Keep A Knockin'
Everly Brothers Lyrics
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Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
You said you love me but you can't come in
You said you love me but you can't come in
You said you love me but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
You said you love me but you can't come in
You said you love me but you can't come in
You said you love me but you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
You said you love me but you can't come in
You said you love me but you can't come in
You said you love me but you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
The song "Keep A Knockin'" by the Everly Brothers, originally composed and performed by Little Richard, is a classic example of a theme seen in blues and rock and roll music - the idea of keeping someone out physically or emotionally. The repetitive chorus "keep a knocking but you can't come in" creates an almost hypnotic effect, emphasizing the importance of the message. The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, but it is clear that the subject of the song is telling someone that they cannot come in, possibly because they have been hurt in the past and are protecting themselves by keeping others at a distance.
The repetition of the phrase "come back tomorrow night and try it again" suggests that the subject is not completely closed off to the possibility of allowing the other person in, but that they need time to think about it or come to terms with their feelings. The use of the word "love" also adds to the emotional weight of the song. The subject may be feeling vulnerable or hesitant about opening up to someone they care about, but they are also sending a message that they will not be taken for granted or mistreated.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
I hear you knocking, but I won't let you in.
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
You can keep trying to get in, but it won't work.
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
You're wasting your time knocking, because I'm not going to open the door.
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
You can try again later, but it still won't work right now.
You said you love me but you can't come in
It doesn't matter what you say, I'm still not letting you in.
You said you love me but you can't come in
Your words won't change anything, the door remains closed.
You said you love me but you can't come in
Love won't get you through the door, you need something else.
Come back tomorrow night and try it again
You can keep trying, but don't hold your breath for tonight.
You said you love me but you can't come in
Even if you love me, that doesn't give you automatic access.
You said you love me but you can't come in
Love doesn't guarantee entry, you need to earn it.
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
I'm not budging, no matter how persistent you are.
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
Knocking won't change my mind, you need to try something else.
Keep a-knockin' but you can't come in
You're not welcome here, so don't bother knocking.
Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kaushikganguli1091
The gold standard of rock and roll. Inspired Simon and Garfunkel, Beatles and the Beaches. Highest respect to the brothers.
@franklatona2353
Don and Phil may we'll be the most determined and tenacious artists of all time. They survived competing with Elvis, the Beatles 70's rock 80's big hair rock, 90's grunge and continued into the 2000's. They only stopped performing like 10 years ago. There sound is timeless. Long live the music and memory of Don and Phil Everly
@bennyjazzful
WOW
Wonderful sounds from the supreme male vocal duo of all time.
From a 72yo Aussie fan.
@Patsik
+John Benn Love all their early stuff.
Made me learn to play along on guitar.
@sabbracadabra8367
They are amazing
@theresaheyer537
aaaah another before dec 1959 thing!!!!great!thanks!
@anthonybevilacqua3074
Floyd Cramer on piano and Chet Atkins on guitar. What a combo!
@beaflor9045
You could knock on my door day or night.🎶🎶🎶🎶 sweet....
@roypvdh4306
WHAT A TIME !! THE EVERLY BROTHERS ROCK AND ROLLING ! ROCK AND ROLL ON ITS BEST! IT WILL NEVER BE REACHED AGAIN....THE EVERY BROTHERS FOREVER !!
@zoiyarcole6999
Best harmonising guys ever 2022 and still the very best