Original vocalist Clem Curtis left in 1968 and moved to the U.S. for a solo career on the club circuit, encouraged by the likes of Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave, playing Las Vegas with The Righteous Brothers. He was replaced by Colin Young.
The group's final hit was the less pop-oriented, more sophisticated Born To Live and Born To Die. They split in 1970, when the rhythm section broke away to form the progressive group Pluto. When Curtis returned to the UK he formed a new version of the group with little success on record, but a lucrative spell on the 1960s nostalgia circuit.
Knock On Wood
The Foundations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
You better knock (knock) on wood, baby, I better knock
I′m not superstitious about ya but I can't take no chance
I got me spinning, baby, you know I'm in a trance
It′s like thunder and lightning
The way you love me is frightening
You better knock (knock) on wood, baby, I better knock
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
It's like thunder and lightning
The way you love me is frightening
You better knock (knock, knock) on wood, baby, I better knock
Think I better knock, knock, knock on wood
Think I better knock, knock, knock on wood
The lyrics to The Foundations' song "Knock On Wood" express the fear and uncertainty that comes with being in a relationship that we value deeply. The singer acknowledges that they have something good in the relationship and they fear losing it. The fear of losing the love they have found causes the singer to feel superstitious and they express this by knocking on wood.
The lyrics describe the love the singer has found as being better than any love they know, and compares it to thunder and lightning. The intensity with which they love each other is frightening and even puts the singer in a trance. The singer views their partner as their "loving cup" and is grateful for the love they provide. One touch from them is so powerful that it means so much.
The song's message is clear: the fear of losing something good can be overwhelming, but the singer knows that they must protect their love and "knock on wood" to avoid any bad luck. In this way, the lyrics convey the idea that even love can bring fear and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to lose you, this good thing that I got cause if I do
I value what we have and I know if I lose it, it will be a great loss.
I will surely, surely lose a lot
Losing you will cause a great void in my life.
Cause your love is better than any love I know
Your love is unparalleled and irreplaceable.
It's like thunder and lightning
Your love is intense and electrifying, making me feel alive.
The way you love me is frightening
Your love is overwhelming and sometimes scary because of how much it means to me.
You better knock (knock) on wood, baby, I better knock
We need to be cautious and ensure our love remains strong and intact.
I'm not superstitious about ya but I can't take no chance
I'm not a believer in luck, but I am afraid of losing the love we have.
I got me spinning, baby, you know I'm in a trance
Your love has me wrapped around your finger and I can't get enough.
It's no secret about it, that woman is my loving cup
Everybody knows you are the one I love.
Cause she sees to it that I get enough
You take care of me and ensure I am happy and fulfilled.
Just one touch from her, you know it means so much
Your touch brings me a great sense of joy and love.
Think I better knock, knock, knock on wood
I need to do everything in my power to ensure we don't lose our love.
Writer(s): Steve Cropper, Eddie Floyd
Contributed by Hailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.