Bob Dylan’s acting debut was the role of Elias in the western Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. The legendary musician also composed the film’s soundtrack, released separately as an album of the same name.
Against the background of the instrumental compositions included in it, the song Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door stands out, which turned into a real mega-hit.
The story of the creation and meaning of the song Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
In the film, the song Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door plays in the sequence when Sheriff Colin Baker dies from gunshot wounds. The text seems to be performed from his face. The title of the song implies being on the verge of death. Subsequently, Dylan changed the words somewhat.
The best achievement of the original version of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door in the charts was the twelfth position on the Billboard Hot 100. The composition is included in the list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Let’s listen to the composition performed by the author.
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door cover versions
Dozens of cover versions of the song are known. One of the most famous variants belongs to the rock band Guns N’ Roses.
Also Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door was sung by Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, U2, Aretha Franklin, Avril Lavigne, Bon Jovi and many others.
Scottish singer Ted Christopher Bob Dylan has officially been given permission to add a new verse to Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. It is dedicated to a school teacher and his students who were the victims of the Dunblane massacre. In the UK, the song peaked at number one on the chart.
Interesting Facts
- The name of the song is usually translated into Russian as “Knocking on Heaven”, although the correct version is “Knocking on the Heavenly Door”.
- Bob Dylan became the inspiration for one of the characters in the anime Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.
- In August 2010, U2 sang Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door with Yuri Shevchuk, leader of DDT.
- You can often hear that Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door is similar to the song Helpless by Canadian rock musician Neil Young.
- The song was included in the soundtrack for the TV series Supernatural.
- The film “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” was named after the song, the soundtrack of which features a cover version of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door performed by the German band Selig.
Lyrics of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
Momma take this badge off me
I can’t use it anymore
It’s getting dark, too dark to see
Feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door
Knock knock knockin’ on heaven’s door x4
Momma put my guns in the ground
I can’t shoot them anymore
That long black cloud is coming down
Feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door
Knock knock knockin’ on heaven’s door x4
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan Lyrics Alternate
Mom, take off my badge,
I can’t use it anymore
It’s getting dark in my eyes, it’s too dark – I can’t see anything
I feel like I’m already knocking on heaven’s door
Knocking on heaven’s door x4
Mama, bury my weapon in the ground
I can’t shoot it anymore
A long black cloud descends
I feel like I’m already knocking on heaven’s door
Knocking on heaven’s door x4
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” chords
Intro: CG Dm CGFCG Dm CGF
C G Dm
Mama take this badge from me
C G F
I can’t use it any more
It´s getting dark too dark to see
Feels like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door
C G Dm
Knock knock knockin’ on heaven’s door
C G F
Knock knock knockin’ on heaven’s door
Knock knock knockin’ on heaven’s door
Knock knock knockin’ on heaven’s door
