Knocking At Your Back Door
Deep Purple
The Chase of Desire in Deep Purple's 'Knocking At Your Back Door'
Deep Purple's 'Knocking At Your Back Door' is a song that intertwines the themes of desire, the pursuit of the unattainable, and the excitement found in the chase itself. The lyrics tell the stories of two women, Sweet Lucy and Sweet Nancy, who are both depicted as objects of desire, almost mythic in their allure. Lucy, described as a Samurai, represents an untouchable and powerful figure, while Nancy is seen as high society, only accessible to the aristocracy. The song uses these characters to explore the idea of longing for something that seems just out of reach.
The repeated chorus 'It's not the kill, It's the thrill of the chase' suggests that the pursuit is more exhilarating than the actual attainment of the goal. This line encapsulates the essence of the song - the excitement and adrenaline that come with chasing after something one desires, even if it's known to be unattainable or forbidden. The metaphor of 'knocking at your back door' implies a persistent, perhaps unwelcome, desire or opportunity that demands attention.
Musically, Deep Purple is known for their hard rock and heavy metal sound, and this song is no exception. The driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs complement the theme of relentless pursuit and desire. The song's energy mirrors the intensity of the emotions described in the lyrics, creating a vivid portrayal of the human experience of desire and the lengths one will go to chase after what they want.