Tony Orlando & Dawn

Introduction

“Knock Three Times” by Tony Orlando & Dawn is a catchy pop tune that became a chart-topping hit in the early 1970s. Released in 1970, the song tells the story of a man who communicates with his neighbor by knocking on the ceiling and floor, signaling his affection for her. With its upbeat melody and memorable chorus, “Knock Three Times” captivated audiences and became one of the signature songs of Tony Orlando & Dawn. Join us as we revisit the nostalgia of this infectious hit and celebrate its enduring popularity.

Did You Know?

• “Knock Three Times” was written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, who were inspired by the concept of secret signals between neighbors.
• The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became an international success, topping the charts in several countries.
• Tony Orlando & Dawn, a pop music group consisting of Tony Orlando and singers Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, gained widespread recognition with “Knock Three Times” and other hits.
• The catchy chorus and playful lyrics of “Knock Three Times” made it a favorite on radio stations and dance floors, solidifying its status as a classic of the era.

Video

Lyrics: Knock Three Times

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