Knock On Wood

Story Behind The Song

Inspired by an old English ballad called "Death & The Lady", this is a modern Americana version where I thought today's lady would not go so calmly with Death...she outwits him.

Song Description

Death knocks on a young lady's door, and she refuses to go with him. Being a feisty modern woman, she tries to talk him out of it, but he is relentless so in the end she takes matters into her own hands and kills Death.

Song Length 5:15 Genre Folk - Americana, Folk - Bluegrass
Tempo Fast (151 - 170) Lead Vocal Duet Male/Female
Mood In High Spirits, Restless Subject Other, Life
Similar Artists Alison Krauss, Neil Young Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

Knock on Wood
© 2010 Sarana VerLin Music


I heard a knocking at my door
In the early morning light
I heard a man's voice call to me
Though he stayed out of sight

"Lady, throw your clothes aside
Leave your things behind
I've come to take you with me
If you would be so kind"

Knock on stone, knock on wood
Knock on any floor
I've come to take you with me
And I'm knocking at your door


"Well who are you that comes this hour?
You're no one that I know...
Tell me where you come from?
And why with you I'd go?"

"Don't pretend that you don't know
I'm sure you've heard of me
Darling girl, my name is Death
And it's time to walk with me"

"Yes, I have heard of you my friend,
But you have come too soon
The sun has just begun to rise
Come back some afternoon"

"Don't talk of afternoon, my dear
The time for you has come
So open up your door for me
It's time to carry on"

Knock on stone, knock on wood
Knock on any floor
I've come to take you with me
And I'm knocking at your door


"Will you take my finery,
Take my gold so bright?
Will you take my diamond ring
And go away this night?"

"I don't want your finery
I don't want your gold
I don't want your diamond ring
I merely want your soul."

"Oh no, you must find someone else
It's surely not my due
Take one who may be ready
To go away with you

Take for you a prisoner,
One who's on Death Row,
Or take for you an old man
Who's seeds have long been sown"

"Oh I don't want a prisoner
Or one who's on Death Row
And I don't want an old man
It's time for YOU to go!"

Knock on stone, knock on wood
Knock on tin or glass
But don't you knock upon my door
I'll knock you on your....
Knock on stone, knock on wood
Knock on any floor
But don't come lookin' for me
Don't come knocking on my door
Knock on stone, knock on wood
Knock on any door
But don't you come a knockin' here
Don't come round here no more



I dressed in all my ragged clothes
My face so very plain
I snuck out my own back door
Then 'round the front again

I took a heavy shovel
And swung with all my might
I hit Death upon his head
And out went all his lights

So I'll say to all you ladies
I'll say to all you men
If Death comes by before your time
Don't you let him in!

Lyrics Sarana VerLin Music Sarana VerLin
Producer Jason Fisher Publisher Sarana VerLin
Performance Billy Brandt & Sarana VerLin Label Drum Dancer Records

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