Table of Contents
Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. The song lyrics are ideal for English Learners and include many interesting language topics, such as conditional sentences.
Let’s begin with some information about the song!
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
“Tears in Heaven“ is a song by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings from the soundtrack to the film Rush. This page provides information about the song and links to the lyrics and the official video.
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts about the song
- Song: Tears in Heaven
- Album: Rush
- Date of release: January 7, 1992
- Genre: Soft Rock
- Length of the song: 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Writers: Eric Clapton and Will Jennings
- Produced by: Russ Titelman
Interesting Information about the Song
Here’s the improved version:
“The song ‘Tears in Heaven’ is a poignant reflection on the profound pain and grief Eric Clapton experienced after the tragic death of his four-year-old son, Conor. On March 20, 1991, Conor fell from a window of a 53rd-floor New York apartment owned by a friend of his mother. The accident occurred while a janitor was cleaning the window, leaving it open. This devastating incident deeply affected Clapton and inspired him to write one of his most heartfelt songs.”
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many interesting language points:
Expressions that may be useful to students:
- Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you feel the same
If I saw you in heaven?
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion Exercise
Complete the sentences using the words or phrases provided.
- Would you know my __ if I saw you in Heaven?
- (face, name, voice)
- I must be strong and carry on ‘Cause I know I don’t __ here in Heaven.
- (deserve to stay, belong, have a place)
- Would you hold my __ if I saw you in Heaven?
- (hand, heart, spirit)
- Time can bring you down, time can bend your __.
- (will, knees, mind)
- Beyond the __, there’s peace, I’m sure.
- (clouds, door, light)
These words are used in the lyrics of the song:
- Heaven: A place or state of perfect happiness often considered to be the afterlife or a spiritual paradise.
- Belong: To be in the right place or situation; to fit or be accepted as part of a group or environment.
- Carry on: To continue doing something, despite difficulties or challenges.
- Tears: Drops of clear liquid produced by the eyes as a response to emotion or irritation.
- Peace: A state of tranquility or quiet, often associated with the absence of conflict or disturbance.
- Bend: To move or force something out of its straight position; to curve or flex.
- Begging: The act of asking for something urgently and humbly.
Gap Fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words provided:
- After the loss, the singer feels that they don’t __________ in this world and longs for a different place.
- The singer expresses hope that beyond the door, there will be __________ and no more sadness.
- During tough times, it’s important to __________ and not give up despite the challenges.
- The song’s lyrics mention __________ in Heaven, symbolizing deep emotional pain.
- The singer wonders if their loved one would __________ their name if they met again in Heaven.
- Time can __________ your emotions, making you feel overwhelmed and weak.
- The lyrics describe someone __________ for relief or a change, showing their deep emotional need.
Source: Wikipedia