LeoGlossary: Guns N' Roses - Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Song)

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"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is a song originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 1973 for the soundtrack of the film "Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid". The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Guns N' Roses, whose rendition became a major hit in the early 1990s.

Musical Composition:

Loud and aggressive guitar riff: The guitar riff is one of the most recognizable parts of the song. It is played by Slash and is a powerful and driving force behind the song.

Axl Rose's emotional vocal performance: Axl Rose delivers a powerful and emotionally charged vocal performance. He sings with a sense of desperation and longing that is deeply affecting.
The use of feedback: The song uses feedback in a way that is both creative and effective. It adds a sense of urgency and desperation to the song.

The extended guitar solo: The guitar solo is one of the highlights of the song. It is a long and improvisational solo that showcases Slash's technical ability and his ability to create a mood.

Lyrics:

Themes: The song is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to themes of loss, faith, and redemption. The lyrics are simple yet deeply evocative, and the song's melody is both haunting and hopeful. Guns N' Roses' intense and passionate performance adds a new dimension to the song, making it a truly unforgettable piece of rock music.

Cultural Impact:

Popularity: The Guns N' Roses version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" was a commercial success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has also been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Legacy: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" has remained a popular and influential song for over four decades. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Eric Clapton, U2, and Miley Cyrus. The song's evocative lyrics and timeless melody continue to resonate with listeners, making it a true classic of rock and roll.

Interesting facts:

The song's title is a metaphor for death, with the door representing the gates of heaven.
The harmonica solo in Dylan's version was played by Charlie McCoy.
Guns N' Roses' version of the song was recorded in just one take.
The song has been covered by over 200 artists.

In conclusion, the Guns N' Roses version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is a powerful and enduring rendition of a classic song. The song's timeless lyrics, passionate vocals, and hard rock appeal have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.

Lyrics

Mama take this badge from me
I can't use it anymore
It's getting dark too dark to see
Feels like I'm knockin' on Heaven's door

Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door

Mama put my guns in the ground
I can't shoot them anymore
That cold black cloud is comin' down
Feels like I'm knockin' on Heaven's door

Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door

"You just better start sniffin' your own rank subjugation jack
'Cause it's just you against your tattered libido
The bank and the mortician, forever man
And it wouldn't be luck if you could get out of life alive"

Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
(Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door)
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
(Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door)

Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
(Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door)
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
(Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door)

Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door
Knock-knock-knockin' on Heaven's door