About The Song
“Knock Three Times” was written by L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine. The song draws inspiration from The Drifters’ 1962 song “Up on the Roof.” It captures a similar lyrical flavor, focusing on tenement living and a secret romantic connection. “Knock Three Times” became a massive hit for Tony Orlando and Dawn. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold millions of copies worldwide. The song’s popularity extended beyond the US, claiming the No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart. The lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with his upstairs neighbor. Too shy to approach her directly, he devises a plan: she should knock three times on the ceiling if she wants him, and bang twice on the pipe if not. The song beautifully captures the anticipation and longing of secret affection.
Video
Lyrics
Hey girl, whatcha doing down there
Dancing alone every night while I live right above you
I can hear your music playing
I can feel your body swaying
One floor below me, you don’t even know me
I love you
Oh, my darling
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me
Mm, twice on the pipe if the answer is no
Oh, my sweetness
Means you’ll meet me in the hallway
Whoa, twice on the pipe means you ain’t gonna show
If you look out your window tonight
Pull in the string with the note that’s attached to my heart
Read how many times I saw you
How in my silence I adored you
And only in my dreams did that wall between us come apart
Oh, my darling
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me
Mm, twice on the pipe if the answer is no
Oh, my sweetness
Means you’ll meet me in the hallway
Whoa, twice on the pipe means you ain’t gonna show
Whoa, I can hear your music playing
I can feel your body swaying
One floor below me, you don’t even know me
I love you
Oh, my darling
Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me
Mm, twice on the pipe if the answer is no (I love you, I love you)
Oh, my sweetness
Means you’ll meet me in the hallway
Mm, twice on the pipe means you ain’t gonna show
Oh, my darling
Knock three times