The Meaning Behind The Song: I Hear You Knocking by Dave Edmunds
“I Hear You Knocking” is a classic 1970 hit song written by Dave Bartholomew and Earl King, but it is the version released by Dave Edmunds that is perhaps the most recognizable. The song became Edmunds’ biggest hit, topping the UK Singles Chart for six weeks and reaching the top 5 in several other countries, including the US.
The song’s upbeat rock and roll sound belies the heartbreak behind the lyrics. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind “I Hear You Knocking” and the story behind its creation.
The Lyrics Of I Hear You Knocking
The words to the song are simple and direct, but they pack an emotional punch:
I hear you knocking, but you can’t come in
I hear you knocking, go back where you’ve been
I begged you not to go, but you said goodbye
And now you’re telling me all your lies
The chorus is repeated throughout the song, with the final verses adding some variation to the words. However, the core message remains the same: the speaker hears someone they’ve loved knocking at the door but is unwilling to let them back in.
The Story Behind I Hear You Knocking
Dave Edmunds, the Welsh guitarist and singer, heard the original version of “I Hear You Knocking” by Smiley Lewis as a teenager in the 1950s. Lewis’ rendition had never been a hit, but Edmunds fell in love with the song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm. He began performing it live with his band Love Sculpture in the late 1960s, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
For Love Sculpture’s second album, “Blues Helping,” Edmunds recorded his own version of “I Hear You Knocking.” The song’s transformation from a bluesy ballad into an up-tempo rock and roll number was largely due to Edmunds’ love of Chuck Berry’s guitar playing.
After “Blues Helping” was released in 1969, Edmunds went on tour with his new band, Rockpile. During the tour, they recorded a live version of “I Hear You Knocking” that became a popular bootleg. This convinced the band and their record label that they should create a studio version of the song.
In 1970, Edmunds and Rockpile went into the studio and recorded “I Hear You Knocking” in just two takes. The resulting single was a worldwide hit and has since become a classic of 1970s rock.
The Meaning Of I Hear You Knocking
At its heart, “I Hear You Knocking” is a song about heartbreak and regret. The speaker is someone who has been left behind by a lover who has gone off to see the world. They plead with the lover not to leave them, but they are unwilling to change their mind.
When the lover returns, however, things have changed. The speaker has moved on and is no longer willing to let them back into their life. They hear the knocking at the door, but they refuse to answer it.
The song has a universal quality to it, as it speaks to the pain of lost love that almost everyone has experienced at some point. The upbeat music and catchy melody help to drive home the point that, even in the face of heartbreak, we can persevere.
The Legacy Of I Hear You Knocking
“I Hear You Knocking” remains a classic rock and roll song, with a catchy tune and memorable lyrics that have stood the test of time. Its upbeat sound and emotional depth make it one of the most recognizable songs of the 1970s.
Today, the song is still frequently played on classic rock radio and is a staple of many rock cover bands’ playlists. Its influence can also be seen in the music of other artists, who have borrowed from its catchy melody and driving rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions About I Hear You Knocking
1. Who wrote the song “I Hear You Knocking?”
The song was written by Dave Bartholomew and Earl King, two well-known songwriters in the world of rock and roll.
2. Who made “I Hear You Knocking” popular?
Dave Edmunds made the song popular with his cover version, which topped the UK charts in 1970.
3. Was “I Hear You Knocking” a hit in the US?
Yes, the song reached the top 5 of the US charts in 1970.
4. What genre is “I Hear You Knocking”?
The song is a rock and roll number, with a catchy melody and driving rhythm.
5. What is the message behind the lyrics of “I Hear You Knocking”?
The song is about heartbreak and regret, with the speaker hearing someone they loved knocking at the door but unwilling to let them back in.
6. When was “I Hear You Knocking” released?
The song was released in 1970, as a single by Dave Edmunds.
7. How many weeks did “I Hear You Knocking” top the UK charts?
The song topped the UK charts for six weeks in 1970.
8. Who has covered “I Hear You Knocking” over the years?
Many artists have covered the song over the years, including Connie Francis, Bryan Adams, and Tom Jones.
9. What is the legacy of “I Hear You Knocking”?
The song is still frequently played on classic rock radio and is a staple of many rock cover bands’ playlists. Its influence can also be seen in the music of other artists, who have borrowed from its catchy melody and driving rhythm.
10. What other songs are similar to “I Hear You Knocking”?
Other songs with a similar rock and roll feel include “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry and “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis.
11. How has “I Hear You Knocking” influenced other musicians over the years?
The song’s catchy melody and driving rhythm have influenced many other musicians, who have borrowed elements from the song in their own work.
12. What did Dave Edmunds think of “I Hear You Knocking”?
Edmunds has said in interviews that he never expected the song to become a hit, but he is proud of the enduring popularity of his version.
