to tears every time I hear it to this day.
Loved your reaction great song. What I liked was you took time to see what the song was about. Wish more reactors would do that before making comments on songs
Powerful song about a difficult moment in the life of any parent put perfectly into words. If you want something less painful try his song " Wonderful Tonight"
Wow, I remember this very well, big Clapton fan, this brought me to tears when it happened, because Eric is not only one of the best but he was a good hearted man.
This story is far more tragic once you know the whole story. How Eric thought he wasn't a good father and he just began to spend time with his son. His son fell out of a open window some 40 plus stories to his death.
In the 1960's Eric was part of the first 'Supergroup' - Cream. They didn't last too long due to internal conflicts. They eventually got together for a couple of concerts, decades later, in 2005 and were absolutely brilliant. You should watch them perform, "White Room," from the video of, "Cream at The Royal Albert Hall" in 2005.
I guess Eric didn't want the video to be about his son's tragic death. Obviously, the song was very personal to Eric. The true story is unimaginable. RIP Conor.
That first line.... It just seems like a regular question at first til u think about it for a second... you lose a child at such a young age.. where your actual name is not really a thought that crosses their mind yet.. When they are gone so young.. and you ask and wonder. Would he know my name if i saw him in heaven? Think about your own child not knowing your name because they didnt get to experience life long enough to really even start to have that thought. Something about that particular question absolutely just kicks the breath out of me.
Excellect observation. His son at that age would most likely have known him as "Daddy". So yeah, for that to be first line. Just a heartbreaking question to even think about asking.
I lost my baby Khloe a month ago this is my song for her I miss her so much she was my companion and loved me no matter what..I miss you baby 🐾🐾🐾🐾 paws in heaven 🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️
I knew about his son and i’ve heard and played this song a thousand times. But i cried along with you in the end..😢 the lyrics and the melody comes straight to the heart, every time❤
I sang this song at my grandpa's wake because my grandma asked me to sing something for him. Now I can't hear this song without cryin it's been 11 years
Very nice reaction. Eric Clapton is one of the true greats. He's the only person inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 4 times. And easily one of the best guitarists ever.
The death of a child in a family is really hard. While I've never lost one of my own children, I lost a sibling in a terrible way when we were children. It impacted all of us badly. My parents were very strong through it all.
Eric Clapton shows he is definitely a GOTE... takes a strong person to be able to perform this song with the emotions attached to it. I can't even listen to it without getting choked up.
Clapton songs to check out: "Wonderful Tonight", "Layla"(from Derrick and the Dominos), "Change The World", "Sunshine of Your Love", "Cocaine", "White Room", "Lay Down Sally", "I Shot The Sheriff" is a good start.
Two songs guaranteed to bring me to tears - this one and Queen's "No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)". How can he even bear to sing it live? I'd be too choked.
Tears in Heaven" is a ballad written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings about the pain Clapton felt following the death of his four-year-old son, Conor, who fell from a window of the 53rd-floor New York apartment of his mother's friend, on March 20, 1991.
When Phil Collins heard that Connor had died, he wrote the song Since I Lost You in honor of Connor. Phil went to play the song for Eric, because he didn't want to include it on an album unless Eric approved. After Phil Played the song for him, Eric played Tears in Heaven for Phil. Two beautiful songs for Connor.
My mom absolutely loved Eric Clapton,and especially this song she embraced as one of her favourite songs. The backstory of this song speaks for itself,and thats why mom loved it soo much,she miscarriaged with what would have been my big sister,so she could in a way relate to the lyrics,as she was destroyed for a long time afterwards. Tragicly and ironicly cancer ripped her away from this earth,only barely 46 years of age. It destroyed me mentally,but just about every birthday of hers ever since i have had this played for her memory ,knowing how much she loved this song,and how i hope to "see her again" some day,if only in a sencing afterlife. And it has been some years now,20 years has flown by to be exact. I did not have any dad,so i was left to myself as still a young boy trying to adapt into "adult things". Eric has in later years decided to play this live as sort of a "reggae" vibed song,giving it a more positive touch. If you get curious and wonder if its on youtube: Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven (live) Uploaded by what seems to be a russian name: Буравлев Илья 8 years ago,currently at 115 000 views. I think he decided at one point that instead of continue playing it as slow and depressing as when he felt the pain,he decided to change it up abit to remember the good memories with his son,and as a tribute to his son. Full band joining him on this performance,to create that more positive vibe. Another song mom would strongly recommend by Eric is: Layla. I have been struggling to find any official music video there on youtube,but here is a epic live performance with Eric in his prime: Eric Clapton - Layla (Uploaded by Albert Canta,currently at 151 million views!) Thats one of his uptempo rock songs,if you want to hear him go even more into a reggae sound: Eric Clapton - I Shot The Sheriff [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video) Heard some evil tongues trying to call Eric a racist at one point. Take a good look at his band over the years (he also became close friends with the one and only B.B. King where they made an entire album together,calling it "Ridin` With The King"😉 There is a BIG easter egg amongst the crowd on this last performance. If you are familiar with old rock legends,you are in for a positive surprise. 🥳Thoose songs should have you up in a happier state of mind instantly. But rest assured,tears in heaven breaks even me,theese days more then when i first heard it. As the song has made such a strong impact on me! Brilliant songwriting though,one of Erics absolute strengths! He is considered maybe the best guitarist in the world by many,for his versatile playing,he can do any type of genre flawlessly. But Eric himself is very modest,and its said that when he got the question "How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world? Eric apparently answered: "Oh i dont know,you have to ask Prince". 😁Me being a massive Prince supporter,that made me love Eric even more. Thoose 2 are defintly 2 of the best to have ever played on a guitar!
This is why I love blues players, like Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan… they write songs and play them with their feelings… It comes from their experiences… not just to make money, but to grieve or let out other feelings that they need to get off their chest… It’s cathartic… and in this case a way to help him heal…
Great reaction to a beautiful but sad song about the tragic loss of his young son. Two similar songs are " The Father, My Son And The Holy Ghost " by Craig Morgan about the loss of his teenage son. Also " You Should Be Here " by Cole Swendell about the loss of his father.
I saw the movie Rush soon after it was released and even now, this song still gets to me and Rush has remained my favorite movie. Eric Clapton is probably the best guitarist I've heard.
When i first discovered this song i learnt it on guitar and just thought it was so beautiful. It was stuck in my head for days and i eventually googled it and found out the story of the song now it just breaks my heart.
A parent never expects to outlive their child. We lost our 19 yr old nephew, and my brother grieved for his son for many years; it was quite unexpected. His way of dealing with it, was to go and have his lunch everyday at the gravesid; eventually go through the the pain, as we all did. Lost loveones are always in our heart, and prayers.
Hi guys, most ppl interpret this song as Eric speaking to his son through the lyrics but I see it as his son talking to Eric from heaven....I must be strong and carry on, cuz I know I don't belong, here in heaven. Anyways, to all who connect to this song personally, we know the importance of this classic. Peace is hard to find but memories are always there....and that is all we have. ❤
I lost my 2-year-old son in 1991. And I lost everything else after, my job, home, and even myself, for over a year before I was able to start to pull myself back up. I was driving home one night when I heard this song on the radio for the first time. I didn't make it make halfway through the song before I had to pull over because I couldn't see the road. It's been 32 years, yet at times it can feel like it just happened. It changes you.
My deepest sympathies to you. May God bless you and I believe you and your son will be together again one day.
Parents shouldn't outlive their kids. I couldn't even begin to imagine what you've been through. Peace and love.
My heart goes out to you. I lost my son 13 years ago and I’m still destroyed
My condolosenses 🌷
My heart goes out to you!! I lost my son almost 2 years ago and I still have rough days!!! We shared a love of music so I spend a lot of time here. Still can't get through this song though....maybe some day!!💕💕💕
His son fell out of an open window many stories up. Clapton was mentally destroyed, and writing the song was his therapy to cope. So sad.
Unfortunately, the video is very distracting. Has nothing to do with the essence of the song.
@@musicaficionado2974 yeah the video does not go with the song I'll think he should have put pictures of his son on the video or a different approach
@@commonsense4991 Eric was so mentally messes up after the loss...He couldn't look at pictures of his son..But yes he could have made a better choice on a video for the song.
I think the song was used in a movie. That is what we are watching
There's a great live version of this song where he plays it with an acoustic guitar in some talkshow when it was just a "new song that I wrote".
It doesn't matter the age, losing a child is beyond describing. We lost our 26 year old son to cancer throughout his body. It will be 3 years this August, but I still sob almost every day. My heart goes out to Eric and his wife.
May you find comfort and strength and peace be with you.
I lost my 18 month old son about two years after that song came out didn't really want to live anymore but I'm still here it never leaves
@@MaS-es9rv Thank you
@@michaelhayes7471 No, it doesn't. My heart goes out to you.
I'm so sorry
His son fell from a window in their apartment on the 53rd floor. People were cleaning that day and left the window open. He fell through the screen. Eric never blamed them. He said, It was a mistake and they feel bad enough as it is. I don't think I could ever get over losing a child. Just having the strength to get up every day takes so much strength and courage. I admire those parents all the time. ❤
I am pretty sure my heart would just stop beating. I truly don't think I'm strong enough to survive if I lost one of my children died. I think that would be way past my limit of strength.
@lesterine77
If the worst was to happen, you don't stop because of those who died, you carry on for those who are still here.
If I remember right he was chasing his toy ball.
I have mixed feelings about this. If he'd provided better for his estranged wife and their kid, they wouldn't have been living in a council flat in a tower block in the first place. For the four years this kid was alive, Eric hardly ever met him and here he is, capitalising out of his death. Yeah it's a great song but I don't feel totally comfortable with him exploiting the incident to cash in on the incident.
4th floor.
As a New Yorker, I remember the day this happened, it was all over the news. . . such a horrible tragedy. When the song first came out you couldn't get through a listen without falling apart! Clapton said writing and performing it was very cathartic for him.
I am also a New Yorker and I remember this so clearly. It was a horrible day for those of us in Manhattan.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written!!
Anyone who has lost a child knows what Eric was feeling. My son baby boy died after only 5 weeks of life. Grandpas also cry listening to this song. RIP Anthony Michael ❤😢
More power to you. So sorry for you
❤
i lost my son at age 28 and it stills hurts today but to lose a child so young is horrible
@@richardhorsnell5099 all losses of ones child is horrible. Sorry for your loss.
I miss my baby boy. I played this song at his funeral services. I practiced it for days straight trying to make it absolutely perfect. The notes and the words weren’t the problem. Half of it was getting through it without breaking down.
What was his name?
I’m so sorry my family is about to have my baby cousins funeral that died of sids at 2 months old…🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Clapton is the only person inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 3 times with The Yardbirds, Cream and as a solo artist
oh, didnt know that, ,but make sense
I was going to add this after I watched but you beat me to it.
I can't take the Rock and Roll HOF as anything but a joke, considering all of the non-rock artists that they keep inducting, and all of the deserving rock artists that they refuse to recognize.
@@Gutslinger but it's all a matter of opinion what you like will be different to the next person and so on it would be a boring world if we all liked the same things ?
@@winchy162 the point is it’s the rock and roll hall of fame. Change the name if you want to include other genres.
This song helped me so much when our first little baby, our little son, Adam Robert, lived only two days. That hole in your heart never heals but this helped. We were blessed with two sons within three years after Adam went to Heaven.
In an interview Clapton said " I walked by the accident and was so frightened to go over there and see what had happened . I walked right by and will never forgive myself for doing that ".
It was 52 stories
Probably best he did
@@jwichman9 exactly what I was about to say. He'd never have been the same again. The image that would've been etched in his mind forever. Dear God.
@@Eowyn187 He probably wouldn't have recognised him. He barely met the kid.
@@KenFullman disgusting comment.
Eric said in a recent interview that he stopped performing this song, not just because of the pain, but he came to realize the trauma he was inflicting on his bandmates, who knew him, and some of them knew his son. He was really putting them through it at the same time, so he put it away for a while. Hard to blame him.
That's not true
@@UndercoverAlbino Well... I guess you would know...
@@DoctorD250 I saw him play it a few months ago in Boston. pretty sure its very cathartic for him. Wasn't trying to be rude to you just stating that he does in fact still play it
@@UndercoverAlbino Yes, I see your point. I think it's more accurate to say that he stopped playing it for a time, for the reasons I mentioned. I read this somewhere... I'm getting old, so I can't remember anymore.
@@UndercoverAlbinobut he said:...for a while, so...for me isn't a lie...
I remember the first time I heard the song on the radio. It was shortly after Connors death. I am mediately knew what it was about. I was driving at the time. I had to park the car so I could cry my eyes out. No song I have ever heard in my life affected me that much that quickly. Still to this day I cannot listen to it without tears rolling down my face....
Me too my friend. Listening now and my eyes are all walked up.
It's such a beautiful song!! It's one of the worst tragedies that could happen to any parent, Eric poured his soul into this track and you feel it as soon as it starts.
'Change the World' with Baby face by Clapton is another great song that featured in the movie 'Phenomenon' starring John Travolta
my grandmother and grandfather lost not one, but two children. i dont know how parents can deal with the death of a child let alone losing 2. my father, the oldest son always made sure i knew who his brothers, my uncles were. great reaction guys. thankyou
No idea how anyone would start to put their lives back together after losing a child like they did ... thanks for your reaction
Thank you for the honest reaction, for not editing out the emotion, Eric is such a talented song writer, glad you chose this one.
Although not a child, my brother died aged 24 in 1981 and I saw my parents' pain. Sadly my dad couldn't cope and became an alcoholic, eventually dying from alcohol induced dementia. It just isn't the natural order for parents to outlive their children. This song is so beautifully written and has always made me cry. Eric C was heroic in being able to perform it. It's such a beautiful tribute to his son.
Same here. My parents two lost two of their children before they each passed. My brother who was five when he died and my sister at 42. My dad passed two years after my sister. I think it was heart break.
My youngest daughter died at the age of only 10 months. We played this at her funeral.
I hope life has been much kinder to you since and that you have healed as much as you can ❤
Song breaks my heart Everytime
He wrote this and recorded in in 1991 and it was in 1991 Movie, Rush.Eric's son ,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.
So sad 😞
I lost my daughter the same way accident she opened the window and she fell out and she passed away
I heard this song the next day, this help my grief. This song was made it his home for me, and makes me cry everytime
I love you my girl I'll miss you forever ❤😭
I'm so sorry for your loss.
That is one of my favorite songs, so sad and so beautiful. Eric is one of the greatest musicians ever, I suggest you listen to more of his work. Thank you!
Even from a fan perspective, this particular song crushes me every single time. It's absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful.
Really appreciate the thought to research on the fly - good call!
Layla is a personal favorite, if ya haven't heard it already. An interesting backstory to that one as well.
GREAT reaction y'all 🖒🖒
This song inspired me to write when I had two heartbreaking losses in a short time. I thought that if it worked for Eric Clapton, so why not? So I started to write. Sad sad poems about sorrow and grieving. I didn´t show them to anyone; they were for my eyes only. And yes, I worked through that horrible mourning period by writing, thanks to Eric Clapton.
I lost my son to brain cancer 10 years ago. This song is very cathartic. A father's grief from one Eric to another.
Very sorry to hear this 😢 - RIP to your son
it's been along time since i have heard this, but i remember hearing the lyrics for the first time and thinking he was saying that the sense of loss and depression was deep enough that he would want to "join" his son, but that, ultimately, he realized it was not his time, that the time would come and he didn't belong there yet.
there is still hope in such a sad song as well, having the faith that pain no longer exists in heaven. one of the most powerful and beautiful songs. thank you for sharing your hearts with us.
Many people were afraid that Eric wouldn't be able to continue with his musical genius. It still hits me hard.
I cry every time I watch someone react to this. The sadness drenches you through the music. Thank for your courage in reacting to this.
Anything Eric Clapton is good whether from his solo career or from his groups he has been in! Cream.Blind Faith,Derick and the Dominos! Always great live too in all songs!
When you know the real story behind this song, as many have stated in comments, it makes it so crushingly real and yet emotionally therapeutic for anyone that has lost a child. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists. Slow Hand can play anything.
It's OK guys I'm crying too. A very beautifully written song and emotional therapy for Eric Clapton! 👍👍😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😇😇😇😇😇😇😇🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
When I first heard about this song I thought it was a good sign that Eric was at least beginning to emerge from the worst of his grief. He’s a musician to his core, and they tend to process life and their emotions through music. I was afraid the song would be overwhelmingly sad and tried to brace myself for it the first time I heard it. While it is sad I think there’s also a sense of peace and acceptance mixed with the grief. I usually could listen to it without crying until these reaction videos came along. Now I look at the unsuspecting reactors and know they’re about to get punched in the gut when they learn the backstory so yeah, it makes me cry every time.
I am exactly the same way.
Beautiful,heartbreaking song.I really don’t know how he did this song without losing it
Clapton is a guitar and singer song writer legend/god . This song hits me every time I hear it .
He had gone to New York to see his son. He was in a hotel not far from the apartment. He was actually walking there to get Connor to take him to the circus when he got the phone call that Connor had been hurt in an accident. He said he ran flat out the rest of the way. The rest of the story came from his wife in the interview. She said Eric had come busting through the door and she told him Connor was gone, he had died. She said she just saw everything leave him emotionally, he didn't cry or anything she said she saw it come over his face he had just gone stone cold and steely. Every bit of emotion was locked in and he wasn't going to let it out and he turned around and left.
My Daughter was 31, just married and newly pregnant when we lost her, anybody whom has lost a child regardless of age, This song Helps.
tim, I lost my son in 2010 of an aortic dissection. He was 27 and like you stated "regardless of age" they will always be our babies.
Tears are the most beautiful compliment you could give.
He is a great artist to see in person. This song is heartbreaking.
Great Song
Eric’s Voice & Guitar just pour out the emotion of these Lyrics
Knowing why Eric wrote this song still brings tears to my eyes. Being a dad with only one son and being a grandfather with two grandsons and a grand daughter it tears my heart out for Eric and his wife. The all consuming pain and agony they felt and I’m sure still do is something I never want to have to endure.
So very tragic. 😢 This one always gets me. We lost a young one and it’s an unbearable loss.
Eric Clapton went into deep depression following the death of his son who crawled out of a 53 story window. He secluded himslef for a period and wrote this song which was helped him pull himself out to recovery. The video shows his first, I believe, public appearance and performance and dedication to his son. This song is just soul crushing.
This is such a sad song. I can't even imagine going through this. Love your reactions!
It raises a profound question of what heaven would be like, for a child, particularly a really young one.
Great reaction guys! You'll have to listen to more Clapton. He's had a career over multiple decades, several bands and an outstanding soloist. Many people considered him as the best guitarist in rock back in the day. He is definitely one of the greatest.
I'd also recommend Sunshine of your love (Cream -band) And She's Waiting (Eric Clapton). There are obviously more songs, but those are my two favorites. Great reaction. Hopefully we all make it to Heaven where there are no tears or pain or sorrow.
I still cry when I listen to music that’s moving. This is about the most moving I’ve ever heard. I’m almost 70, been a fan of good music all those decades. I still get teary when I hear him sing this.
Conor was 4 years old and he was At Eric’s apartment on the 53rd floor ! Unfortunately it only takes a second of looking away ! Conor fell the window which didn’t have safety bars ! Eric Clapton suffered terribly with this unimaginable loss of his child…. I lost my 21 year old daughter in 2014 and I will always feel a sense of responsibility and guilt… she was my only child …. This song tears me up for Eric and his family and of course thinking of my daughter Rest easy Conor… Rest easy Marilyn Daddy will carry you right here in my heart forever 💔
The whole song is for his son …. I read somewhere that it took a lot of takes before he could get through singing without breaking down 💔
I felt the song, as it relates to the movie "Rush" was misplaced, considering the circumstances surrounding his son's tragic death.
Great song from a phenomenal artist.
I have a difficult time listening to this song. I lived in new york city at the time where this happened...sad and tragic beyond words. Sorry you guys weren't warned. You guys are great..ty!
I played guitar and for some reason this song was really hard for me to play(tried for over 5 years, and could never get it right). Ended up working in security, and one night I tried to play this with a band I was looking after, late in the night. The guitarist listened to this song for 3 minutes on his phone and played it perfectly. Some people are just so super talented. Aside from that, it still brings me to tears every time I hear it to this day.
Haven’t herd this song in so long, I sang this at my Grandmother’s funeral make me cry everytime
Loved your reaction great song. What I liked was you took time to see what the song was about. Wish more reactors would do that before making comments on songs
As a song and story writer myself the writing is a healing.
Good reaction guys.
One of the most touching songs ever written. God bless you Eric ❤
Powerful song about a difficult moment in the life of any parent put perfectly into words. If you want something less painful try his song " Wonderful Tonight"
I was going to recommend that one too. Beautiful song.
Wow, I remember this very well, big Clapton fan, this brought me to tears when it happened, because Eric is not only one of the best but he was a good hearted man.
This story is far more tragic once you know the whole story. How Eric thought he wasn't a good father and he just began to spend time with his son. His son fell out of a open window some 40 plus stories to his death.
In the 1960's Eric was part of the first 'Supergroup' - Cream. They didn't last too long due to internal conflicts. They eventually got together for a couple of concerts, decades later, in 2005 and were absolutely brilliant. You should watch them perform, "White Room," from the video of, "Cream at The Royal Albert Hall" in 2005.
I guess Eric didn't want the video to be about his son's tragic death. Obviously, the song was very personal to Eric. The true story is unimaginable. RIP Conor.
A powerful song we all can relate to and it always makes me have tears falling down my cheeks!
after so much sadness,you may want to see "mister slow hand" perform some joy and happyness,maybe "cross roads" live from 2010?
That first line.... It just seems like a regular question at first til u think about it for a second... you lose a child at such a young age.. where your actual name is not really a thought that crosses their mind yet.. When they are gone so young.. and you ask and wonder. Would he know my name if i saw him in heaven? Think about your own child not knowing your name because they didnt get to experience life long enough to really even start to have that thought. Something about that particular question absolutely just kicks the breath out of me.
Excellect observation. His son at that age would most likely have known him as "Daddy". So yeah, for that to be first line. Just a heartbreaking question to even think about asking.
I lost my baby Khloe a month ago this is my song for her I miss her so much she was my companion and loved me no matter what..I miss you baby 🐾🐾🐾🐾 paws in heaven 🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️
I knew about his son and i’ve heard and played this song a thousand times. But i cried along with you in the end..😢 the lyrics and the melody comes straight to the heart, every time❤
Absolutely Heartbreaking 💔…. Rest easy Conor 💔🙏💔🙏
I sang this song at my grandpa's wake because my grandma asked me to sing something for him. Now I can't hear this song without cryin it's been 11 years
Amazing reaction. This is one of the few songs that hit extra strong once you know the story behind the song.
Thank you!
I feel that music speaks to you if you are willing to listen. The two if you do. Thanks for this reaction
THIS SONG HAD TO HAVE TORN ERIC'S HEART RIGHT OUT OF HIS BODY AND SINGING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME MUST HAVE HEALED A BIT!!
"Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks."
Very nice reaction. Eric Clapton is one of the true greats. He's the only person inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 4 times. And easily one of the best guitarists ever.
The death of a child in a family is really hard. While I've never lost one of my own children, I lost a sibling in a terrible way when we were children. It impacted all of us badly. My parents were very strong through it all.
Eric Clapton shows he is definitely a GOTE... takes a strong person to be able to perform this song with the emotions attached to it. I can't even listen to it without getting choked up.
What does your spelling of “gote” stand for?
Eric Clapton is a brilliant artist. One of the best guitarists in the world. I don’t think I could live if I lost one of my kids 👍🇦🇺
Clapton songs to check out: "Wonderful Tonight", "Layla"(from Derrick and the Dominos), "Change The World", "Sunshine of Your Love", "Cocaine", "White Room", "Lay Down Sally", "I Shot The Sheriff" is a good start.
Two songs guaranteed to bring me to tears - this one and Queen's "No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)". How can he even bear to sing it live? I'd be too choked.
Tears in Heaven" is a ballad written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings about the pain Clapton felt following the death of his four-year-old son, Conor, who fell from a window of the 53rd-floor New York apartment of his mother's friend, on March 20, 1991.
When Phil Collins heard that Connor had died, he wrote the song Since I Lost You in honor of Connor. Phil went to play the song for Eric, because he didn't want to include it on an album unless Eric approved. After Phil Played the song for him, Eric played Tears in Heaven for Phil. Two beautiful songs for Connor.
Hi guy's you went there with this one, it gets me every time, ATB Wayne UK.........
I remember when I heard he had lost his son and this song chokes me up every time I hear it.
My mom absolutely loved Eric Clapton,and especially this song she embraced as one of her favourite songs. The backstory of this song speaks for itself,and thats why mom loved it soo much,she miscarriaged with what would have been my big sister,so she could in a way relate to the lyrics,as she was destroyed for a long time afterwards. Tragicly and ironicly cancer ripped her away from this earth,only barely 46 years of age. It destroyed me mentally,but just about every birthday of hers ever since i have had this played for her memory ,knowing how much she loved this song,and how i hope to "see her again" some day,if only in a sencing afterlife. And it has been some years now,20 years has flown by to be exact. I did not have any dad,so i was left to myself as still a young boy trying to adapt into "adult things". Eric has in later years decided to play this live as sort of a "reggae" vibed song,giving it a more positive touch. If you get curious and wonder if its on youtube: Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven (live) Uploaded by what seems to be a russian name: Буравлев Илья 8 years ago,currently at 115 000 views. I think he decided at one point that instead of continue playing it as slow and depressing as when he felt the pain,he decided to change it up abit to remember the good memories with his son,and as a tribute to his son. Full band joining him on this performance,to create that more positive vibe.
Another song mom would strongly recommend by Eric is: Layla. I have been struggling to find any official music video there on youtube,but here is a epic live performance with Eric in his prime: Eric Clapton - Layla (Uploaded by Albert Canta,currently at 151 million views!) Thats one of his uptempo rock songs,if you want to hear him go even more into a reggae sound: Eric Clapton - I Shot The Sheriff [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video) Heard some evil tongues trying to call Eric a racist at one point. Take a good look at his band over the years (he also became close friends with the one and only B.B. King where they made an entire album together,calling it "Ridin` With The King"😉 There is a BIG easter egg amongst the crowd on this last performance. If you are familiar with old rock legends,you are in for a positive surprise. 🥳Thoose songs should have you up in a happier state of mind instantly. But rest assured,tears in heaven breaks even me,theese days more then when i first heard it. As the song has made such a strong impact on me! Brilliant songwriting though,one of Erics absolute strengths! He is considered maybe the best guitarist in the world by many,for his versatile playing,he can do any type of genre flawlessly. But Eric himself is very modest,and its said that when he got the question "How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world? Eric apparently answered: "Oh i dont know,you have to ask Prince". 😁Me being a massive Prince supporter,that made me love Eric even more. Thoose 2 are defintly 2 of the best to have ever played on a guitar!
This is why I love blues players, like Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan… they write songs and play them with their feelings… It comes from their experiences… not just to make money, but to grieve or let out other feelings that they need to get off their chest…
It’s cathartic… and in this case a way to help him heal…
Time can bring you down time can bend your knees what a line
Such a beautiful tribute to his sweet Angel 😇 in Heaven 😢
Great reaction to a beautiful but sad song about the tragic loss of his young son. Two similar songs are " The Father, My Son And The Holy Ghost " by Craig Morgan about the loss of his teenage son. Also " You Should Be Here " by Cole Swendell about the loss of his father.
I saw the movie Rush soon after it was released and even now, this song still gets to me and Rush has remained my favorite movie. Eric Clapton is probably the best guitarist I've heard.
When i first discovered this song i learnt it on guitar and just thought it was so beautiful. It was stuck in my head for days and i eventually googled it and found out the story of the song now it just breaks my heart.
Great job with your reaction and thoughts on Tears In Heaven from Eric Clapton .The next one might want to check out is the song Layla.
Listen to the bass and guitars crying!!
A parent never expects to outlive their child. We lost our 19 yr old nephew, and my brother grieved for his son for many years; it was quite unexpected. His way of dealing with it, was to go and have his lunch everyday at the gravesid; eventually go through the the pain, as we all did. Lost loveones are always in our heart, and prayers.
This song is about his son so sad!
Hi guys, most ppl interpret this song as Eric speaking to his son through the lyrics but I see it as his son talking to Eric from heaven....I must be strong and carry on, cuz I know I don't belong, here in heaven. Anyways, to all who connect to this song personally, we know the importance of this classic. Peace is hard to find but memories are always there....and that is all we have. ❤
Eric Clapton "See What Love Can Do"...Nuff Said.
"All emotions are part of real emotions"
I will steal that from you. Good quote.
Devastating song for a devastating reason. Clapton is one of the greats.
The actors in this are from the film Rush, the song is on the soundtrack. Will Jennings co-wrote this with Eric 🥹
Never been much of a fan of him but I felt so bad learning the reason behind the meaning. It’s a great tribute to his son
Knowing the story behind this song==I ALWAYS cry.