The band began as an acoustic freak-folk solo project Hop Along, Queen Ansleis in 2004, during Frances Quinlan's senior year in high school. The album Freshman Year was released in the summer of 2005. Three years later, in 2008, drummer Mark Quinlan (Frances Quinlan's brother) joined the project, followed by bassist Tyler Long in 2009. In light of the new formation, the name was shortened, possibly to better reflect the change from solo project to full band. Thus far, Hop Along has released one EP, Wretches, in 2009, and one full-length LP, entitled Get Disowned, which was released on May 5, 2012 to a highly positive critical response from independent music press. During the this time, Joe Reinhart (Algernon Cadwallader) was added on second guitar. In October 2014, Hop Along signed to indie rock label Saddle Creek Records, releasing Painted Shut in 2015.
Hop Along's third album Bark Your Head Off, Dog was released in 2018, incorporating strings and more varied instrumentation, as well as a brighter, more expansive sound.
The Knock
Hop Along Lyrics
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The dream just escaped me again
Over breakfast I could hear you in the garage building insects
I know that knock
Come on, I just put on the coffee
I know that knock
They wanna come inside and speak with me
At the door came the knock of
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
Did you see the look on the face of the kid he brought with him?
I never once seen a teenager look so radiant
You said, "Why did you get so sentimental over them?"
I wasn't, it's just, it's been a long time since I was moved to crying
At the door came the knock of
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witnesses just want to talk to you
And in the car you said, "Everyone is suffering"
At the door came the knock of
At the door came the knock of
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The witness just wants to talk to you
The lyrics of the Hop Along song "The Knock" tell the story of someone who is interrupted during their morning routine by a knock at the door. The singer knows that knock and assumes it's someone who wants to talk to them. Upon answering the door, they find two people: the witness (presumably from a trial or investigation) and a teenage boy. The singer is struck by the boy's radiance and becomes emotional at the sight of him. Later, while in the car with someone else, the singer expresses a sentiment that everyone is suffering.
The lyrics are somewhat elusive in meaning, but they seem to touch on themes of human connection and empathy, as well as the ways in which people cope with emotional turmoil. The singer's emotional reaction to the teenager could suggest that they see something in him that resonates with their own struggles or experiences. Meanwhile, the idea that everyone is suffering suggests a shared sense of hardship that is often overlooked or ignored. The song's repetition of the phrase "the witness just wants to talk to you" might suggest a sense of urgency or pressure, as if the singer feels compelled to confront the difficult truths that the witness represents.
Overall, "The Knock" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that invites listeners to explore their own feelings of vulnerability and connection to others. It speaks to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and provoke important conversations.
Line by Line Meaning
8:45 A.M
The start of the day
The dream just escaped me again
Not being able to remember a dream
Over breakfast I could hear you in the garage building insects
Hearing someone creating art during breakfast
I know that knock
Recognizing a knock on the door
Come on, I just put on the coffee
Preparing for a conversation
They wanna come inside and speak with me
Someone wants to speak with me
Did you see the look on the face of the kid he brought with him?
Observing the expression of a visitor's companion
I never once seen a teenager look so radiant
Being surprised by the appearance of a visitor's companion
You said, 'Why did you get so sentimental over them?'
Being questioned about emotional attachment to visitors
I wasn't, it's just, it's been a long time since I was moved to crying
Explaining the reason for emotional attachment
The witnesses just want to talk to you
Reiterating the reason for the visit
And in the car you said, 'Everyone is suffering'
Reflecting on the experiences of others
At the door came the knock of
The repeat of the knock
The witness just wants to talk to you
The reason for the repeat knock
The witness just wants to talk to you
The reason for the repeat knock
The witness just wants to talk to you
The reason for the repeat knock
The witness just wants to talk to you
The reason for the repeat knock
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Christine Frances Quinlan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind