Redman, who is Black and Jewish, was born in Berkeley, California. He is the son of jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman. He is a graduate of Berkeley High School. Then in 1991 he graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Redman won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition the same year and began focusing on his musical career. Redman continued to develop his style through the 1990s, beginning with a sideman appearance on his father's 1992 record Choices. On his sophomore effort as a leader, Wish, he was joined by a notable lineup consisting of guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Billy Higgins. He continued to work with various quartets until forming a new trio, Elastic, with keyboardist Sam Yahel and drummer Brian Blade.
In addition to his efforts with Elastic, he is the artistic director of San Francisco's SFJAZZ Collective, which is considered by many to be an emerging geographic and philosophic rival to the stylistically neo-classicist Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis.
Redman has also made a guest appearance on an episode of the TV show Arthur as the uncle of Francine, one of the main characters. The episode also depicts him in a boxing match against classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Tears In Heaven
Joshua Redman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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,
Time can bring your 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.
Repeat First Verse
(thanks to Johan Lopez for this lyric)
The lyrics of Tears In Heaven by Joshua Redman tell a story of longing and grief. The artist grapples with the idea of what it would be like to see a loved one who has passed away in heaven. He wonders if they would recognize each other and if their relationship would be the same. Despite his sadness, he knows that he must find the strength to carry on with his life. The artist finds solace in the belief that there is peace and happiness waiting for his loved ones on the other side of the door, where there are no more tears in heaven.
The repetition of the first verse echoes the artist's strong desire to connect with his loved one once more. The repeated line, "Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven?" is especially poignant. It speaks to the idea that even though someone may have passed away, the bond between them still exists and will endure beyond death. The second verse speaks to the idea that time can heal, but it can also hurt. Time can cause pain and can make us feel weak, but it can also provide clarity and strength. The bridge of the song provides a contrast to the sadness of the previous verses by painting a picture of hope and peace beyond this life.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven?
If we met in paradise, would you recognize me?
Would it be the same if I saw you in Heaven?
Would our interactions be the same as they were on earth?
I must be strong and carry on,
I must show resilience and keep moving forward,
'Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven.
Because I'm aware that it's not yet my time to go to Heaven.
Would you hold my hand if I saw you in Heaven?
If we met in Heaven, would you physically offer me help?
Would you help me stand if I saw you in Heaven?
If I needed assistance in Heaven, would you be there to provide it?
I'll find my way through night and day,
I'll navigate through the ups and downs of life,
'Cause I know I just can't stay here in Heaven.
Because I know that it's too soon for me to remain in Heaven.
Time can bring your down; time can bend your knees.
Through the passage of time, life can present challenges that are difficult to overcome.
Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please.
The pain of loss and hardship can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling desperate for relief.
Beyond the door there's peace I'm sure,
There is a sense of calm and tranquility beyond our mortal existence,
And I know there'll be no more tears in Heaven.
In this state of peace, we'll no longer experience feelings of sorrow and grief.
Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven?
The cycle of questioning whether we'll recognize our loved ones in Heaven continues.
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carlos Camarasa
Cuando la oí por primera vez me volo la cabeza, magistral homenaje a un gran clasico de dos increibles músicos, que lenguaje, que fluidez, bluesy, jazzy, melodico. Desde entonces siempre toco la intro que hace Pat, pero en mi version del tono original en La. Gracias por tanto.
COOL PAXX
I loved this cover immediately after purchasing when it was released. Both world class improvisers reduce their playing skills just showing their appreciation for the meaning of the blues. Eric Clapton is the one, who’s been spreading it all over the world, opening black musicians like his friend BB King many new stages. He knew, where it all came from... Thanks Eric, I feel for you!!
Lauro Gonzales
Dos grandes del jazz con este gran cover, simplemente excelente!!!!
Yovanni Rosario
Killer version by the "Red Man"! I loved it since the first time I heard it.
lamacch1
what a beautiful version... can't believe there's only one comment
Thuan Thai
One of my favorites. Finally put in some time to practice. Here’s my version of it: https://youtu.be/bG-C2WbP6Ro
TheSunny
Thanks! Beautiful version...
COOL PAXX
forgotten to add: his live was ALL BLUES !!
HEIKE MÜLLER
la canción dedico a mi querida mamá
E-Mastering Home Studio
Geralmente quando se faz uma versao de uma Musica.
Se cai quase sempre, naquele mela-cueca tipo o Kenny G, insuportavel de escutar.....
Esse ficou muito bom.... serve.