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.
Pretty Blue Eyes
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While he goes out singing,
And she don't see why
A wedding bell ain't ringing.
Left alone to cry
While he goes out rocking,
And she can't see why
[Chorus]
Goodbye, pretty blue eyes.
Goodbye, pretty blue eyes.
Left alone to cry;
Life don't seem worth living.
I stand to say goodbye,
Done enough forgiving.
[Chorus]
Eric Clapton's song "Pretty Blue Eyes" talks about a relationship that seems to be on the verge of collapse. The singer is left alone to cry while her partner goes out singing and rocking. She cannot understand why he isn't proposing to her or why he is not showing her affection. The lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of being in a relationship that is one-sided and unfulfilling. The chorus, "Goodbye, pretty blue eyes" echoes the sentiment that the singer is ready to move on from this relationship and find someone who will treat her better.
The lyrics suggest that the relationship between the singer and her partner is filled with tension and frustration. The line, "she can't see why it ain't her he's socking" implies that there is physical violence in the relationship. The use of the word "socking" is particularly evocative, suggesting a violent physical altercation. The singer's frustration at being left alone to cry and her feeling that life isn't worth living suggest that she has reached a breaking point and is ready to say goodbye to this relationship.
Interestingly, "Pretty Blue Eyes" was never officially released by Eric Clapton. It was recorded during the sessions for his 1978 album, "Backless," but it was ultimately left off the album. Despite this, the song has become popular among fans and has been performed live by Clapton several times. Here are some other interesting facts about the song:
Line by Line Meaning
Left alone to cry
Abandoned with tears in my eyes, feeling desolate and hopeless.
While he goes out singing,
While he enjoys himself, having a good time, and pursuing his passion for music.
And she don't see why
She can't comprehend why her lover hasn't proposed marriage yet or taken their relationship to another level.
A wedding bell ain't ringing.
Their relationship lacks commitment and she hasn't been proposed to yet despite her desire to get married.
Left alone to cry
Feeling abandoned and alone while he goes out partying and having a good time.
While he goes out rocking,
While he enjoys himself, dancing and having fun without worrying about her feelings.
And she can't see why
She cannot fathom why he chooses to spend his time with other people instead of focusing on their relationship.
It ain't her he's socking.
He is not physically abusing her, but he is neglecting her emotionally and failing to meet her needs.
[Chorus]
Refrain of the song.
Goodbye, pretty blue eyes.
Farewell to the woman he used to love, who had pretty blue eyes that he admired.
Goodbye, pretty blue eyes.
Final goodbye to the relationship and the hope of making things right.
Left alone to cry;
Feeling helpless, abandoned and hurt.
Life don't seem worth living.
Feeling hopeless, depressed, and like there is no meaning to life.
I stand to say goodbye,
He has made his decision to move on from this relationship that has caused him too much pain and heartache.
Done enough forgiving.
He has forgiven her enough times, but he can't do it anymore and won't tolerate the same behavior.
[Chorus]
Refrain of the song.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
yankeear
This is a great tune, love the alternating acoustic & electric riffs.
kerry mcmanus
Love this album,its so honest & shows Eric's Versitile talents.
musiccuts
Yeah, it's a great song to have playing in the background while your have an afternoon delight. :)
Ron Dunn
Isn't that just about ANY song???? Hoy Hoy
Tyler Hudson
One of the most beautiful songs ever written<3
sezen akar
he plays like the sunshine . soft and warm
Josh Hill
I love this song!!-I could have seen it on ''slowhand''.I wanna get this cd(''Theres one in every crowd)
M P
this one's of my favourite songs. listen to "better make it through today" on the same album - it's the best clapton's song
ChasCapri
such a delightful rhythm, the end section is glorious... lovely acoustic
Antonio Dias
love this song