About the song
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” an iconic song by Bob Dylan, transcends its origins as a soundtrack piece to become a timeless classic embraced by generations of music lovers. Penned for the 1973 film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” the song emerged not just as a soundtrack gem but as a global phenomenon in its own right. Its release as a single shortly after the film’s premiere catapulted it to international fame, where it achieved Top 10 status across various charts worldwide.
Bob Dylan’s biographer, Clinton Heylin, succinctly describes the song as “an exercise in splendid simplicity,” capturing its essence as a poignant reflection on mortality and loss. The narrative context within the film underscores Dylan’s ability to distill complex emotions into two concise verses, which directly reference a pivotal scene involving the death of a frontier lawman and his lament for his loved ones.
Since its debut, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” has not only remained a cornerstone of Dylan’s repertoire but has also inspired numerous cover versions by esteemed artists across genres. Eric Clapton, in particular, offered his rendition in 1975, infusing the song with a reggae twist that showcased his versatility and further broadened its appeal. Clapton’s interpretation, featured on his compilation “Timepieces: The Best of Eric Clapton,” achieved notable success, charting in the UK and solidifying its place in music history.
Beyond Clapton, the song has been interpreted in diverse styles and settings, from acoustic renditions to electrifying rock adaptations. Its enduring popularity is underscored by its inclusion in Dylan’s live performances over decades and its presence on various albums, including the celebrated “MTV Unplugged” and the legendary “Rolling Thunder Revue.”
Ranked by Rolling Stone among the greatest songs of all time, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” stands as a testament to Dylan’s songwriting prowess and its ability to resonate universally with listeners. Its simple yet profound lyrics, coupled with Dylan’s evocative delivery, continue to captivate audiences, ensuring its place as a definitive masterpiece in the annals of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
Mama take this badge from me
I can’t use it anymore
It’s getting dark too dark to see
Feels like I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Mama put my guns in the ground
I can’t shoot them anymore
That cold black cloud is comin’ down
Feels like I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
“You just better start sniffin’ your own rank subjugation jack
‘Cause it’s just you against your tattered libido
The bank and the mortician, forever man
And it wouldn’t be luck if you could get out of life alive”
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
(Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door)
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock-knock-knockin’ on Heaven’s door