Knock On Wood
Otis & Carla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I got 'cause if I do
I will surely,
Surely lose a lot.
'Cause your love is better
Than any love I know.
It's like thunder and lightning,
You better knock, knock on wood, baby.
I'm not superstitious about ya
But I can't take no chance.
I got me spinnin', baby,
You know I'm in a trance.
'Cause your love is better
Than any love I know.
It's like thunder and lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
You better knock, knock on wood, baby.
It's no secret about it,
That woman is my loving cup
'cause she sees to it
That I get enough.
Just one touch from here,
You know it means so much.
The song Knock on Wood by Otis and Carla is a poignant love ballad that conveys the fear and uncertainty of losing a beloved partner. The lyrics are written in a way that portrays the desperation of the singer to hold on to the love that they have. The opening lines "I don't want to lose you, this good thing, that I got 'cause if I do, I will surely, surely lose a lot" indicate the importance that the singer places on their love. The lyrics also suggest that the singer is aware of the fragility of their relationship and the possibility of losing their partner.
The song also highlights the passion and intensity of the love that the singer feels. The lines "It's like thunder and lightning, the way you love me is frightening" conveys the overwhelming effect that their partner has on them. The lyrics suggest that the love between the partners is so intense, it's almost scary. The singer then advises their partner to "knock on wood" as a way to ward off any bad luck that might affect their relationship. In the final verse, the singer expresses gratitude towards their partner, reiterating that their love is essential for their happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to lose you, this good thing
That I got 'cause if I do
I will surely,
Surely lose a lot.
I cherish our relationship and do not want to lose it because it is valuable to me. If I were to lose it, I would lose a significant part of my life.
'Cause your love is better
Than any love I know.
Your love is the most special and meaningful love I have ever known. It is better than any other love.
It's like thunder and lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
Your love is intense and passionate, just like a fierce thunderstorm. It is so powerful that it scares me sometimes.
You better knock, knock on wood, baby.
To ensure that our love lasts and remains strong, we better knock on wood, which is considered a good luck charm or superstition.
I'm not superstitious about ya
But I can't take no chance.
I may not be the superstitious type, but when it comes to our relationship, I cannot risk losing it by ignoring the significance of knocking on wood.
I got me spinnin', baby,
You know I'm in a trance.
Your love has swept me off my feet, and I am completely entranced and overwhelmed by it.
It's no secret about it,
That woman is my loving cup
'cause she sees to it
That I get enough.
Everyone knows that you are my partner and the one who fulfills my needs. You take care of me and make sure I am satisfied.
Just one touch from here,
You know it means so much.
Even the slightest touch from you carries immense significance and brings me a great deal of joy and comfort.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mimmoleonardi8643
Absolutely fantastic,❤💪 great soul 🔥
@elizabethmartiezavila5634
Everything Otis sang was gold ..one of our best ever BIG O
@ablackghostmyguy3741
2:08 the way otis says knock on wood just gets me so fired up
@charlescapozzi9440
Best duo version of Knock on Wood!
@butterflyingrid
What a wonderful pleasure. Thank you so much. ☆☆☆☆☆ Otis Ray Redding received the honorific "King of Soul". Among his most well-known songs are "Respect" and "Try a Little Tenderness". He is considered one of the greatest singers in popular music and a major artist in soul music and rhythm and blues. The idea to produce a duet album with Carla Thomas was Jim Stewart. Three singles were lifted from the album: "Tramp" was released in 1967, followed by "Knock on Wood" and "Lovey Dovey".
@ssmith583
Otis was a master. It seems all the great artist have the ability to take a song and interpret it their own style. I wish I had a chance to see him live.
@ivansanders8459
This was B I G in the 60s in U.K. night clubs. We are very lucky to have modern technology to enable us to hear it with the same freshness as all of those years ago. Imagine the Middle Ages - perhaps only hearing a song once from a travelling minstrel! We take so many wonderful things for granted.
@lisajanedegara9858
I really appreciated this comment. Oftentimes I stumble on older recordings and feel the same way. :)
@dontheguy1
Otis, truly one of a kind!
@shecky308
we miss you Otis!