Whether it’s his instrumental-guitar driven tracks, or the inspired lyrics Eric Clapton remains one of my favorite artists of all time.
The first 3 songs on my list are ones that were written or performed by Eric Clapton during his relationship and marriage to Pattie Boyd. At the beginning, Clapton fell in love with Boyd, a model, upon meeting her through her than-husband George Harrison. Layla, which was written while Clapton was in Derek and the Dominoes, mentioned the love he felt towards Pattie Boyd. Clapton displayed his love and affection through these lyrics, “I tried to give you consolation, when your old man had let you down. Like a fool, I fell in love with you.”
Another song written about Pattie Boyd was during their relationship and marriage. Eric Clapton loved and adored Boyd throughout their lengthy marriage. Through the song Wonderful Tonight, Clapton displayed his love for Boyd, with these heartfelt lyrics, “I feel wonderful, because I see the love light in your eyes. And the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize how much I love you.”
At the end of their 9-year marriage, Clapton was inspired to write another hit about the end of his relationship with Old Love. This song was written about the fact that Clapton was trying to get over his ex-wife. The lyrics included, “It makes me so angry to know that the flame still burns. Why can’t I get over? When will I ever learn?”
The next two songs mentioned on my list include lyrics that are emotion-stirred. Both songs represent trying times for Eric Clapton, including losing his son and getting off of drugs. The first song mentioned is Tears in Heaven, which was a song dedicated to his 4-year old son who died after falling from a 53rd story window. The lyrics are saddening and heartfelt, “Would you know my name, if I saw you in Heaven? Would you feel the same, if I saw you in Heaven?”
Cocaine, originally written and recorded by J.J. Cale, was covered by Clapton. Oddly enough, to many this song sounded like the Ultimate drug song. However, according to songfacts.com, this song was the anti-drug song. Eric Clapton used to be a heavy heroin user, and got off of drugs in 1974. This song was meant to inspire people to get off drugs, which lyrics such as, “If your thing is gone, and you wanna ride on Cocaine. Don’t forget this fact, you can’t get it back, Cocaine.”
The next two songs are covers performed by Eric Clapton which were originally done by other artists. Through every song Clapton performed, he made it into his own and turned these songs into major hits. The first song mentioned is Change the World, originally recorded by Wynona Judd. Featured on the movie soundtrack Phenomenon, this song was covered by Eric Clapton with Babyface singing back-up vocals. With lyrics such as, “I would be the sunlight in your universe. You think my love was really something good”, it showcased love for a woman, but in order to have this love the man would have to change things in his life.Crossroads, originally written and performed by Robert Johnson, was a cover that would give much success to Clapton and his band Cream who remade the track. The song told the tale of how Johnson made a deal with the devil to give up his soul for the ability to play Blues music. The story was told through these lyrics, “I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.. Asked the Lord for mercy, “Save me if you please.”
Inspired by J.J. Cale, Clapton remade some songs by the musician. Some of these songs included After Midnight and Lay Down Sally. After Midnight was the first single for Clapton as a solo artist. This song was originally written and recorded by J.J. Cale. This song was up-tempo and featured some catchy lyrics including, “After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang out. After midnight, we’re gonna chug-a-lug and shout.” Lay Down Sally was featured on Clapton’s 1977 album called Slowhand. This song was also a crossover Country music hit, which was performed in the style of J.J. Cale. This song featured catchy lyrics such as, “Lay down Sally, and rest you in my arms. Don’t you think you want someone to talk to.”
The final song featured on my list is Tearing Us Apart, which was released in 1986. This song was produced by Phil Collins, who also played drums for the single. Clapton performed a duet with Tina Turner on this up-tempo track, which featured lyrics such as, ” They’re tearing us apart, they’re breaking up my heart. I knew it from the start, your friends are tearing us apart.”
