About the song
In the realm of music, there exist songs that transcend time and space, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners. “Knock, Knock Who’s There?” is one such song, penned by the talented duo of John Carter and Geoff Stephens, and brought to life by the enchanting voice of Mary Hopkin. Released on Apple Records, this captivating tune has a rich history, having been the United Kingdom’s entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 1970, where it secured a respectable second place.
A Song Born from Optimism and Longing
“Knock, Knock Who’s There?” is a poignant expression of a long-held optimism, a yearning for love and companionship that has been a constant presence in the singer’s life. The song’s narrative is a beautiful reflection of the human experience, where the protagonist’s optimism slowly fades, only to be rekindled by the sound of a knock on the door, symbolizing the arrival of love. The lyrics are a heartfelt invitation to love to “come inside” and into her life, a sentiment that resonates deeply with listeners.
A Journey to the Top
The song’s journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. On 7 March 1970, Mary Hopkin performed six songs at the UK National Final, A Song for Europe, which was aired on the television series It’s Cliff Richard!. The postal vote that followed saw “Knock, Knock Who’s There?” emerge victorious, with over 120,000 supporters. At the Eurovision Song Contest, the song was performed seventh on the night, after France’s Guy Bonnet with “Marie-Blanche”, and before Luxembourg’s David Alexandre Winter with “Je suis tombé du ciel”. The UK received points from nine out of a possible eleven voting juries, securing a respectable second place.
Chart-Topping Success
The single was released in March 1970, backed by “I’m Going to Fall in Love Again” (the runner-up in the Song for Europe final) on the B-side. On 28 March 1970, “Knock, Knock Who’s There?” entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 7, the highest new entry of the week. It peaked at No. 2 and remained on the chart for 14 weeks. The song’s success was not limited to the UK, as it also peaked at No. 3 on the Dutch Top 40 and Single Top 100.
A Legacy of Love and Longing
“Knock, Knock Who’s There?” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its poignant lyrics and soaring melody. Despite Mary Hopkin’s initial distaste for the song, it has become an integral part of her discography, a testament to the power of music to transcend personal preferences and connect with listeners on a deeper level. As we reflect on the song’s journey, we are reminded of the enduring power of love and longing, a universal language that continues to inspire and uplift us to this day.
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Lyrics
Tears of rain run down my window pane
I’m on my own again, good evening, sorrow
Sit and dream of how things might have been
And as I close my eyes, I get the strangest feelingKnock, knock, who’s there?
Could this be love that’s calling?
The door is always open wide
Knock, knock, who’s there?
Now, as the night is falling
Take off your coat and come insideClimb the stair, and then I say a prayer
For someone who could share my situation
But instead as I lay down my head
I have to leave it all to my imaginationKnock, knock, who’s there?
Could this be love that’s calling?
The door is always open wide
Knock, knock, who’s there?
Now, as the night is falling
Take off your coat and come inside