The current incarnation of the band includes Jones, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bass guitarist Jeff Pilson and multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel.
With ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including Juke Box Hero, Feels Like The First Time, Urgent, Head Games, Say You Will, Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, and the worldwide #1 hit, I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game.
Headknocker
Foreigner Lyrics
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Walks with a stoop
He swears James Dean isn't dead
He's a dedicated rocker
A real headknocker
Don't look at his lady again
'Cause if he catches you messin'
He's gonna teach you a lesson
Headknocker, headknocker
You're comin' on strong, a real showstopper
Headknocker
He might like to fight, oh but boy does he love to play
Ooh, headknocker, headknocker
Ooh, headknocker, headknocker
He's got an old fender strat
Plays behind his back
While he sings out Louie, Louie
He's a backseat mauler
A barroom brawler
I think he's gonna blacken your eye
If that don't teach you a lesson
Might show you his Smith & Wesson
Don't let me say it again
Headknocker, headknocker
You're comin' on strong, a real showstopper
Headknocker
He might like to fool around, oh but baby does he love to play
Ooh, oh maybe he doesn't love to play
Behind his back rock 'n roll, oh yeah
Ooh headknocker
Listen to him, oh, yeah
Ooh headknocker
No, he doesn't love to play
Ooh headknocker
"Headknocker" by Foreigner is a song about a rough and dangerous man who enjoys playing rock music and getting into fights. The lyrics describe the man as someone who drives a '57 coupe, walks with a stoop, and is a dedicated rocker. He loves to play his Fender Stratocaster guitar while singing "Louie, Louie" and can even play the guitar behind his back. He's also a barroom brawler, a backseat mauler, and someone you don't want to mess with.
The chorus of "Headknocker" is a warning to others not to mess with this man. If he catches you messing with his lady, he's going to teach you a lesson. If you don't learn from that, he might even show you his Smith & Wesson. The lyrics suggest that this man is not to be taken lightly and that he means business.
Overall, "Headknocker" is a high-energy, classic rock song that captures the essence of a rough-and-tumble rockstar who plays by his own rules.
Line by Line Meaning
He drives a '57 coupe
He owns and drives a 1957 coupe
Walks with a stoop
He walks with a noticeable bend in his posture
He swears James Dean isn't dead
He insists and affirms that the famous actor James Dean is still alive
He's a dedicated rocker
He is fully committed to the rock and roll lifestyle
A real headknocker
He is an aggressive and confrontational person, always ready to fight
Don't look at his lady again
Do not dare to look at or show any interest in his romantic partner once more
'Cause if he catches you messin'
Because if he catches you flirting or making advances towards his partner
He's gonna teach you a lesson
He will make sure you regret your actions and learn from them
Don't let me say it again
Do not provoke him a second time or else face the consequences
Headknocker, headknocker
A term used to describe a person who aggressively confronts others
You're comin' on strong, a real showstopper
You are behaving in a forceful and impressive way that captures attention
He might like to fight, oh but boy does he love to play
Although he may enjoy fighting, he takes his aggressive behavior as a form of play or entertainment
He's got an old fender strat
He owns and plays an old Fender Stratocaster guitar
Plays behind his back
He plays his guitar behind his back as a showy performance move
While he sings out Louie, Louie
He sings the song 'Louie Louie' while performing his guitar antics
He's a backseat mauler
He is a physical aggressor and bully, especially towards those who he perceives as weaker or inferior
A barroom brawler
He is a violent and aggressive person who often starts fights in bars and other social settings
I think he's gonna blacken your eye
I believe he will hit you hard enough to cause a black eye
If that don't teach you a lesson
If that does not serve as a warning and corrective measure
Might show you his Smith & Wesson
He may threaten you with his Smith & Wesson revolver
He might like to fool around, oh but baby does he love to play
While he enjoys casual sexual encounters, he finds pleasure and joy in engaging in aggressive behavior
Ooh, oh maybe he doesn't love to play
Perhaps he does not truly enjoy his violent and combative behavior as much as he seems to
Behind his back rock 'n roll, oh yeah
He is skilled at playing rock and roll music behind his back, using it as a performance skill
Listen to him, oh, yeah
Pay attention to his aggressive and confrontational behavior
No, he doesn't love to play
Contrary to his claims, he may not derive true enjoyment from his aggressive behavior
Ooh headknocker
A phrase used to describe someone who headbangs aggressively to music
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LOU GRAMM, MICK JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind