About the song
“Bob Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ stands as a testament to the enduring power of simplicity in songwriting. Composed for the 1973 Western film ‘Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,’ this haunting ballad has transcended its cinematic origins to become one of the most recognizable and widely interpreted songs of the 20th century.
The song’s brevity and directness are striking. With just a few repeated lines, Dylan paints a vivid picture of a dying man’s final moments. The repeated phrase, ‘Mama, take this badge off of me,’ is both literal and metaphorical, suggesting a desire to shed the burdens of one’s earthly existence. The image of ‘knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ is universal, evoking themes of mortality, spirituality, and the search for redemption.
While the song’s origins are firmly rooted in the American Western genre, its themes have resonated with audiences across cultures and generations. The song’s simplicity has made it a perfect vehicle for countless interpretations and covers, from the bluesy renditions of Eric Clapton to the hard-rock energy of Guns N’ Roses. This versatility is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal.
‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone. Its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time is a testament to its enduring influence. The song’s ability to evoke such a wide range of emotions, from sadness and longing to hope and transcendence, has solidified its place in the pantheon of American music.*
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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