Chords

Knockin On Heavens Door Chords – Bob Dylan

Michael Yarbrough

Apr 1, 2026 · 2 min read

Knockin On Heavens Door - Bob Dylan Chords

Tuning

E A D G B E

Capo

No capo

Difficulty

Easy

Knockin On Heavens Door - Bob Dylan Chords
Knockin On Heavens Door - Bob Dylan - Film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

Released: Aug. 1973[1]
Songwriter(s): Bob Dylan
Film: Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

Knockin On Heavens Door - Bob Dylan Chords

Tuning: E A D G B E
Key: G
Capo: no capo

[Intro]
G----D-----Am----G----D-----C
                   Oo oo-oo oo
G----D     Am    G    D     C
  Oo oo-oo oo      Oo oo-oo oo
 
[Verse 1]
G----------------D--------------Am
  Mama take this badge off of me
G---------D--------------C
  I can't use it anymore
G--------------D---------------------Am
  It's getting dark, too dark to see
G------------D--------------------C
  I feel I'm knockin on heaven's door
 
[Chorus]
G---------------D--------------------Am
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
G---------------D--------------------C
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
G---------------D--------------------Am
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
G---------------D--------------------C
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
 
[Verse 2]
G-------------D-----------------Am
  Mama put my guns in the ground
G---------D---------------C
  I can't shoot them anymore
G-----------------D---------------Am
  That long black cloud is comin' down
G------------D----------------------C
  I feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door
 
[Chorus]
G---------------D--------------------Am
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
G---------------D--------------------C
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
G---------------D--------------------Am
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
G---------------D--------------------C
  Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
 
[Outro]
G-----D--Am----G
  Oo oo--oo oo   (fade)

What is the meaning of the lyric: 
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" transcends its literal meaning to become a universal metaphor for approaching an inevitable and peaceful end. The act of knocking is not one of desperation, but of weary acceptance, signaling the final approach to a threshold-be it death, the conclusion of a great struggle, or the end of a defining chapter in life. The plea to "take this badge off of me" symbolizes the profound shedding of one's earthly identity, responsibilities, and burdens, acknowledging they no longer serve a purpose. The "long black cloud" represents the inescapable fate finally descending. Ultimately, the song captures that moment of serene surrender, where resistance fades and the soul prepares to transition from the toils of the present into a state of unknown, but welcome, peace.