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.
Knocking on Heaven's Door
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't use it any more
It's getting dark, too dark to see
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Ma, take these guns away from me
I can't shoot them any more
There's a long black cloud following me
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin'
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Ma, take this badge off of me
I can't use it any more
It's getting dark, too dark to see
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
The lyrics of Eric Clapton's song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" tell a story of a protagonist who has been through a lot of pain and is at the end of his life, feeling like he is approaching death's door. He asks his mother to take his badge away since he no longer needs it and can't use it anymore. It symbolizes how he is not bound by any earthly responsibilities or obligations. The darkness symbolizes his growing sense of mortality and his acceptance of death. He feels like he is knocking on heaven's door, indicating that he may have come to peace with his fate and is ready to move on to the next life.
The second verse talks about the guns, which is often taken as a metaphor for any worldly attachments that the singer has. In this case, he can't use them anymore and he doesn't want to hold onto them. The long black cloud following him symbolizes the weight of his past and how it's catching up with him. It is also an indication of his growing anxiety and uneasiness. He feels like he is knocking on heaven's door again, indicating that he may have accepted his life and is willing to let go of his pain.
Overall, the song is poetic and deeply emotional, with the verses talking about the pain and suffering of life, while the chorus offers a consoling thought of being close to heaven's door.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma, take this badge off of me
I no longer want to be associated with the law enforcement profession, and I want to move on from it.
I can't use it any more
I am not able to uphold the requirements and expectations of being a law enforcement officer anymore.
It's getting dark, too dark to see
The future seems uncertain and bleak, and it is difficult to envision a favorable outcome.
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
I feel like I could die soon, and I'm not sure where I'm heading after that.
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
The situation is becoming dire, and I'm running out of options and time.
Ma, take these guns away from me
I no longer want to rely on violence or use guns to solve problems or feel safe.
I can't shoot them any more
I am not able to handle the emotional or moral weight of taking another life.
There's a long black cloud following me
There is a sense of impending doom that is overshadowing my life, and I cannot escape it.
Ma, take this badge off of me
The badge is a symbol of a life I no longer want, and it is a burden that I need to shed for my own well-being.
It's getting dark, too dark to see
The future is looking increasingly bleak, and I am not sure I can handle what is coming my way.
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
I am acutely aware of my own mortality, and I do not know if I am ready for what comes after.
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
I am running out of options and ideas, and I am desperate for a solution or a way out of my predicament.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, AUDIAM, INC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hansemannluchter643
To those saying they hear
Bob Marley/Reggae:
Yep.
Go listen to
"Knockin' on Heavens Door"
From the album
"Bob Dylan at Budokan"
Recorded live in Tokyo, Japan - February/March 1978.
Or Bob Dylans 1983 album "Infidels" with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare on drums and bass.
Back in the late 1970's, early 1980's, EVERYBODY, and their mother, was "culturally appropriating" reggae.
Bob Marley changed music, we all cried the day he died😢
@ruddy5752
OoOOOOOOOOOO!!!! MY GOD!!!!!! Éric Clapton, Phil Collins, Greg Philliganes and Nathan East!!!!!!! Everytime this Master of the universe are together it's simply WONDERFUL!!!!!!!
@TCBees73
Totally agree Ruddy, I have Live at Montreux 1986 and Eric Clapton and Friends Live 1986 on dvd both great concert performances from these guys. Greg and Nathan add a magic touch to the sound with Phil's wonderful drumming and fill patterns. I love Clapton's guitar tone and guitar chorus effects he uses in this period. 👍
@Steve-ih7dg
Phil Palmer described this as the best band he has ever been a part of - & with good reason.
@TCBees73
Thanks for that Steve, now that's saying something from a session guitarist who has played with just about everyone. Yh defo a 4 piece supergroup imo 👍
@brandolino55
Nathan is the King of bass guitar.
@manuelpaciencia
👏👏
@hughmcinally907
Hard to imagine anyone who has had a bigger influence on contemporary music from the 1960s onward. Has played with just about everyone who is anyone, and mentored so many other musicians. Absolute legend.
@fasullamail
Totally agree
@amymcdonald5695
This US Memorial Day will mark 1 year since the loss of my Son! Amazing how you offer this song ... Thank You. 3 more days after his body was taken on my 39th Wedding Anniversary, which will be my 40th. A newly pronounced Doctor of Quantum Physics have earned his full ride degree just 3m before his wedding day and just 2m before his 33rd birthday.... This song and Tears in Heaven are so strong right now..
@EricClapton456
Hello Amy
Where are you streaming from ?