I am a big Bob Dylan fan, and I am more than happy to state that he has both shaped my musical listening and guitar-playing journey. His influence on musicians throughout the generations has been huge. And his continued importance within the musical community cannot be underestimated.
He has had a series of hits during his long career. But, many would agree that “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is probably Bob Dylan’s most recognized song. I want to look at the man behind the music and take some time to focus on his broader career. Then, I will examine more closely the meaning of the song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan. So, let’s get started.
Early Life
Bob Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24th, 1941. His heritage is of Ukrainian Jewish descent through his grandparents. In 1905, they fled Odesa, now known as the Ukraine, which was then part of the Russian Empire. They fled to the US to escape persecution, which considering subsequent events, was a very wise move indeed.
Bob Dylan was born and raised in Minnesota. Growing up, he first listened to Blues and Country before increasingly listening to Rock n Roll. Some of Bob Dylan’s biggest influences during his formative years were Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
In high school…
Bob Dylan formed a series of Rock bands. He then went on to study at Minneapolis University. It was during this time that his focus switched from Rock to Folk. He was since gone on record and said he did this because he felt that Folk was deeper and reflected more closely the realities and struggles of everyday life.
There is no doubt that when you look at the lyrical content of Bob Dylan’s songs that this is where he focused his efforts. It is also fair to say that, although he was a poetic genius, his voice and guitar playing were solid but nothing out of the ordinary. Now, let’s look at Bob Dylan’s music career.
Bob Dylan’s Early Career
Bod Dylan’s college life was brief. After the first year, he dropped out and headed to New York to pursue a music career. Once in New York, he quickly established contact with other Folk artists and began mixing with music legends like Wood Guthrie.
Dylan began regularly performing and, within the space of a year, became a respected part of the New York Folk community. It was in 1962 that everything would change for Dylan. He changed his name, employed Albert Grossman as his manager, and began recording.
In March of 1962, Bob Dylan’s self-titled debut album, Bob Dylan, was released. Surprisingly, it failed to chart in the US. But it got to #39 in the US and #13 in the UK, where it earned him a silver disc. Also surprising is the fact that he chose, for whatever reason, not to release any single from the album.
In December of the same year…
Bob Dylan’s debut single, “Mixed Up Confusion,” was released as a non-album track. It didn’t receive much interest in the US or elsewhere. But, it was well received by his fellow musicians and critics alike.
The following year saw Bob Dylan continue to record and release music. In many ways, I believe that 1963 produced some of Bob Dylan’s greatest songs. These included the incredible “Blowing in The Wind” and “The Times They Are a Changing.”
Unfortunately, at the time, neither of those songs attracted any commercial interest in the US. However, “The Times They Are a Changing” managed to secure him his first chart position for a single. It went to #9 in the UK and #26 in The Netherlands.
In contrast, the two albums these singles were taken from were much more popular…
His second studio album, The Free Wheelin’ Bob Dylan, went to #1 in the UK. More significantly, it gave him his first charting album in the US at #22. It also earned him his first platinum disc in the US and his first gold disc in the UK.
His third studio album, The Times They Are a Changin’, went to #4 in the UK and #20 in the US. The record also earned him gold discs in both countries.
Career Success
From these beginnings blossomed a career that has currently spanned over 60 years and has produced over a hundred albums and very close to a hundred singles. Throughout this time, Dylan has sold around 150 million records making him one of the most successful musicians of all time. As well as the most successful Folk musician in history.
Dylan’s influence on fellow musicians was also immense. He can count Rock legends like Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Neil Young amongst his biggest fans. Consequently, it is fair to say that he is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation.
Before moving on…
It is also worth noting that the legendary Jimi Hendrix was a big fan of Bob Dylan. Jimi was greatly inspired by Dylan’s songs. So much so that he famously covered “All Along the Watchtower” in 1968, a year after Bob Dylan first released his original song.
Ironically, most associate the song with Jimi Hendrix. Furthermore, those not familiar with either of these musician’s genres will probably mistake it for a song written by Hendrix. I think we will have to give a pass to some of the younger generations on this one.
So, with a huge catalog of music that, despite Bod Dylan being in his 80s, continues to expand, where does “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” fit in, and what is it all about? Let’s find out.
Song Recording
The song was recorded in 1973 and was included on the album Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. It climbed to #5 in the US and #14 in the UK and also charted strongly in most other countries.
In contrast, the album, which was a soundtrack album for the movie of the same name, only reached #29 in the UK. That was a little disappointing, given that his previous four albums had all gone to #1. In the US, he managed to get to #16, which was also down on his previous chart positions.
The structure and recording of the song are masterstrokes of simplicity. The melody and the strength of the lyrics do all the talking without the need for over-complicated mixing or production. Bob Dylan beautifully illustrates that a well-written song can stand on its own without the need for unnecessary complications.
Rolling Stone magazine very much agrees with this analysis…
In 2004, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” was ranked as the 190th best song of all time. In 2010, it had still only slipped down a couple of places to #192.
The song has also been a great hit with other musicians. Consequently, it is one of the most covered songs of all time. Furthermore, if you stroll into pretty much any bar anywhere in the world, there is a good chance you will hear a rendition at some point in the night.
Buskers also like to regularly butcher the song…
Notable artists who have put their spin on this Folk Music classic include Eric Clapton, who released his version of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” in 1975. It reached #39 in the UK but just failed to chart in the US.
However, the most well-known cover is by American Rock Legends Guns N’ Roses. Their version was a huge hit and charted well on most global charts. It is also the most well-known cover, and many would be forgiven for thinking that they wrote it such is its popularity. So, what about the meaning of the song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan?
The Song’s Lyrics and Meaning
The song is very much tied in with the movie. When you watch the movie, which I recommend you do, the timing of when the song is played makes the interpretations of the lyrics very easy to understand. Given what has happened in the movie to that point, it also adds extra layers of context.
In the movie…
Pat Garret is one of the central characters. He was previously an outlaw but had switched places to become a sheriff. One of his previous partners in crime was the infamous Billie the Kid. In the final scene, Garret is faced with the dilemma of having to bring Billie to justice.
Pat Garret and Billie the Kid are involved in a shoot out, and Pat Garret is shot. As he is lying on the ground, the song plays, and the outlaw-turned-lawman prepares to meet his maker.
The song takes us into the mind of the dying man as he contemplates his unknown future. It is a poignant glimpse into the psyche of a dying man. Doubtless, a large part of the song’s enduring appeal and fascination is that it deals with a subject that we all must face at some point in our lives.
And it does so in such an incredibly relatable way…
What is more remarkable about the song is that there are only two short verses followed by a chorus that only contains the words from the title. It’s simple yet effective in fully communicating the emotions and feelings that are, in contrast, just about as complicated as can be. Coupled with the simplistic musical arrangement, this is songwriting at its very best.
Want To Discover The Meaning Behind Other Famous Songs?
If so, check out our thoughts on The Meaning Behind “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty, The Meaning Behind “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Meaning Behind “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones, The Meaning Behind The Clash’s 1982 Hit “Rock the Casbah”, and The Meaning Behind “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams for more song insights and analysis.
The Meaning of the Song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan – Final Thoughts
If, for whatever reason, you have not heard the original song, then I strongly recommend that you do. Also, I recommend that you take some time to watch the movie Pat Garret & Billie the Kid. I promise you that you will not be disappointed.
The meaning of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” undoubtedly has an enduring quality. This will likely keep it in the public conscience for many years to come. Likewise, it will continue to be covered, often badly. But, I am equally sure that somewhere down the line, we will be treated with covers every bit as good as those from Eric Clapton and Guns N’ Roses.
Until next time, happy listening.
