About this song
The song appears on Bob Dylan's 1973 soundtrack album for Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. In the film, it plays after Sheriff Colin Baker, an ally of Pat Garrett, is mortally wounded in a shootout with Billy the Kid's gang. The Western Writers included it in their Top 100 Western Songs of All Time.
What it's about
The song is set in the film as Sheriff Colin Baker and his wife sit by a riverside, preparing for his death, which is not shown onscreen.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 6 other songs, like “Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Demo) by GRIBIN”.
- Covered 66 times, including “Knockin’ On Heaven's Door (2022 Remaster) by Guns N' Roses (Ft. The Waters (USA))”.
- Written by Bob Dylan.
- Produced by Gordon Carroll.
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