What is "knock on wood"

vb. 1 (context idiomatic US English) To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement. 2 (context idiomatic US English) (non-gloss definition: A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.)

Knock on Wood is a 1954 comedy starring Danny Kaye and Mai Zetterling. Other actors in the film include Torin Thatcher, David Burns, and Leon Askin. The film was written and directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, with songs by Kaye's wife, Sylvia Fine.

"Knock on Wood" is a 1966 hit song written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and originally performed by Floyd. His recording peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent one week at number 1 on the Soul Singles chart. The song was written in the Lorraine Motel Memphis, Tennessee now The National Civil Rights Museum. Steve Cropper has stated in interviews that there was a lightning storm the night that he and Eddie wrote the song, hence the lyrics 'It's like thunder and lightning, The way you love me is frightening'.

The song has been frequently covered, first by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas in 1967. The American Breed covered it on their 1967 debut album, The American Breed. There have also been charting singles by David Bowie (1974), Amii Stewart (1979), Razzy Bailey (1984), Eric Clapton (1985), and Safri Duo featuring Clark Anderson (2004). The German techno band Scooter made a half-cover of the song, entitled "The Avenger's Back", on their 2004 album Mind the Gap. The song is also featured in the movie "Satisfaction", as performed by Justine Bateman and the Mystery.

Knock on Wood may refer to:

• Knocking on wood, an act of superstition

Knock on Wood is a studio album by Amii Stewart released in February 1979. The album yielded two successful single releases, "Knock on Wood" (#1 US Pop, #6 U.S. R&B, #5 U.S. Club Play, #6 UK, #13 Germany) and "Light My Fire / 137 Disco Heaven" (#69 US Pop, #36 US R&B, #5 UK, #26 Germany). A double A-side single with remixed versions of "Knock on Wood" and "Light My Fire" reached #7 on the UK charts in 1985 followed by a re-issue of "You Really Touched My Heart" (UK #89).

The original Knock on Wood album in its entirety remains officially unreleased on compact disc, a semi-official release was issued in Russia in 1999 on AS4000. This release paired this album with the follow-up release Paradise Bird and one bonus track "My Guy, My Girl", and includes all original artwork.

The album was released as simply Amii Stewart in the UK.

Knock On Wood is the debut album of soul singer/song-writer Eddie Floyd, released in 1967 on Stax Records. The album was recorded between July and December 1966 at Stax Recording Studio. It features his most well-known single, the title track, " Knock on Wood".

Knock On Wood is an acoustic album by The Young Gods.

"Knock on Wood" is a song written by M.K. Jerome and Jack Scholl for the film Casablanca, where it was performed onscreen by Dooley Wilson to music played by pianist Elliot Carpenter. Commissioned by producer Hal B. Wallis, the song is the movie's only original composition.