Eric Clapton, arguably the greatest living rock guitarist, wrote a heart-wrenching song about the death of his four-year-old son who fell from a 53rd-story window in 1991. Clapton took nine months off and when he returned his music had changed. The hardship had made his music softer, more powerful, and more reflective. You have probably heard the song he wrote about his son’s death. It is a song of hope:
Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on,
‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven.
Would you hold my hand if I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand if I saw you in heaven?
I’ll find my way through night and day,
‘Cause I know I just can’t stay here in heaven.
Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please.
Beyond the door there’s peace I’m sure,
And I know there’ll be no more tears in heaven.