The youngest of eleven children, Poncho Sanchez was born in Laredo, the seat of Webb County, Texas. He was reared in Norwalk, California. Growing up, Sanchez was exposed to and influenced by two very different styles of music: Afro-Cuban music (mambo, son, cha-cha, rumba, guaracha, salsa) by greats such as Tito Puente, and bebop jazz, including the works of Charlie Parker. Originally a guitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for an R&B band that rehearsed across the street from where he lived, becoming the lead vocalist of the group. Sanchez would later go on to teach himself the flute, drums, and timbales before finally deciding to pursue conga-playing in high school.
In 1975, at age 23, Sanchez's idol, vibraphonist Cal Tjader, invited him to perform one set with his band. Seeing the young man's talent, Tjader hired Sanchez for a week before officially making him a full member of the ensemble. Sanchez played a crucial role as conguero for several years until Tjader's death in 1982.
Before he died, Tjader suggested that Concord Records founder Carl Jefferson sign Sanchez and his soon-to-be-formed group under the Concord Picante label. Tjader's wishes were honored, and the first two records were composed and arranged by long-time Tjader collaborator Clare Fischer.
Poncho Sanchez went on to produce 19 albums for the label, eventually garnering a Grammy for his work. Currently, Sanchez is respected as one of the top American percussionists of our time. He performs frequently in venues varying in size from concert halls to local jazz festivals. His 2005 CD, Do It!, features funk icon Tower of Power on two tracks as well as South African funk master Hugh Masakela.
Knock On Wood
Poncho Sanchez Lyrics
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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,
The way you love me is frightening.
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,
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.
It's like thunder and lightning,
The way you love me is frightening.
You better knock, knock on wood, baby.
You better knock, knock, knock on wood
In Poncho Sanchez's song "Knock on Wood," the artist expresses his fear of losing the person he loves. He sings, "I don't want to lose you, this good thing that I got." The lyrics suggest that the love he has is rare and special, and he's not willing to give it up for anything. The phrase "knock on wood" is used figuratively to describe his desire to protect his love and make sure nothing takes it away from him. He acknowledges that his fear may be irrational, singing, "I'm not superstitious about ya, but I can't take no chance."
The song's title and repeated phrase "knock on wood" stem from a superstition that knocking on wood brings good luck or wards off bad luck. The artist employs this phrase as a way to ensure that his relationship continues to thrive without jinxing it. He also compares his love for this person to "thunder and lightning" and suggests that it's intense and electrifying. The lyrics "just one touch from here, you know it means so much" suggest that the physical connection between these two people is powerful and brings them closer together. Overall, the song speaks to the fear and vulnerability that can come with love and the ways we try to protect ourselves from losing it.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to lose you, this good thing
I truly value our relationship and do not want to lose it.
That I got 'cause if I do
If we were to break up, I would lose something special and meaningful.
I will surely,
The consequences of losing you are grave and significant.
Surely lose a lot.
The loss of this relationship would cause great emotional and personal turmoil.
Cause your love is better
Your love is superior and more fulfilling than any other love I have experienced.
Than any love I know.
I have not known a love that compares to the love you give me.
It's like thunder and lightning,
The intensity and force of your love is overwhelming and awe-inspiring.
The way you love me is frightening.
Your love is so powerful that it almost scares me sometimes.
You better knock, knock on wood, baby.
I hope that by knocking on wood, we can avoid any bad luck or negative consequences that might threaten our love and relationship.
I'm not superstitious about ya
I don't generally believe in superstitions when it comes to our relationship.
But I can't take no chance.
However, I am willing to take precautions and make symbolic gestures to protect our love.
I got me spinnin', baby,
Your love makes me dizzy and disoriented at times.
You know I'm in a trance.
I am completely focused on you and our relationship to the point of being in a hypnotic state.
It's no secret,
It's obvious to anyone who knows us that we share a special love.
That woman is my loving cup
You are the person who provides me with all the love and support I need.
Cause she sees to it
You take care of me and make sure that I am happy, loved, and fulfilled.
That I get enough.
You always make sure that I have enough love and emotional nourishment in my life.
Just one touch from here,
Your physical touch is enough to make me feel loved and content.
You know it means so much.
Your love and affection are incredibly meaningful and important to me.
You better knock, knock on wood, baby.
I hope that by knocking on wood, we can avoid any bad luck or negative consequences that might threaten our love and relationship.
You better knock, knock, knock on wood
One knock may not be enough to ward off any negative influences, so I ask that you knock on wood three times to ensure our love is protected.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EDDIE FLOYD, STEVE CROPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind