A succession of singles and albums established Dr. C.J. Johnson as one of the country’s foremost hymnologists. His recordings were at once anachronistic and refreshing at a time when gospel music focused squarely on hard-singing leads and heavy instrumental backing. Dr. Johnson’s commitment to the old time sound – straight congregational singing with occasional slaps of the tambourine – earned him an invitation to sing at the White House on three separate occasions.
Knockin
C.J. Johnson Lyrics
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I can't use it anymore
It's gettin' 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
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
The lyrics to "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by C.J. Johnson have a haunting quality that reflects the inevitability of death. The first verse begins with the singer asking his mother to take away his badge, symbolizing the end of his ability to fight or struggle. He declares it's getting too dark to see, setting a somber tone for the song. The refrain repeats the lines "Knock, knock, knockin' on Heaven's door" four times, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, and the need to reach some kind of afterlife, whether it be Heaven or something else.
The second verse continues the theme of surrender to death, with the singer asking his mother to bury his guns since he can no longer use them. He describes a "cold black cloud" descending, perhaps representing his impending demise. The refrain is repeated four more times, building a sense of foreboding.
The final verse is more abstract, with the singer addressing someone named Jack and warning him that he's trapped by his own desires, financial situation, and ultimately, the inevitability of death. The refrain is repeated four final times, bringing the song to a close.
Overall, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is a melancholy song that speaks to the inevitability of death and the need to prepare for it. The refrain of "Knock, knock, knockin' on Heaven's door" reflects the desire to reach some kind of afterlife or salvation, while the verses speak to the process of accepting death and letting go of earthly possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama take this badge from me
I don't want this badge anymore
I can't use it anymore
I have no need for it
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
I can't see because it's too dark
Feels like I'm knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like I am approaching death
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Mama put my guns in the ground
I want to bury my guns
I can't shoot them anymore
I can't use them again
That cold black cloud is comin' down
Death is near
Feels like I'm knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like I am approaching death
You just better start sniffin' your own rank subjugation Jack
You need to start facing your problems
'Cause it's just you against your tattered libido, the bank and the mortician
You are alone with your sexual drive, financial issues, and ensurer of a proper burial
Forever man
It will always be like this
And it wouldn't be luck if you could get out of life alive
No one can escape mortality
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Knock knock knockin' on Heaven's door
I feel like death is imminent
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind