Steve returned to New York and, with the help from some musicians, including former Suzanne Vega guitarist Jon Gordon, started a rock and roll project. This turned into his debut album Big Señorita. It was chosen as one of Performing Songwriter Magazine’s Top 12 Independent Releases of 2001. After the release he started touring nationally and winning national and international awards, including the Grand Prize in the USA Songwriting Competition.
His second solo CD “Stopped at a Green Light” was released in September 2003. He is currently frontman to The Weepies, along with his wife Deb Talan, whom he met in 2001 and now resides with in Topanga, CA with their three sons, Theo, Alexander, and Nicholas.
Love Come Knockin'
Steve Tannen Lyrics
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Love come knockin' just once more
It's not like I care, it's not like I'm criticizing
It's just everybody else has got someone
The downtown lights, the kiss goodnights, the once or twice
Don't leave me messages when you know I'm not at home
Love come knockin'
Inside my room hey up by the moon outside of the conversation
After the bars I stand staring up at the stars
And don't leave me messages when you know I'm not at home
Love come knockin'
Ma cher, c'est ne pas bien
I swear I thought you and me were friends
Love come knockin'
Love where you been I'll let the telephone ring but I'd do anything
It's not like I care it's not like I cry all night on the stairs
Just don't leave me messages when you know I'm not at home
Love come knockin'
The lyrics of Steve Tannen's Love Come Knockin' express the longing for love that the singer is experiencing. He wants love to come knocking on his door and to give him another chance at finding it. The lyrics are quite simple yet poignant. The singer mentions how everyone else seems to have love already, and he is left alone, staring at the stars outside after the bars close. He mentions not wanting to receive messages when he is not home, and he implores for love to come knocking instead.
In the second half of the song, the singer addresses a woman, calling her "ma cher" and saying that he thought they were friends. He asks where love has been and says he will let the telephone ring in hopes that it is love on the other end. However, he says he doesn't care and doesn't cry on the stairs all night. It seems as though the singer is trying to convince himself that he is okay being alone but really wants love to come knocking.
Overall, the lyrics convey a feeling of longing and loneliness that many people can relate to. The simple language and straightforward message create a sense of vulnerability in the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Love come knockin' on my door
I want to fall in love again and hope to find that special someone soon
Love come knockin' just once more
I have been waiting for love to knock on my door for a while and want it to happen soon
It's not like I care, it's not like I'm criticizing
I am expressing my desire for love without being needy or critical of others
It's just everybody else has got someone
I feel left out because I see everyone else around me in relationships
The downtown lights, the kiss goodnights, the once or twice
I see all the romantic scenes around me but I have not experienced them myself
Don't leave me messages when you know I'm not at home
Don't try to reach me through my phone, show up in person and try to woo me
Inside my room hey up by the moon outside of the conversation
I spend a lot of time alone thinking about love and feeling distant from others
After the bars I stand staring up at the stars
Even after socializing, I still feel lonely and long for someone to love
Ma cher, c'est ne pas bien
My dear, it's not good to be alone like this
I swear I thought you and me were friends
I confess that I am interested in starting a romantic relationship with someone I consider a friend
Love where you been I'll let the telephone ring but I'd do anything
I am desperate for love and willing to do anything for it
It's not like I care it's not like I cry all night on the stairs
I am trying to play it cool but deep down, I do care and get emotional about being alone
Just don't leave me messages when you know I'm not at home
I am emphasizing the importance of in-person connection over phone communication when it comes to love
Contributed by Alexander O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.