Resources for Loss

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton, contributed by Ben Miller (2023)

Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” was written and recorded in 1991 following the tragic and sudden death of Clapton’s son, Connor. The song serves as an apology to Connor for not being a better father. He grapples with his loss through the wistful melody and poignant lyrics as every chorus emphasizes the separation between this world and heaven. The song was originally made for the movie Rush but was later re-recorded in 1992 on MTV Unplugged. The song became Clapton’s best-selling single in the United States with over 2.8 million copies sold and reached number two on the one hundred singles charts. In an interview with Daphne Barak, Clapton shared: "I almost subconsciously used music for myself as a healing agent, and lo and behold, it worked... I have got a great deal of happiness and a great deal of healing from music." This song is a powerful testament to finding meaning and solace in music amidst the agony of losing a loved one, offering a universal message of shared grief and understanding.

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