In the mid-1960s Clapton left the Yardbirds to play with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Immediately after leaving Mayall, Clapton formed the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, in which Clapton played sustained blues improvisations and "arty, blues-based psychedelic pop". After Cream broke up, he formed blues rock band Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech. Clapton's solo career began in the 1970s, where his work bore the influence of the mellow style of J. J. Cale and the reggae of Bob Marley. His version of Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" helped reggae reach a mass market. Two of his most popular recordings were "Layla", recorded with Derek and the Dominos; and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads", recorded with Cream. Following the death of his son Conor in 1991, Clapton's grief was expressed in the song "Tears in Heaven", which was featured on his Unplugged album.
Clapton has been the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards, and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2004 he was awarded a CBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music. He has received four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his solo career, Clapton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. In 1998, Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, a medical facility for recovering substance abusers.
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Eric Clapton Lyrics
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Alive as you or me
Tearing through these quarters
In the utmost misery
With a blanket underneath his arm
And a coat of solid gold
Searching for the very souls
Already have been sold
Arise, arise, he cried so loud
In a voice without restraint
Come out, ye gifted kings and queens
And hear my sad complaint
No martyr is among you now
You can call your own
So go on your way accordingly
Know you're not alone
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
Alive with fiery breath
I dreamed I was amongst the ones
That put him out to death
Oh, I awoke in anger
So alone and terrified
I put my fingers against the glass
And bowed my head and cried
In "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine," Eric Clapton speaks of a vision he had, where he saw Saint Augustine come alive. In this vision, Saint Augustine roamed around in misery, tattered clothes, and a coat made of solid gold. He carried a blanket underneath his arm, going around trying to search for the souls that had already been lost. He urges the kings and queens to come out and listen to his complaints as there is no martyr amongst them. But they are not alone; they can go on their way accordingly.
The second stanza of the song, he talks about seeing St. Augustine alive, with fiery breath, and being amongst the people that put him to death. Here, Clapton's anger is exposed, and he talks about waking up frustrated, alone, and terrified. The song is a combination of Clapton's vision and Augustine's story. Saint Augustine is known as one of the most significant philosophers, theologians, and Church Fathers in the world. Clapton uses the story to paint a picture of redemption, misery, and sadness in the song.
Overall, the song is depressing, but it speaks well of Clapton's poetic lyrics and storytelling ability. The message of the song is to inspire hope, even in the darkest moments. Clapton urges people to listen to the cries of the broken and to stand in love and compassion.
Line by Line Meaning
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
The singer had a dream where he saw a vision of St. Augustine.
Alive as you or me
St. Augustine was alive in the dream, just like any other person.
Tearing through these quarters
St. Augustine was moving quickly and with a sense of urgency through the environment around him.
In the utmost misery
St. Augustine appeared to be deeply unhappy or in a state of anguish.
With a blanket underneath his arm
St. Augustine was carrying a blanket, possibly suggesting his need for warmth or comfort in his misery.
And a coat of solid gold
St. Augustine also had a golden coat, which could symbolize his religious or spiritual power or influence.
Searching for the very souls
St. Augustine was searching for specific souls, potentially those who have already been corrupted or lost.
Already have been sold
These souls may have already been corrupted or led astray by various temptations or hardships.
Arise, arise, he cried so loud
St. Augustine urged people to wake up and pay attention to his message.
In a voice without restraint
St. Augustine's voice was strong and powerful, as if he couldn't hold back his words.
Come out, ye gifted kings and queens
St. Augustine called upon those who had influence or talents to help him convey his message.
And hear my sad complaint
St. Augustine had a grievance or concern that he wanted people to address.
No martyr is among you now
There is currently no one willing to suffer or sacrifice themselves for the greater good.
You can call your own
People have to take responsibility for their own actions and their own choices.
So go on your way accordingly
People should act according to their own conscience and values.
Know you're not alone
People should take comfort in knowing that there are others who share their struggles or ideals.
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
The singer had a second dream where he saw St. Augustine again.
Alive with fiery breath
St. Augustine appeared more passionate and intense in this second dream, as if he had a burning fire within him.
I dreamed I was amongst the ones
In the dream, the singer felt like he was part of a group responsible for St. Augustine's suffering or death.
That put him out to death
The singer felt guilty for causing St. Augustine's demise.
Oh, I awoke in anger
The singer woke up from the dream feeling angry and upset.
So alone and terrified
The singer felt isolated and scared by the weight of his guilt.
I put my fingers against the glass
The singer touched the glass, as if he was in prison or trapped in his own thoughts.
And bowed my head and cried
The singer felt overwhelmed and emotional, and began to cry.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ouarda Fareh
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
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you 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
TheRelaxingWorld
The soft melodies in this music really help to ease my mind and body. I could listen to this for hours!
Marluce Souza
The classics never die♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Al Pullra
Eric Clapton is a true Classic artist and for ever be known as a great legend
Chris Shepley
4 Sure and carring on the Blues traditions
Анна Дедух
Шикарная музыка. Успокаивающая.
Bria Yazic
When I was a kid my dad would listen to this album while doing projects around the house on the weekends, so this music brings up a lot of nostalgia. There are only a few American musicians my dad likes, and Eric Clapton has always been his favorite. I chose Change the World for us to dance to at my wedding, and I think it meant a lot to him.
Eric Patrick Clapton
Hi,Bria how are you doing?
Maricel Fajardo
Bria yazic
Kathie Shirley
@Eric Clapton
We ❤️ you! We were able to see you in Indianapolis, Phil Collins was on the drums! Awesome concert! Wish we could have seen you in Columbus 9/4/22! I know you enjoyed it, being it's hometown!
Eric Clapton
@George Appleton That is my official gmail account due to the restriction of YouTube that's why I wrote it like that hope you understand?