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' On Heaven's Door
C.J. Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ever since I made up my mind
I been countin' all my chickens
Even though I ain't got a hen
I been tryin' to go across the road
Like a big ol' horny toad
I been knockin' on your back door
Won't you come and let me in?
Well, I used to have an old dog
But he wasn't much to look at
He only had 3 legs and big alcoholic eyes
I been wishin' I could see him
Cause he's like my next of kin
I been wishin' I could have a bunch
Of sweet potato fries
I been hangin' at the laundromat
Cause I hear that's where it's at
I been gettin my news from
The voices in the wind
I been wishin' I was president
So I could run the government
I been knockin on your back door
Won't you come and let me in?
Now I'm pickin on my guitar
Cause I wanna be a big star
But I don't wanna leave home
If I can't take my gin
I been writing you a letter
Sayin I'm a feelin better
I been knockin on your back door
Won't you come and let me in?
The lyrics to C.J. Johnson's song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" seem to be a stream-of-consciousness reflection on the singer's scattered thoughts and desires. The lyrics are loosely structured around the idea of seeking entry, whether it's trying to cross the road like a "horny toad" or knocking on someone's back door asking to be let in. The imagery of counting chickens without actually having a hen and wishing for sweet potato fries add to the sense of wanting something that is just out of reach.
The mention of an old dog with "big alcoholic eyes" and missing him like he's the singer's next of kin adds a melancholy touch to the song. The lyrics also touch on the singer's desire for power and influence, wishing to be president so they can run the government. Overall, the song seems to be an exploration of yearning and longing for various things in a somewhat haphazard way, reflecting the singer's scattered thoughts and feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
I been thinkin' for long time
I've been contemplating deeply for a significant period of time.
Ever since I made up my mind
Since I have made a concrete decision, I have been deeply considering its implications.
I been countin' all my chickens
I have been hopeful and optimistic, preparing for things to come.
Even though I ain't got a hen
Despite not having everything I need, I still have faith.
I been tryin' to go across the road
I have been attempting to reach a goal or destination.
Like a big ol' horny toad
In a diligent and persistent manner, like a toad hopping across a rocky path.
I been knockin' on your back door
I have been desperately seeking entrance, trying to gain access or approval in some form.
Won't you come and let me in?
Please help me achieve my goal, grant me admittance and acceptance.
Well, I used to have an old dog
There was a time when I had a companion or friend.
But he wasn't much to look at
Although my companion was not physically impressive, they still held value to me.
He only had 3 legs and big alcoholic eyes
My companion had physical limitations, but was still beloved by me despite their flaws.
I been wishin' I could see him
I desire to reconnect with my old friend or companion.
Cause he's like my next of kin
My former companion held familial importance and was like family to me.
I been wishin' I could have a bunch
I have recently been wishing for a particular material possession or possession of a specific experience.
Of sweet potato fries
Specifically, sweet potato fries have been on my mind and I have been desiring them greatly.
I been hangin' at the laundromat
I have been frequenting public places, looking for activity or social interaction.
Cause I hear that's where it's at
I have heard that I can find what I am looking for there, and so I keep going.
I been gettin my news from
I have been gaining information and knowledge from unconventional sources.
The voices in the wind
Literally, I have been somehow listening and interpreting the sound of the wind. Metaphorically, I am finding meaning in unexpected places.
I been wishin' I was president
It is my current wish to be in a position of power and authority.
So I could run the government
I want to make significant changes and improvements to the governing system.
Now I'm pickin on my guitar
I am currently practicing and developing my skills in music.
Cause I wanna be a big star
My ultimate goal is fame and success in the music industry.
But I don't wanna leave home
Although I desire a career in music, I do not want to leave my current living situation behind.
If I can't take my gin
In order for me to be happy and comfortable, I need to have my own personal vices and indulgences.
I been writing you a letter
I have been trying to communicate my thoughts and feelings to someone specific.
Sayin I'm a feelin better
I am telling this person that I have been improving and feeling better than before.
I been knockin on your back door
I am still reaching out for help, assistant, or affirmation from this person.
Won't you come and let me in?
Please acknowledge me or help me in some way.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Woodrow Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind