Keep A Knockin'
The Flamin' Groovies Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 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 again.





Overall Meaning

The Flamin' Groovies's song "Keep A Knockin'" is all about keeping someone at bay. The singer tells his visitor that although they are knocking and asking to come in, they can't because they are not wanted. The reason for this is not explained, but it is clear that the singer wants this person to leave him alone. He even tells them to come back tomorrow and try again, but it's clear that he isn't going to change his mind anytime soon.


The repeated line, "Keep a knockin', but you can't come in" is a testament to the singer's limited desire for this person's company. It's almost like a refrain in a poem, emphasizing this idea that this person is not welcome. When the person says they love him, the singer is unmoved. It's almost like he's making fun of them, saying "you can love me all you want, but it's not going to make a difference. You still can't come in."


The song could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it seems to be a statement about putting up boundaries and keeping people at a distance. It's a sort of power play, where the singer is showing that he has control over the situation and the other person can't get what they want from him. Despite the catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, there is a sense of loneliness and rejection that permeates the lyrics.


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.
I hear you knocking, but I won't let you in.


Keep a knockin', but you can't come in,
I'm not interested in what you're selling or who you are, so beat it.


Come back tomorrow night and try again.
You're persistent, I'll give you that, but don't waste your time tonight because you're not getting in. Come back another time, maybe I'll change my mind.


You said you love me, but you can't come in.
You may have feelings for me, but that doesn't mean I want you in my life.


You said you love me, but you can't come in.
You may have feelings for me, but that doesn't mean I want you in my life.


You said you love me, but you can't come in,
Your affection doesn't automatically earn you access to my heart or my home.


Come back tomorrow night and try again.
I appreciate your honesty, but I still won't let you in tonight. Maybe you can try again at a later date.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: J. MAYO WILLIAMS, BERT MAYS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions