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
Goodbyes
The Knocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
You should probably bunk this
Bass up, speakers in the trunk shit
Banging in the spot, hands up on the fun tip
As a young kid, all up in the city doing dumb shit
Ah, I been tight, never stretch 'em out
Beast in the streets
Fans, shoulda never let 'em out
Swag, lemme show you what the fresh about
Hot and on you, can't cut the trouble out
I stay wavy on the late tip
Techno, two-stepping in the basement
In the bathroom probably getting faded
Until the day hits, hope you got some shades kid
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
Adios, sayonara, dasvidaniya
Hasta la huego, au revoir, tu sabes fuego
See ya later, alligators can get my way though
My girl a winner
Just a killer, I'm moving [?]
I say tomato you say tomato
Might be gone today but you back tomorrow
You know the motto, the truth is harder to swallow
My story harder to follow and you ain't part of the novel, no
I'm pleading the fifth, y'all can sleep with the fish
Leave a rap, I'm bleeding for this
I am called the blow killer
Like cheater, I'm swift, I'ma eat up your slip
Better yet, I'm like an ape in the mist, y'all, I'm Gorilla
Me and The Knocks, we put a key in the lock
Skrrt bruv, got the seat in the bus
Set the tea in the pot
I can't stop for no reason
'Cause I ain't got no reason to stop
Meth!
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
(I don't say no goodbye, I don't say no good, good)
(I don't say no goodbye, no, no, no, no)
(I don't say no goodbye, I don't, I don't, good, good)
(I don't say no goodbye, good, good, good)
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye
The lyrics to The Knocks' song "Goodbyes" explore themes of independence, self-assurance, and living in the moment. The singer reflects on how much time has passed since they were on someone's mind, implying that they have moved on and haven't looked back. They express their hope for the other person's well-being, suggesting that they hold no ill feelings or desire to say goodbye.
The lyrics also touch on the singer's freedom and confidence. They mention turning up the bass and speakers, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere. They reminisce about their youth, engaging in reckless behavior in the city. The lyrics convey a sense of joy and liberation, with references to dancing and partying.
Later in the song, the lyrics shift to a playful and boastful tone. The singer uses various languages to say goodbye, displaying their worldly knowledge and confidence. They proclaim that their girl is a winner and describe themselves as a killer, emphasizing their ambition and success. The lyrics also touch on the notion of being misunderstood or hard to follow, indicating that they are on their own unique path.
Overall, "Goodbyes" is a song about embracing freedom, living in the moment, and finding happiness in one's own journey without the need for formal farewells.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time
It has been a significant amount of time
Since I been on your mind
Since I have occupied your thoughts
I hope you're feeling alright
I wish for you to be in a good state
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
Because I never bid farewell
You should probably bunk this
You should likely embrace this
Bass up, speakers in the trunk shit
Louder bass, speakers at maximum volume
Banging in the spot, hands up on the fun tip
Creating an energetic atmosphere, enjoying oneself
Jumping, I've been on my day one shit
Energetically engaged in long-standing habits
As a young kid, all up in the city doing dumb shit
During my youth, engaging in foolish behavior
Ah, I been tight, never stretch 'em out
I have been cautious and careful, avoiding risks
Beast in the streets
Dominant and formidable in urban environments
Fans, shoulda never let 'em out
Supporters, should have never given them freedom
Swag, lemme show you what the fresh about
Swagger, allow me to demonstrate its newness
Hot and on you, can't cut the trouble out
Attractive and focused on you, unable to avoid problems
I stay wavy on the late tip
I remain cool and unpredictable in the late hours
Techno, two-stepping in the basement
Dancing to techno music in an underground space
In the bathroom probably getting faded
Most likely getting intoxicated in the restroom
Until the day hits, hope you got some shades kid
Until the sunlight is strong, I hope you have sunglasses
Adios, sayonara, dasvidaniya
Goodbye in different languages (Spanish, Japanese, Russian)
Hasta la huego, au revoir, tu sabes fuego
Until the fire, goodbye (Spanish), goodbye (French), you know the fire
See ya later, alligators can get my way though
Goodbye, obstacles cannot hinder me
My girl a winner
My girlfriend is successful
Just a killer, I'm moving [?]
Just someone exceptional, I am progressing
I say tomato you say tomato
I say one thing, you say the same thing
Might be gone today but you back tomorrow
I might be absent today, but you'll return tomorrow
You know the motto, the truth is harder to swallow
You are aware of the saying, the reality is difficult to accept
My story harder to follow and you ain't part of the novel, no
My narrative is complex, and you are not involved in it
I'm pleading the fifth, y'all can sleep with the fish
I am invoking my right to remain silent, you can face the consequences
Leave a rap, I'm bleeding for this
Leave a verse, I am passionate about this
I am called the blow killer
I am referred to as the one who thrives
Like cheater, I'm swift, I'ma eat up your slip
Similar to a cheetah, I am quick and will exploit your mistake
Better yet, I'm like an ape in the mist, y'all, I'm Gorilla
Even better, I am like an unseen force, I am dominant
Me and The Knocks, we put a key in the lock
The Knocks and I collaborate effectively and unlock new possibilities
Skrrt bruv, got the seat in the bus
Move aside, friend, I have secured my place
Set the tea in the pot
Prepare the situation for action
I can't stop for no reason
I cannot cease without justification
'Cause I ain't got no reason to stop
Because there is no motive for me to halt
Meth!
Expressing enthusiasm or fervor
(I don't say no goodbye, I don't say no good, good)
(I never bid farewell, I never say goodbye)
(I don't say no goodbye, no, no, no, no)
(I never bid farewell, no, no, no, no)
(I don't say no goodbye, I don't, I don't, good, good)
(I never bid farewell, I don't, I don't, good, good)
(I don't say no goodbye, good, good, good)
(I never bid farewell, good, good, good)
It's been a long time
It has been a significant amount of time
Since I been on your mind
Since I have occupied your thoughts
I hope you're feeling alright
I wish for you to be in a good state
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
Because I never bid farewell
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Benjamin Ruttner, Clifford Smith, James Patterson, Kaelyn Behr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theknocks
LYRICS
It’s been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you’re feeling alright
cause i wont say no goodbyes
Yeah, you should probably bump this
Bass up speakers in the trunk Shit
bangin in the spot hands up on the fun tip, jumpin
I been on my day one shit, as a young kid all up in the city doing dumb shit
Uh, I been tight, never stretch em out
Beast in the streets fam shoulda never let em out
Swag, lemme show ya what the fresh about
high end only, can’t cut the treble out
Uh, I stay wavy on the late tip (late tip)
Techno two steppin in the basement (basement)
in The bathroom, prolly getting faded
Until the day hits, hope you got some shades kid
It’s been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope youre feeling alright
cause i wont say no goodbyes
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Adios, sayanara, dosvadana
Hasta luego, au revoir, tu sabe fuego
See ya lata, alligators cant get my juevos
my girl a winna, just a killa, im jose cuervo
I say tomato you say tomato
Might be gone today but you back tomorrow
You know the motto, the truth is harder to swallow
My story harder to follow, when you aint part of the novel, no
I’m pleading the fifth, y’all can sleep with the fish
leave a rapper bleeding for this, i am called the flow killa
Like cheetah im swift, imma eat if you slip,
betta yet im like an ape in the mist yall, i go rilla
Me and the Knocks, we put a key in the locks
good bruv, totin c on the blocks
sall ove, sip the tea in the pot
Cant stop for no reason cause I aint got no reason to stop
Meth
It’s been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope youre feeling alright
cause i wont say no goodbyes
I don’t see no goodbyes (echo instrumental/ dance section)
It’s been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope youre feeling alright
cause i wont say no goodbyes
@jeffersonvalarezo
Lyrics
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
You should probably bunk this
Bass up, speakers in the trunk shit
Banging in the spot, hands up on the fun tip
Jumping, I've been on my day one shit
As a young kid, all up in the city doing dumb shit
Ah, I been tight, never stretch 'em out
Beast in the streets
Fans, shoulda never let 'em out
Swag, lemme show you what the fresh about
Hot and on you, can't cut the trouble out
I stay wavy on the late tip
Techno, two-stepping in the basement
In the bathroom probably getting faded
Until the day hits, hope you got some shades kid
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
Adios, sayonara, dasvidaniya
Hasta la huego, au revoir, tu sabes fuego
See ya later, alligators can get my way though
My girl a winner
Just a killer, I'm moving [?]
I say tomato you say tomato
Might be gone today but you back tomorrow
You know the motto, the truth is harder to swallow
My story harder to follow and you ain't part of the novel, no
I'm pleading the fifth, y'all can sleep with the fish
Leave a rap, I'm bleeding for this
I am called the blow killer
Like cheater, I'm swift, I'ma eat up your slip
Better yet, I'm like an ape in the mist, y'all, I'm Gorilla
Me and The Knocks, we put a key in the lock
Skrrt bruv, got the seat in the bus
Set the tea in the pot
I can't stop for no reason
'Cause I ain't got no reason to stop
Meth!
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye
@miguelhernandez5798
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
You should probably bunk this
Bass up, speakers in the trunk shit
Banging in the spot, hands up on the fun tip
Jumping, I've been on my day one shit
As a young kid, all up in the city doing dumb shit
Ah, I been tight, never stretch 'em out
Beast in the streets
Fans, shoulda never let 'em out
Swag, lemme show you what the fresh about
Hot and on you, can't cut the trouble out
I stay wavy on the late tip
Techno, two-stepping in the basement
In the bathroom probably getting faded
Until the day hits, hope you got some shades kid
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
Adios, sayonara, dasvidaniya
Hasta la huego, au revoir, tu sabes fuego
See ya later, alligators can get my way though
My girl a winner
Just a killer, I'm moving [?]
I say tomato you say tomato
Might be gone today but you back tomorrow
You know the motto, the truth is harder to swallow
My story harder to follow and you ain't part of the novel, no
I'm pleading the fifth, y'all can sleep with the fish
Leave a rap, I'm bleeding for this
I am called the blow killer
Like cheater, I'm swift, I'ma eat up your slip
Better yet, I'm like an ape in the mist, y'all, I'm Gorilla
Me and The Knocks, we put a key in the lock
Skrrt bruv, got the seat in the bus
Set the tea in the pot
I can't stop for no reason
'Cause I ain't got no reason to stop
Meth!
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye, yeah
It's been a long time
Since I been on your mind
I hope you're feeling alright
'Cause I don't say no goodbye
@poet253rd
Got an early 2000’s vibe. This is dope
@jeffrobeauxdean2625
Spot on Sir.
@jeffrobeauxdean2625
Great track fellas. No matter how you knock, you answer the door. Greeted with some great sounds.
@MrIhateposting
Gotta say hearing Meth spit again (even on a dope disco type track)....brings me back to the late early 2000's. Hip Hop had so much more soul back then.
@ShailaSharmin
Oh man, this is one of the first songs I tried on my new pair of earbuds and it sounds so R I C H!
@CrushBuds
Holy cow this
@austinroderique
Method man 🔥
@lexlushmusic
This is the hottest song of 2018 PERIOD
@MsNewMiss
I'm in love with this song 😍😍 Bisous de France 🇫🇷
@junnywunny
The knocks are absolutely fantastic. And Method man killed it. 😊😊