Although it was originally recorded as an acoustic folk song, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" has been covered extensively in many styles, most famously by British blues-rocker Eric Clapton and by American hard-rock group Guns N' Roses.
Eric Clapton recorded a version of the song in June 1975 and released it as a single later that year, two years after Dylan's version was released. Live recordings from this era can be found on official Clapton releases such as 1996's Crossroads 2: Live in the Seventies, which features a London performance from April 1977. The song was not included on a full-length album until the release of the 1982 compilation Time Pieces: The Best of Eric Clapton. In 1989, Clapton and David Sanborn backed singer Randy Crawford in a new version recorded for the soundtrack of the film Lethal Weapon 2.
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't use it any more
It's getting dark, too dark to see
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Ma, take these guns away from me
I can't shoot them any more
There's a long black cloud following me
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin'
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Ma, take this badge off of me
I can't use it any more
It's getting dark, too dark to see
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
The lyrics of Eric Clapton's song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" tell a story of a protagonist who has been through a lot of pain and is at the end of his life, feeling like he is approaching death's door. He asks his mother to take his badge away since he no longer needs it and can't use it anymore. It symbolizes how he is not bound by any earthly responsibilities or obligations. The darkness symbolizes his growing sense of mortality and his acceptance of death. He feels like he is knocking on heaven's door, indicating that he may have come to peace with his fate and is ready to move on to the next life.
The second verse talks about the guns, which is often taken as a metaphor for any worldly attachments that the singer has. In this case, he can't use them anymore and he doesn't want to hold onto them. The long black cloud following him symbolizes the weight of his past and how it's catching up with him. It is also an indication of his growing anxiety and uneasiness. He feels like he is knocking on heaven's door again, indicating that he may have accepted his life and is willing to let go of his pain.
Overall, the song is poetic and deeply emotional, with the verses talking about the pain and suffering of life, while the chorus offers a consoling thought of being close to heaven's door.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma, take this badge off of me
I no longer want to be associated with the law enforcement profession, and I want to move on from it.
I can't use it any more
I am not able to uphold the requirements and expectations of being a law enforcement officer anymore.
It's getting dark, too dark to see
The future seems uncertain and bleak, and it is difficult to envision a favorable outcome.
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
I feel like I could die soon, and I'm not sure where I'm heading after that.
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
The situation is becoming dire, and I'm running out of options and time.
Ma, take these guns away from me
I no longer want to rely on violence or use guns to solve problems or feel safe.
I can't shoot them any more
I am not able to handle the emotional or moral weight of taking another life.
There's a long black cloud following me
There is a sense of impending doom that is overshadowing my life, and I cannot escape it.
Ma, take this badge off of me
The badge is a symbol of a life I no longer want, and it is a burden that I need to shed for my own well-being.
It's getting dark, too dark to see
The future is looking increasingly bleak, and I am not sure I can handle what is coming my way.
Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door
I am acutely aware of my own mortality, and I do not know if I am ready for what comes after.
Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door
I am running out of options and ideas, and I am desperate for a solution or a way out of my predicament.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ruddy5752
OoOOOOOOOOOO!!!! MY GOD!!!!!! Ćric Clapton, Phil Collins, Greg Philliganes and Nathan East!!!!!!! Everytime this Master of the universe are together it's simply WONDERFUL!!!!!!!
@TCBees73
Totally agree Ruddy, I have Live at Montreux 1986 and Eric Clapton and Friends Live 1986 on dvd both great concert performances from these guys. Greg and Nathan add a magic touch to the sound with Phil's wonderful drumming and fill patterns. I love Clapton's guitar tone and guitar chorus effects he uses in this period. š
@Steve-ih7dg
Phil Palmer described this as the best band he has ever been a part of - & with good reason.
@TCBees73
Thanks for that Steve, now that's saying something from a session guitarist who has played with just about everyone. Yh defo a 4 piece supergroup imo š
@brandolino55
Nathan is the King of bass guitar.
@manuelpaciencia
šš
@10bohemian
The best guitarist in history. I love his Royal Albert Hall concerts.
@Msfiona69
Ditto to that
@rogerperrais
I;m sure!!!
@BetterqQoL
Eric Clapton is the And Only Musician of any genre who has been Elected into the R&R Hall of Fame THREE TIMES!!