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.
Key to Love
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to help you honey, let me see you again.
[Chorus:]
Hurts my soul, babe, when I find you feeling rough.
Life is so bad, baby, when I find the key to love.
Put a smile on your face and dry away your tears.
[Chorus]
Somewhere in this world, the one you waited for
Come along and find you, turn the key in your door.
Hurts my soul, babe, when I find you feeling rough.
Life is so bad, baby, when you find the key to love.
The lyrics to Eric Clapton's song "Key to Love" speak of empathy and the desire to help someone who is going through a rough time. The opening line "I never realized that you were in pain" shows the singer's awareness that this person may be hiding their pain or suffering in silence, and the subsequent line "I want to help you honey, let me see you again" expresses the singer's desire to offer assistance and support.
The chorus lines "Hurts my soul, babe, when I find you feeling rough / Life is so bad, baby, when I find the key to love" conveys the idea that the singer cares deeply about this person's well-being and feels pained to see them struggling. The repetition of the phrase "key to love" indicates that love is the solution to this person's hardships and that finding it will make their life better.
The final verse suggests that the person will eventually find the one they have been waiting for, who will bring them happiness and turn the key to their door. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the message that love is the key to a better life.
Overall, "Key to Love" is a touching song about empathy, care and the belief that love has the power to heal.
Line by Line Meaning
I never realized that you were in pain.
I had no idea that you were suffering, and now that I know, I want to be there for you.
I want to help you honey, let me see you again.
I care about you and want to offer my support. Can we please spend some time together?
Hurts my soul, babe, when I find you feeling rough.
It pains me to see you struggling and unhappy.
Life is so bad, baby, when I find the key to love.
Without love and connection, life can be unbearable and hopeless.
Put a smile on your face and dry away your tears.
I hope to bring you joy and comfort, and help you overcome your sadness.
Life is bound to get better as you live your years.
As time passes, things will improve and brighter days are ahead.
Somewhere in this world, the one you waited for.
There is someone out there who is meant for you, and you've been waiting for them.
Come along and find you, turn the key in your door.
They will come into your life and unlock the path to love and fulfillment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN MAYALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ways of the walrus
Brian May sent me here too. Was never a big Clapton fan for his solos but this is one of the better ones
aidzon H
Same here. Mr. May is giving this song some serious publicity
Eduardo Jordão
Another one here 😂
ZEL MULEC
Add me to the list 😂😂 What a waste of time tho!
Victor Hackbarth
The same here, but I don't understand what's so great about it.
ways of the walrus
@Victor Hackbarth I think maybe back then it had more effect. Doesn't do anything for me
Tattookitty 79
Incredible! Read about it being a favorite of Brian May. I honestly expected he would name a Queen song, not that it wouldn't be worthy or that he is superficial, Brian May is an amazing musician and a very intelligent man, as well as Eric Clapton. England must be putting something good in the water 😉, the world is fortunate to have had them.
Useful idiom
England also produced Jimmy Page
Mission 2 Transition 641
BRIAN MAY , brought me here. I read today on a new article, he listed THIS TRACK as his favorite all time guitar solo. He mentions how EC just smokes, is on fire...and he still gets a thrill today, as he did when he first heard it. Amazing lead break!
English Through Tamil
I knew Eric Clapton was tops and have heard this before but when Brian May says this solo is the best, you had to respectfully come here to listen again and rejoice.