The Knocks are a production and DJ duo who specialize in melodic, carefree … Read Full Bio ↴The Knocks are a production and DJ duo who specialize in melodic, carefree dance music that draws from soul, funk, disco, rap, and pop. Making their name with several singles and remixes, as well as EPs like 2011's Magic, they made their full-length debut in 2016 with 55, which featured a diverse array of guests such as Cam'ron, Carly Rae Jepsen, Wyclef Jean, and Walk the Moon. Following side project diversions that delved into future funk (Amelia Airhorn) and tropical house (the Mary Nixons), the Knocks presented another feel-good disco-house throwback with 2019's New York Narcotic. The duo subsequently released projects with artists like Gallant, Rivers Cuomo, and Foster the People, with whom they recorded the covers-heavy 2021 EP Melody & Silence. The collaboration-heavy full-length outing HISTORY appeared the following year.

The Knocks were formed in 2008 by James "JPatt" Patterson and Ben "DJ B-Roc" Ruttner. Patterson and Ruttner met at New York City's New School and shared an apartment, where they set up small recording studios in their bedrooms. The loud noise coming from their apartment led to neighbors constantly knocking on their door in order to get them to pipe down, hence the duo's name. Early success as remixers, however, enabled them to build their own studio in Manhattan. During 2008 and 2009, Knocks remixes surfaced for Katy Perry ("I Kissed a Girl"), Britney Spears ("3"), and PRGz ("Soul Glo"). B-Roc and Andrew W.K. also released DAMN! The Mixtape Vol. 1 in 2009, featuring several Knocks productions.

In 2010, the Knocks released their first singles, the sunny "Dancing with the DJ" (which later appeared on their 2011 EP Magic) and the whistling "Make It Better." Over the course of the next few years, the duo's profile was magnified by additional remixes for Tegan and Sara ("Closer"), the 1975 ("Girls"), and Dragonette ("Let It Go"), among others, in addition to tours with Ellie Goulding, Dragonette, and Sleigh Bells. They also collaborated with Fred Falke for the Kitsuné Music release "Geronimo" in 2012, as well as Treasure Fingers for "DYWT," released on Fool's Gold Clubhouse in 2014. Also in 2014, the group released an EP, titled Comfortable and released on the Neon Gold label, that included collaborations with X Ambassadors and Ra Ra Riot.

Signed to Big Beat, the Knocks slowed it down a bit for the 2014 single "Classic," one of their funkier and more disco-indebted singles, featuring Powers. An EP titled So Classic appeared in April 2015, followed by a new version of "Classic" featuring a verse by Fetty Wap. The Knocks spent much of the year working on their long-delayed debut album, which was previewed by the singles "I Wish (My Taylor Swift)" (with Matthew Koma) and "New York City" (featuring Cam'ron). Finally, in March 2016, the duo released their first full-length, 55, which included additional guest appearances from Wyclef Jean, Walk the Moon, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alex Newell, and Semi-Precious Weapons' Justin Trantor. That July, the pair remixed selected tracks from the album on the 55.5 EP.

In early 2017, the Knocks released Testify, an EP of new songs featuring collaborations with MNEK, Delacey, and Tayla Parx. Later that year, the duo teamed up with Skylar Spence and released a future funk mixtape as Amelia Airhorn. They also formed the Mary Nixons, a group with Mat Zo, and issued the single "Adrian." They followed with the Captain Cuts collaboration "House Party." July 2018 saw the release of the single "Shades" which appeared later that year on the Knocks' second full-length, New York Narcotic. The album also featured contributions from Method Man, Sofi Tukker, and Foster the People.

2019 brought several singles, including the Kah-Lo collaboration "Awa Ni" and "Lucky Me" (with Great Good Fine Ok). Most of these were collected on the EP Summer Series: 2019. Several more singles arrived in 2020, including "One Fine Day" (with Idris Elba), "Bodies" (with MUNA), and "All About You" (featuring Foster the People). The following year, they released Melody & Silence, an EP with Foster the People that included a remix of the single, as well as covers of hits by Beck, Moby, and the Verve. Also in 2021, the Knocks released "R U High" (featuring Mallrat) and "Sound the Alarm" (featuring Rivers Cuomo and Royal & the Serpent), and were featured on Purple Disco Machine's "Fireworks." The following year saw the release of the full-length effort, HISTORY, which featured collaborations with Foster the People, MUNA, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Cold War Kids, Parson James, and Yoke Lore, among others.

Biography by Andy Kellman

2008
The Knocks Lyrics

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Uh
Met her on a Saturday night
Yeah, she had the kinda voice I like (yeah)
I took her to a Sunday brunch (yeah)
Maybe we could do it more than once

She that gasolina, got to see her, hard to leave her
Certified proper diva

I know you wanna meet her
(But lemme talk to you)
And I know you wanna meet her
(But lemme talk to you)
And I know you wanna meet her
(But lemme talk to you)

Now we mighta seen a few things (yeah)
Couple people went missing but we still do things
Let 'em know it ain't a new thing

She that gasolina, got to see her, hard to leave her
Certified proper diva
I know you wanna meet her
(But lemme talk to you)
And I know you wanna meet her
(But lemme talk to you)

People often refer to the city as being a drug
You know, they're right
You'd think when you've been here for so long, you'd lose that high
But you really don't

Just wanna be here forever
You know it's that New York narcotic

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Knocks's song "2008" tell a story about meeting someone on a Saturday night and being instantly drawn to them. The singer describes the person they meet as having a voice that they particularly enjoy. They take this person out to a Sunday brunch, and the experience is enjoyable enough that they are open to repeating it more than once.

The lyrics then introduce the metaphorical character of "gasolina," who represents allure and charisma. They describe this person as being irresistible and difficult to leave behind. The use of the term "certified proper diva" suggests that this individual exudes confidence and has a strong presence. The singer acknowledges that others also desire to meet this person but seeks an opportunity to have a conversation with the listener specifically.

The next part of the song acknowledges the presence of vague dangers in the city they are in, mentioning that a few people have gone missing. Despite this, they continue engaging in various activities as they have always done, indicating that these dangers do not deter them. This showcases a juxtaposition between the potential risks and the persistence in pursuing their desires.

Returning to the metaphorical character, the lyrics reiterate the difficulty of leaving them, emphasizing their captivating qualities. The repeated lines, "I know you wanna meet her," suggest that the singer believes the listener is also attracted to this person and wants the chance to introduce them.

Towards the end of the song, the lyrics shift to a broader perspective on the city mentioned earlier. The city is referred to as a drug, implying that it has an addictive quality. Despite the passage of time, the feeling it evokes remains strong. The desire expressed is to remain in the city indefinitely, implying a deep attachment or fondness for the place. The reference to the "New York narcotic" specifically highlights the intoxicating nature of the city, its culture, and its lifestyle.

Overall, the lyrics of "2008" depict the allure of a charismatic individual, the perseverance in pursuing desires despite potential risks, and the addictive appeal of a particular city. The narrative captures the excitement and magnetic pull that certain people and places can hold over our lives, leaving a lasting impact.

Line by Line Meaning

Uh
Expression of uncertainty or hesitation

Met her on a Saturday night
Encountered her on a weekend evening

Yeah, she had the kinda voice I like (yeah)
Her voice was appealing to me

I took her to a Sunday brunch (yeah)
I brought her to a mid-morning meal on Sunday

Maybe we could do it more than once
Possibly we can repeat the experience

She that gasolina, got to see her, hard to leave her
She possesses an irresistible charm and it's difficult to part ways with her

Certified proper diva
Confirmed to be a talented and confident female performer

I know you wanna meet her
I am aware of your desire to get acquainted with her

(But lemme talk to you)
(But allow me to have a conversation with you)

Now we mighta seen a few things (yeah)
By now, we might have encountered various experiences

Couple people went missing but we still do things
Although a few individuals disappeared, we continue our activities

Let 'em know it ain't a new thing
Inform them that it is not a recent phenomenon

People often refer to the city as being a drug
Frequently, individuals compare the city to a powerful substance

You know, they're right
You know, they are correct in their assessment

You'd think when you've been here for so long, you'd lose that high
One might assume that after spending a considerable amount of time here, the intoxicating effect would diminish

But you really don't
However, it truly doesn't

Just wanna be here forever
Simply desire to remain here indefinitely

You know it's that New York narcotic
You are aware that it is the addictive quality of New York

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Adam B. Pallin, Benjamin Michael Ruttner, James Patterson, Nick Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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LYRICS

Met her on a Saturday night
Yeah she had the kinda voice I like
I ook her to a Sunday brunch
Maybe we could do it more than once

She that gasolina, got to see her, hard to leave her
Certified proper diva
I know you wanna meet her
(but lemme talk to you)

Now we mighta seen a few things
Couple people went missing but we still do things
Lettem know it aint a new thing

She that gasolina, got to see her, hard to leave her
Certified proper diva
I know you wanna meet her
(but lemme talk to you)

People often refer to the city as being a drug
You know they’re right
You’d think when you’ve been here for so long you’d lose that high
But you really don’t
Just wanna be here forever
You know it’s that New York narcotic