Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #2072
Bob Dylan Handwritten and Signed Lyrics for 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'

Handwritten lyrics for an oft-covered Dylan classic: "Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door"

This lot has closed

Estimate: $50000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Handwritten lyrics for an oft-covered Dylan classic: "Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door"

Hugely desirable handwritten lyrics by Bob Dylan for his popular song, "Knocking on Heaven's Door," one page, 5.25 x 8, The Carlyle letterhead, written in black ballpoint and signed neatly at the conclusion, "Bob Dylan, 2009."

The lyrics, in full:

"Mama take this badge off of me
I can't use them anymore
It's getting dark too dark to see
Feel like I'm knocking on Heaven's door

Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Just like so many times before

Mama put my guns in the ground
I can't fire them anymore
That long black cloud is coming down
Feel like I'm knocking on Heaven's door

Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Just like so many times before”

In very fine condition. Accompanied by a 2013 letter of authenticity from Jeff Rosen, president of the Bob Dylan Music Company, in full: "I have represented Bob Dylan for the past 35 years. This letter will certify that the lyrics to Knockin' on Heaven's Door contained herein are original Bob Dylan manuscripts, written in his own hand on Carlyle New York hotel stationery. To the best of my knowledge, there are only five of these manuscripts that exist as of the date of this letter."

Composed by Dylan for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' was released as a single two months after the film's premiere and became a worldwide hit. It remains one of Dylan's most enduring and oft-covered songs from the 1970s, with popular recordings by the likes of Guns N' Roses, Eric Clapton, and Randy Crawford. With just two short verses and a chorus, Dylan biographer Clinton Heylin described the song as 'an exercise in splendid simplicity.'

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #636 - Ended May 19, 2022





This item is Pre-Certified by Real
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $100.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.