Songs About Doors are more than just tunes; they open up worlds of meaning and symbolism.
Whether literal or metaphorical, doors in music often represent transitions, new opportunities, or barriers to overcome.
From classic rock anthems to poetic ballads, artists have long used doors as a powerful image to convey their messages.
In this post, we explore a diverse range of songs that capture the essence of doors, offering a deeper understanding of the themes behind them.
Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating Songs About Doors that resonate across different genres and eras.
1. “Open the Door, Homer” by Thunderclap Newman (1969)
About this song:
- Album: Hollywood Dream
- Released: 1969
- Artist: Thunderclap Newman
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Open the door, Homer, I’ve heard it said before.”
“Open the Door, Homer” was released in 1969, showcasing Thunderclap Newman’s experimental approach to rock music.
Written by Bob Dylan, the song’s title, despite mentioning “Homer,” doesn’t refer to anyone in particular, offering a playful ambiguity.
The lyrics seem to call for a deeper understanding of relationships, with the door symbolizing access to emotional connection.
Dylan’s folk influence resonates, but Thunderclap Newman’s version adds a unique, late ’60s rock twist.
The door in this song serves as a metaphor for opportunity and understanding, reflecting the openness desired in personal relationships.
2. “The Door Into Summer” by The Monkees (1967)
About this song:
- Album: Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.
- Released: 1967
- Artist: The Monkees
- Genre: Pop, Rock
- Key Lyric: “By a door marked ‘freedom’ from care.”
Released in 1967, “The Door Into Summer” is one of The Monkees’ lesser-known but beloved tracks.
Written by Chip Douglas and Bill Martin, the song uses doors as a metaphor for a path to freedom and new beginnings.
The song reflects the era’s mood of liberation, exploring the desire to escape conformity and find a better life.
Its title was inspired by the Robert A. Heinlein novel of the same name, which also deals with time and opportunity.
The door symbolizes change and hope, key themes in both the song and the cultural context of the late 1960s.
3. “Back at Your Door” by Maroon 5 (2007)
About this song:
- Album: It Won’t Be Soon Before Long
- Released: 2007
- Artist: Maroon 5
- Genre: Pop Rock
- Key Lyric: “I’m back at your door.”
Released in 2007, “Back at Your Door” is a heartfelt song about returning to a past love, filled with regret and longing.
Written by Adam Levine and Maroon 5, the song’s emotional intensity is a reflection of personal relationships and unresolved feelings.
The door symbolizes both closure and the potential to rekindle something that was once lost.
The track is a standout from the album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, emphasizing the band’s signature blend of pop and rock.
The door, in this case, becomes a physical and emotional threshold, where the past meets the possibility of reconciliation.
4. “Close the Door” by Teddy Pendergrass (1978)
About this song:
- Album: Life Is a Song Worth Singing
- Released: 1978
- Artist: Teddy Pendergrass
- Genre: R&B, Soul
- Key Lyric: “Close the door, let me give you what you’ve been waiting for.”
Released in 1978, “Close the Door” is a classic R&B ballad by Teddy Pendergrass that became an anthem of romantic seduction.
The song was penned during a time when soul music was shifting toward more intimate and sensual themes.
The lyrics speak to the vulnerability and closeness shared between two lovers, with the door symbolizing privacy and emotional intimacy.
Its sultry tone and smooth delivery helped Pendergrass cement his status as a soulful heartthrob in the late ’70s.
The door in this song closes off the outside world, allowing for the expression of deep, personal connection and passion.
5. “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1970)
About this song:
- Album: Cosmo’s Factory
- Released: 1970
- Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Lookin’ out my back door.”
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” was released in 1970 and became one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most recognizable hits.
Written by John Fogerty, the song is an upbeat, whimsical tune that contrasts with the more serious social commentary of the era.
The back door symbolizes escapism, as the song’s narrator imagines a world of colorful and fantastical creatures beyond it.
Fogerty composed this song during a time of creative explosion for the band, adding a lighthearted track to their otherwise politically charged catalog.
The door acts as a portal to a carefree, imaginative realm, offering respite from the complexities of life.
6. “Let My Love Open the Door” by Pete Townshend (1980)
About this song:
- Album: Empty Glass
- Released: 1980
- Artist: Pete Townshend
- Genre: Rock, New Wave
- Key Lyric: “Let my love open the door to your heart.”
“Let My Love Open the Door” was released in 1980 as part of Pete Townshend’s first solo album, Empty Glass.
Townshend, also known for his role in The Who, wrote this song as a hopeful and positive message about love’s ability to heal.
The door in the song represents emotional barriers, with love as the key to unlocking trust and intimacy.
This song marked a softer, more melodic approach for Townshend, contrasting with his harder rock roots in The Who.
It quickly became one of his most commercially successful solo hits, resonating with audiences for its uplifting tone.
7. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses (1991)
About this song:
- Album: Use Your Illusion II
- Released: 1991
- Artist: Guns N’ Roses
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Knock-knock-knockin’ on heaven’s door.”
The Guns N’ Roses version of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” was released in 1991 as part of their Use Your Illusion II album.
Originally written and released by Bob Dylan in 1973, this cover brought a hard rock edge to the melancholic classic.
The song reflects themes of mortality and the impending approach to death, with the door representing the passage into the afterlife.
Guns N’ Roses’ version was recorded during a period of significant success and excess for the band, making it a powerful addition to their catalog.
The door in this song serves as a metaphor for the unknown transition between life and death, adding depth to the lyrics.
8. “Back Door Man” by The Doors (1967)
About this song:
- Album: The Doors
- Released: 1967
- Artist: The Doors
- Genre: Blues Rock
- Key Lyric: “I’m a back door man.”
Released in 1967, “Back Door Man” is a bluesy track from The Doors’ self-titled debut album.
The song was originally written by Willie Dixon and has its roots in traditional blues, symbolizing a man who sneaks around behind the scenes of a relationship.
Jim Morrison’s intense delivery gives the song an added level of rawness, embodying themes of rebellion and secrecy.
The back door in the song refers to both literal and figurative ways of evading detection, often associated with infidelity.
The track became a cornerstone of The Doors’ early career, adding a blues influence to their psychedelic rock sound.
9. “Two Doors Down” by Dolly Parton (1977)
About this song:
- Album: Here You Come Again
- Released: 1977
- Artist: Dolly Parton
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “Two doors down, they’re laughing and drinking and having a party.”
Released in 1977, “Two Doors Down” became one of Dolly Parton’s memorable hits from her Here You Come Again album.
Parton wrote the song as a lighthearted tale of someone moving on from heartbreak while watching others celebrate nearby.
The two doors down serve as a spatial metaphor for emotional distance, highlighting the singer’s loneliness while happiness is just a short distance away.
This song was written during a pivotal moment in Parton’s career when she was crossing over into mainstream pop with her country roots still intact.
Its upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics made it a favorite among fans, showcasing Parton’s gift for storytelling.
10. “Green Door” by Shakin’ Stevens (1981)
About this song:
- Album: Shaky
- Released: 1981
- Artist: Shakin’ Stevens
- Genre: Rockabilly
- Key Lyric: “What’s behind the green door?”
“Green Door” by Shakin’ Stevens was released in 1981 and became a massive hit in the UK, bringing rockabilly back into the spotlight.
The song tells the story of a man who is curious about what lies behind a mysterious green door, hinting at a world of excitement and secrets.
Originally written by Bob Davie and Marvin Moore in the 1950s, Stevens’ version revitalized the track with a lively, modern twist.
The green door symbolizes both physical and metaphorical boundaries, representing the unknown and forbidden.
Its catchy chorus and energetic performance helped Stevens reach new heights in his career, with the song becoming a defining hit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Songs About Doors offer a fascinating exploration of themes like transition, opportunity, and mystery.
These Songs About Doors span various genres and decades, proving that the symbolism of doors is universal in music.
Whether it’s about opening new paths, closing off the past, or contemplating what’s beyond, doors are a powerful metaphor in songwriting.
The tracks we’ve explored here capture both literal and figurative meanings, reflecting the emotions and stories we all experience.
So next time you hear a door mentioned in a song, listen closely—you might just find a deeper message behind it.