Music is unique in its ability to transport us back to a place or time based on the memory associated with a song. The range of emotions that a song can evoke is all-encompassing. For musicians dealing with the loss of a loved one, turning to music can become therapy. Writing of the lyrics can be healing for the artist, as well as the listener who understands, empathizes, and even needs the message.
In 1991, Eric Clapton’s young son Connor died tragically from a fall. Clapton then composed and now performs “Tears in Heaven” in tribute to him.
When asked if it was difficult to write the song, he had this to say:
The writing of the song is the therapy. The toughness is doing nothing. From the time everyone said goodbye to one another at the funeral and I was left at home — from that time to the time the song was finished, it was harder if I didn’t play the guitar. Playing the guitar was the solution. The tough part was being in the knowledge and the moment of what happened.
For other songs that honor memories or have helped others cope with grief, please visit the website recover-from-grief.com.
Would you like to share your story? Please get in touch with Kate's Club! KC has free grief support with grief resources, grief counseling resources, grief training, and volunteer work in Atlanta and surrounding places in Georgia. Kate's Club is a growing nonprofit in Atlanta with grief specialists for kids and young adults going through bereavement. Our goal is to make a world where it is okay to grieve.