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.
Sinner's Prayer
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord have mercy,
Lord have mercy on me.
Lord have mercy,
Lord have mercy on me.
Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord,
Have mercy if you please.
The finest clothes in town,
But bad luck and trouble overtaken me,
Bound to get me down.
Please have mercy,
Lord have mercy on me.
Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord,
Have mercy if you please.
Keep on working now, child.
Lord every morning.
Well if I've been a bad boy, baby,
I declare I'll change my ways.
I don't want bad luck and trouble
To follow me all my days.
[Chorus]
In Eric Clapton's "Sinner's Prayer," the singer is seeking mercy from the Lord for any wrongdoings he may have committed. Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges that he has faced bad luck and trouble in his life, despite once having plenty of money and fine clothes. He recognizes that his past actions may have led to his current struggles and expresses a desire to change his ways in order to avoid more bad luck and trouble.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Lord have mercy on me" four times, emphasizing the singer's plea for forgiveness and mercy. The repetition of the phrase also creates a sense of urgency and desperation in the singer's voice. The final verse encourages the singer to keep working towards redemption, for every morning is a new opportunity to do better.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the human experience of making mistakes and facing the consequences of our actions. It acknowledges the reality of bad luck and trouble in life, but also expresses a hope for redemption and a desire to make things right.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord have mercy,
Asking for the divine intervention and forgiveness from the Almighty.
Lord have mercy on me.
Requesting forgiveness and divine grace on oneself to overcome the sins and mistakes committed.
Well if I've done somebody wrong, Lord,
Acknowledging the wrongdoing and asking for mercy and forgiveness for the wrong done.
Have mercy if you please.
Urgently seeking divine intervention and mercy.
I used to have plenty of money,
Reflecting on the past abundance of wealth and lavish lifestyle.
The finest clothes in town,
Having access to the best and most expensive clothing in the area.
But bad luck and trouble overtaken me,
Acknowledging the unfortunate turn of events and troubles in life that have made the situation difficult.
Bound to get me down.
Feeling downhearted and overwhelmed by the circumstances.
Please have mercy,
A desperate plea to the divine for forgiveness and mercy.
Keep on working now, child.
Motivational message to continue working hard and remain persistent.
Lord every morning.
Seeking divine guidance and strength every day.
Well if I've been a bad boy, baby,
Admitting to being on the wrong side and hoping to improve to become a better person.
I declare I'll change my ways.
Making a vow to transform oneself and become a better human being.
I don't want bad luck and trouble
Wishing to avoid any unfortunate incidents and difficult situations in life.
To follow me all my days.
Desiring a life free from any constant troubles and hardships.
Lord have mercy,
Reiterating the need for divine intervention and mercifulness.
Lord have mercy on me.
Urgently seeking the divine's grace and forgiveness.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LLOYD C. GLENN, LLOYD C., SR. GLENN, LOWELL FULSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@svetlanalavrentieva1999
ЛЮБЮ Тебя БЭТ ❤, вынимаешь душу 👏👏👏 Нет слов ….. только слушать и слушать тебя, ❤️🌹🥰👍
@laeclaec1783
Mister clapton... Extraterrestrial... God bless him...
@glendodds3824
This song has one of Eric's best solos.
@VincentRLiott-ez8wt
Best guitar solo EVER.................
@lendlkaiser3622
My prayer every night as soon as I lay my head down!
@vmat1000
The great thing about this whole album is that everything was Live,,,if a take didn't make it, they did it over.
This tune always was a fave. prophetic,
@charityjohnston784
Lord have mercy on my soul
@MargretHopkins
My favorite perormer of all time. Best guitarist.
@ThomasNeece
freaking amazing
@craigmccauley3972
Love it!