Knock You Out

Album: Single Release Only (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On December 17, 2013, one half of Bingo Players, Paul Bäumer, died after an ongoing cancer battle. Maarten Hoogstraten announced in early 2014 that Bingo Players would be continuing on as a solo act, as per Paul's wishes. He released this song around the same time.
  • The song was built around by Bäumer and Hoogstraten of Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler's demo vocal. New Yorker Kim Viera was then brought in to sing on the track. The Berklee College School of Music graduate first broke through after her soulful rendition of Rihanna's "Diamonds" became a viral hit.
  • Hoogstraten told Billboard magazine that he instantly connected to Sia's lyrics about self-empowerment and triumph over haters. "It's all about overcoming struggles and emotional challenges, it really reflects [where I am] right now," he said. "When I play it, it's spot on. I could write those lyrics myself."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

Ian Gillan of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan explains the "few red lights" in "Smoke On The Water" and talks about songs from their 2020 album Whoosh!

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.