10 Songs That End On Really Depressing Notes
3. Tears In Heaven - Eric Clapton
In 1991, Eric Clapton suffered an ordeal so horrific that it can't even be fathomed by anyone who hasn't been through the same. The guitarist's son, just four years old at the time, fell to his death from the window of a 53rd story New York apartment.
After throwing himself into solitude and spiraling into depression, Clapton began the healing process by writing Tears of Heaven. Originally meant for the 1991 movie Rush, the song soon began to take on meaning through Conor's death. Despite the personal nature of the song, Clapton asked for help with the writing from Will Jennings, and one of the most emotional pieces of music was born.
The lyrics are incredibly powerful, as the singer seemingly wonders if his son will recognise him when he reaches Heaven. It's an incredibly deep, and horribly depressing premise for a song, but it is surely how anyone who went through such a trying time would feel.
It's the final lyrics of the song that are the biggest tear jerkers of all, as Clapton accepts that he must move on, and realises that he won't ever see his boy again until he reaches Heaven himself.