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Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at the Crossroads Guitar Festival performing "Presence of the Lord"




Eric Clapton wrote this song, which is a testimony of faith. It's the first song for which he wrote all the lyrics.


Steve Winwood sang lead, as he did with all of the Blind Faith songs. Even though it's a very personal song, Clapton made sure he wouldn't be the lead vocalist by writing it in a higher key than he could sing. He thought Winwood was a much better singer (most would agree), and wanted him on this track.


The song is about how Clapton was becoming more comfortable with his life. He had just left Cream at the peak of its popularity, and was looking forward to playing with Blind Faith. He wasn't too comfortable though: Clapton was fighting drug addiction and falling in love with George Harrison's wife, whom he would later marry.


Clapton called this a "song of gratitude." It was one of his first songs to explore spirituality, which he did on some of his solo tracks in the '70s. He said the message of this song was to "say 'thank you' to God, or whatever you choose to call Him, for whatever happens."





Lyrics


I have finally found a way to live

Just like I never could before.

I know that I don't have much to give,

But I can open any door.


Everybody knows the secret,

Everybody knows the score.

I have finally found a way to live

In the color of the Lord.


I have finally found a place to live

Just like I never could before.

And I know I don't have much to give,

But soon I'll open any door.


Everybody knows the secret,

Everybody knows the score.

I have finally found a place to live

In the presence of the Lord.

In the presence of the Lord.


I have finally found a way to live

Just like I never could before.

And I know I don't have much to give,

But I can open any door.


Everybody knows the secret,

I said everybody knows the score.

I have finally found a way to live

In the color of the Lord.

In the color of the Lord.



Songwriters: Eric Patrick Clapton

Presence of the Lord lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc




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