Knock On Wood
Amii Stewart
Superstition and Passion in 'Knock On Wood'
Amii Stewart's disco hit 'Knock On Wood' is a vibrant celebration of love and a playful nod to superstition. The lyrics express a deep fear of losing a cherished relationship, one that the singer feels is so good it's almost too good to be true. The repeated phrase 'knock on wood' is a common superstition invoked to ward off bad luck or to prevent a good thing from ending. In the context of the song, it symbolizes the singer's desire to maintain the thrilling, almost electrifying love she's experiencing.
The comparison of love to 'thunder and lightning' and describing it as 'frightening' suggests that the love she feels is powerful and overwhelming, yet incredibly exciting. This metaphor captures the intensity and unpredictability of love, much like a storm, which can be both awe-inspiring and scary. The song's upbeat tempo and Stewart's powerful vocals underscore the exhilarating nature of this love affair.
Despite the superstitious undertones, the song is ultimately about the joy and passion of being in love. The singer's acknowledgment of the love being 'better than any love I know' and her repeated pleas to 'knock on wood' reflect a combination of contentment and anxiety, a common duality in romantic relationships where the stakes feel incredibly high because of the depth of emotion involved.