Knock on Heavens Door
Ed Robinson Lyrics


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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

Overall Meaning

The opening of the song "Knock on Heaven's Door" by Ed Robinson describes a sense of unease that is growing within the singer. He is asking his mother to take away his badge because he is no longer able to use it effectively, and he feels like he is knocking on the door to heaven. The darkness of the night surrounds him, making it difficult to see what is in front of him. The repetition of the phrase "knock-knock-knockin' on heaven's door" emphasizes the urgency and desperation that are felt by the singer in this moment.


As the song continues, the singer asks his mother to bury his guns because he can no longer use them. He is again feeling the weight of something ominous bearing down on him, like a cold black cloud. The repetition of the phrase "knock-knock-knockin' on heaven's door" becomes even more insistent, as if the singer is trying to pound his way through the door to heaven.


The final lines of the song are a bit of an enigma, as they are spoken in a slightly different rhythm from the rest of the song. They seem to be a kind of warning or admonishment, as if someone is trying to remind the singer of the danger that he is facing. All of these lines together create a sense of tension and unease that intensifies as the song progresses.


Line by Line Meaning

Mama, take this badge from me
I want to leave behind my identity and the violence it represents.


I can′t use it anymore
I am no longer able or willing to participate in the violent actions associated with this badge.


It's getting dark, too dark to see
I am losing my way and can no longer see clearly.


Feels like I′m knockin' on heaven's door
I am on the verge of dying and feel like I am begging at the door of heaven.


Knock-knock-knockin′ on heaven′s door
I am running out of time and am desperate for salvation.


Mama, put my guns in the ground
I am ready to stop using violence and want to be buried without my weapons.


I can't shoot them anymore
I no longer have the desire or ability to use weapons to solve my problems.


That cold black cloud is comin' down
I am facing my mortality and acknowledge the inevitable darkness of death.


Feels like I′m knockin′ on heaven's door
I am pleading for entrance into the afterlife.


Knock-knock-knockin′ on heaven's door
My desperation grows as I come closer to death and seek salvation.


"You just better start sniffin′ your own rank subjugation Jack
You need to take a hard look at your own unhealthy patterns of behavior and the ways you are oppressed by external forces.


'Cause it′s just you against your tattered
You are alone and struggling against a world that has worn you down.


Libido, the bank and the mortician forever, man.
You are engaged in a doomed fight against the human desires that drive you, the oppressive economic system that keeps you down, and the inevitable end of your life.


And it wouldn't be luck if you could get out of life alive."
There is no escape from death, and being alive is not a matter of luck, but a fleeting gift that will eventually be taken away.




Writer(s): Bob Dylan

Contributed by Ian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@youngestjohnson7977

I cry every time I here this song.
My kids and I lost their dad in 2018.
He was on Dialysis for 15yrs.
He was a man that lived life in spite of the difficulties. And not just lived day to day he tried to enjoy life each and everyday. He was a very strong man.
And he raised the kids to be wonderful men and women.
And I'm so proud and honored to have been his wife.
He made me the woman that I am today.
THANK YOU GOD for the time I had with A-LA-TERRY
😭😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
We miss
Miss you A-LA-Terry.
Alpha 03-21-1963
Omega 11-07-2018



All comments from YouTube:

@sailadventurercaptainpeter909

If you're still listening to this in 2024 !

@rubangakeneemmanuel1174

If you're still listening to this in 2022-2023,,, thank God 🙏🙏

@tameshwarbeekham8349

July 2023

@allseasonsrecyclingepsom2641

One love ❤️ Godbless You All - July 2023 UK

@briebrie5246

July 2023

@rubangakeneemmanuel1174

@@tameshwarbeekham8349 still on the same page with you

@rubangakeneemmanuel1174

@@allseasonsrecyclingepsom2641 bless you too

23 More Replies...

@jahlincoln3618

How many people globally outside of Jamaica are listening to this beautiful song...

@ybmprod4141

So many🙏🏾

@user-rz1nt1yh2h

Still here listening in 2024/2025🔥🔥🙏🏻

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