“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

The song “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” was originally written and sung by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack of the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid in 1973. The song has also produced countless cover versions, with each version proving to be suitable for a different occasion. We think “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” would make an excellent funeral song to remember people who have passed away; particularly soldiers who have passed away.

Credit: Poetical Me

Though written from the perspective of a dying sheriff, the song may resonate with those who have lost loved ones to war or in the line of duty for law enforcement. The tone of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” encapsulates a certain sense of desperation; it captures that deeply embedded fear we may feel in the moment before unanticipated, certain death.

There is also an element of acceptance in the lyrics; acceptance regarding what the speaker thinks may be the end [of this world] and beginning of another [Heaven]. Part of this acceptance can be extrapolated from the lyrics, “that a long black cloud is coming down,” indicating that darkness — commonly associated with death — is coming. The idea of “knocking on Heaven’s door,” as expressed in the chorus, has a spark of optimism in it; it suggests a positive view of “the end” by embracing whatever comes next. Thus, the speaker relieves himself from the responsibilities of life by coming to terms with death.

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 long black cloud is comin’ down
I feel I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door

Knock, knock, knockin’ on Heaven’s door
Knock, knock, knockin’ on Heaven’s door

The song has been covered by many different artists, from Gun N’ Roses to Arthur Louis. There is even a nice, soulful cover by Ms. Randy Crawford. Below is a more upbeat version of the often melancholy song. It is a version beautiful enough to temporarily forget the somber meaning of the lyrics. And althought it is slightly different from the original version, the lyrics still describes the sentiments of a man who is ready to pass on to the next world.

With its dynamic and meaningful nature, “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” is a great funeral song and a wonderful way to remember people who have passed away. Here are the rest of the song’s lyrics.

Related Links:

• “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
• “Brokedown Palace” by Grateful Dead
• “Baby Mine” by Bette Midler