“AMAZING GRACE” AND “TEARS IN

HEAVEN”William D. Brown

“Amazing Grace”

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“Amazing Grace”

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“Amazing Grace” Is there a God? Who or what is He/She/It? Why are we here? Why do bad things happen to

good people? Why do good things happen to

bad people? Are human innately good or evil?

“Amazing Grace” Written by John Newton in 1779 Subjects: redemption and forgiveness

Considered his “spiritual (auto-)biography Newton refers to himself as a “wretch,”

which he was Even “nasty people” did not like him Got involved in the slave trade Repented and changed his ways, becoming an

ordained minister in the Church of England

“Amazing Grace” “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me…” The AWE he felt at sensing God’s

presence (how some people describe GRACE)

Yet this awe, which suggests something powerful and dramatic is controlled by the silence suggested by “sweetness”…

“WRETCH” – a powerful word! He uses this word to describe himself.

“Amazing Grace” “I once was lost but now am found, was

blind but now I see.” Spiritual and moral blindness – could not

see what he was doing to his fellow men He now sees – perhaps himself, perhaps

others, perhaps a path…

“Amazing Grace” “’Twas grace that taught my heart to

fear, and grace my fear relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.”

Suggestion of the presence from the beginning

God’s presence was a gift, but HE HAD TO CHOOSE!

The choice led to immediate results.

“Amazing Grace” “Through many dangers, toils, and

snares, we have already come. ‘Twas grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home.”

Physical and spiritual references Life as a path – many dangers, toils

(difficulties), and snares (traps) God as protector God as a beacon or guide

“Amazing Grace” “The Lord has promised good to me; His

word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.”

A covenant between God and Him: God will protect and feed Him. He will follow.

“Amazing Grace” “When we’ve been here ten thousand

years bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.”

Concept of eternity Every day is a new beginning

“Amazing Grace” Tone: PURE JOY coming out of gratitude

and hope (but a hint of remorse and regret)

The song is a celebration of his relationship with God but also a plea for forgiveness from God.

Reminds the listener that: God is always present. We have to make a choice – and later a

commitment. All we have to do is ask…

“Amazing Grace” Sang this song in Chinese and English

with my family (my wife, Yuchuan, and our daughter, Xuerui [her English name is Joy])

Reminds me of the Psalms Connects to Biblical Literature, especially

the Gospels Parable of the Prodigal Son Had an encounter like this one…

“Tears in Heaven”

“Tears in Heaven” First heard this song while driving on the

405 freeway. Eric Clapton wrote this song after his four-

year-old son, Conor’s, death by accident in 1991.

He has stopped singing this song because he claims that he no longer feels the grief but may bring it back later.

“Tears in Heaven” “Would you know my name if I saw you in

heaven? Would you be the same if I saw you in heaven?”

The song starts out with questions – ones he cannot answer.

Death brings with it questions that we cannot answer…

Questions suggest uncertainty and insecurity and frustration…

“Tears in Heaven” “I must be strong and carry on ‘cause I

know I don’t belong here in heaven.” Talks to himself to strengthen his resolve

to continue Reminds himself that he cannot live in

heaven because he still has a life to live At that time, Clapton struggled with drug

addiction…

“Tears in Heaven” “Would you hold my hand if I saw you in

heaven? Would you help me stand if I saw you in heaven?”

More questions… “help me stand” shows his weakness and

vulnerability Perhaps the line also shows his regret

that he was not there The most unnatural thing in the world: for

a parent to bury a child…

“Tears in Heaven” “I’ll find my way through night and day

‘cause I know I just can’t stay here in heaven.”

He needs to keep moving both when he can navigate his way and when he cannot – both physically and spiritually.

“Tears in Heaven” “Time can bring you down; time can bend

your knees. Time can break a heart, have you begging please, begging please…”

ANGUISH! Imagery of the speaker on his knees

pleading… Weakness Inability to continue

“Tears in Heaven” “Beyond the door, there’s peace I’m sure

‘cause I know there’ll be no more tears in heaven.”

What door? Perhaps death… Perhaps the end of his suffering… Title line: “this too shall pass” – HOPE In the meantime, he knows that he has to

suffer

“Tears in Heaven” The song is MOURNFUL AND REGRETFUL

but also HOPEFUL. The speaker mourns the death of his son

and regrets his absence, BUT He longs for the day when he will see his

son again – in the afterlife.

“Tears in Heaven” I have sung this song several times at

funerals, most memorably at my Grandmother’s funeral.

I still sing this song (unlike Clapton). Maybe I have not overcome my grief yet…

I was convinced that Eric Clapton wrote this song just for me…

It put into words how I had felt for fifteen years (1976 to 1991) but could not articulate: My feelings after my mother died.