Eric Clapton, This Has Gotta Stop | Controversial Tunes 😈🎶

On the 22^nd edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, “This Has Gotta Stop” by Eric Clapton.

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ring on the controversy, won’t you? Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot.  The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  On the 22^nd edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, 🎵“This Has Gotta Stop” by 🎙 Eric Clapton. 

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

Cutting straight to the chase, being an anti-vaccination proponent during a global pandemic is controversial, period.  Eric Clapton, who has a checkered past with controversy, struck up ‘his old friend’ once more with 🎵 “This Has Gotta Stop”, an anti-vax protest song.  Protesting something you’re passionate about is your right, and Clapton has the right to do so.  The problem is, this protest feels counterproductive at best, fueling right-wing extremism and ultimately, prolonging this hellish pandemic.  We all agree that coronavirus itself is “BS” as Clapton sings on “This Has Gotta Stop,” and I’d even add that none of us enjoying lockdown, but Clapton takes things next level.

I can even understand Clapton’s personal issues with vaccination given the ill effects he suffered coupled with his neuropathy:

“I can’t move my hands
I break out in sweat
I wanna cry
Can’t take it anymore.”

Where the problem occurs is the fact that Clapton seems to advise everyone NOT to get vaccinated merely because of his own adverse reaction.  Furthering this problematic stance is his refusal to play at venues requiring proof of vaccination.  He doesn’t have to approve, obviously, but it’s clear Mr. Clapton is embracing the radical (again, right wing) notion that everything is an infringement on liberty even if the intent is ultimately to return to freedom enjoyed pre-pandemic:

“And I’m used to being free
I know who I am
Try to do what’s right
So, lock me up and throw away the key.”=

The most damning lines: “It’s gone far enough / If you wanna claim my soul / You’ll have to come break down this door.” 

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Music Video 🎶📼 

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that there’s a “This Has Gotta Stop” music video. Rather than the typical live action approach, it is animated.  Essentially, the animation shows instances of liberty being challenged, the government ‘doing too much’ to folks, and people fighting for their freedom. “This Has Gotta Stop” the music video echoes the free spirit of the song.  That said, the song itself is more controversial than the video.

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Final Thoughts 💭 

After multiple listens, “This Has Gotta Stop” still irks me.  As I said when reviewing the song, the music and the performance by Eric Clapton is fine.  The problem is the theme and lyrics, which feel wrong.  Maybe it’s the fact that there are many people protesting for more meaningful things that transcend this unexpected global pandemic.  If Clapton’s intention were to please the anti-vax community, he sadly succeeded. 

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🎙 Eric Clapton • 🎵 “This Has Gotta Stop” • 🏷 EPC Enterprises • 🗓 8.27.21 

Eric Clapton, “This Has Gotta Stop”: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 No. 22 [📷: Aidan Feddersen on Unsplash, Brent Faulkner, EPC Enterprises,The Musical Hype]

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