The song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" was actually written by Bob Dylan and was first released in 1973. However, Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice covered the song and created their own rendition of it. The lyrics portray a sense of desperation and longing. The protagonist is speaking to someone, asking them to remove a badge and guns from them, implying that they can no longer fulfill their duties or bear the burden that comes with them. The darkness mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize a state of confusion or uncertainty. The repetition of "Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door" suggests a feeling of pleading or seeking some sort of salvation. The phrase "knocking on heaven's door" is metaphorical and can be interpreted as a desire to escape the difficulties and hardships of life and find peace or solace in the afterlife. Overall, the song can be seen as a reflection on the challenges and burdens of life and the yearning for something beyond. It explores themes of mortality, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world that may feel overwhelming.