Tom Jones – Knock on Wood

About the song

Few performers can match the electric energy and raw charisma of Tom Jones, and his rendition of “Knock on Wood” is a masterclass in vocal dynamism and soulful swagger. Originally written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and made famous by Floyd in 1966, the song has become something of a rite of passage for any artist wishing to leave a mark on the R&B and soul canon. When Tom Jones takes it on, however, he doesn’t merely cover it he transforms it.

Tom Jones’s version of “Knock on Wood” explodes with confidence. His signature vocal grit and commanding delivery infuse the song with a masculine urgency and emotional weight that only he can conjure. Jones doesn’t just sing the lyrics he charges through them like a man possessed, emphasizing the song’s plea for love and protection with the conviction of someone who’s lived the highs and lows of passion.

What makes this rendition stand out is the blend of Jones’s Welsh baritone with the driving brass arrangements and relentless rhythm section. The instrumentation is tight, powerful, and polished, yet never overshadows the vocals. Instead, it lifts them higher, creating a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably rooted in the energy of the late ’60s and early ’70s.

In many ways, this version of “Knock on Wood” captures the essence of Tom Jones as a performer unapologetically bold, emotionally unfiltered, and vocally unstoppable. It’s a track that bridges soul, pop, and rock with effortless style, appealing not only to fans of the original but also to those who appreciate interpretations that elevate rather than imitate.

Whether you’re revisiting this gem or hearing it for the first time, “Knock on Wood” as sung by Tom Jones is a powerful reminder of how a great voice can turn a classic into something entirely its own.

Video

Lyrics

I don’t wanna lose this good thing, oh, that I got
‘Cause if I do I will surely, I’ll surely lose a lot
‘Cause your love is better than any love I know

It’s like thunder
(Thunder)
Lightnin’
(Lightnin’)
The way you love is frightenin’
You had better knock
(Knock, knock, knock, knock)
On wood, baby

And I’m not superstitious about you but I can’t take no chance
You got me spinnin’, baby, ooh, you know that I’m in your trance
I feel your touch all over, ooh, you know it means so much

It’s like thunder
(Thunder)
Lightnin’
(Lightnin’)
The way you love is frightenin’
You had better knock
(Knock, knock, knock, knock)
On wood, baby

It’s no secret about it ’cause with your loving touch
Ooh, she sees to it that I get enough
‘Cause your love is better than any love I know

It’s like thunder
(Thunder)
Lightnin’
(Lightnin’)
The way you love is frightenin’
You had better knock
(Knock, knock, knock, knock)
On wood, baby, ooh

Come on
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)
Oh, just keep on knockin’, woman
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)

You can knock my door anytime
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)

Keep on knockin’, babe
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)
Give it to me, give it to me, give it to me, give it to me
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)
Knock, knock, knock on wood
(Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock)