Embracing an effortless eloquence and cocoa butter smooth persona, the music of Brian McKnight has defined the true meaning of an American soul-man since 1991. Like his spiritual Motown godfathers, this upstate New York native has a velvety voice and silky style that captures the vibe of vintage soul without being old fashion. On his latest disc Ten, that blend can be clearly heard.
While Brian’s aspirations might have seemed like a lofty ambition, the longevity of his career is a testament to the purity of his vision. With the release of Ten, McKnight’s first disc for his new label Warner Bros Records, the Grammy-nominated singer could not be more pleased with the outcome. Without a doubt, the landscape of soul music has gotten younger, but that fact did not hinder McKnight’s creative process.
After 16 million albums sold since his self-titled debut, it would have been too easy for McKnight to simply follow the R&B template of rote romanticism. But on Ten, the artist in him felt the need to be more revealing. Though McKnight has been friends with producers Tim & Bob for over ten years, this is the trio’s first collaboration.
Though Brian has never been the kind of singer/songwriter that one would call political that didn’t stop him from penning “Red, White & Blue,” a heart wrenching ode for the men and women currently at war, teaming up with country star Rascal Flatts.
Currently working on a variety of projects including a talk show and soundtracks for two upcoming Tyler Perry projects, the veteran soul singer could not be happier with the outcome of Ten. For fans of real music, Ten is the perfect addition to the soul cannon.
4th of July
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah oh
Ah oh
I was nothing then
Just the other day
And I couldn't help but smile
You're still beautiful
And I'm so damn glad you're mine
Never lost a year
Girl you're still the flame
That's burning deep in my soul
So remarkable, so incredible
The best I've ever known
When we kissed, it's like Christmas
I still feel butterfly's
Every time we're together
Like the 4th of July
Ah oh (You make it feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You let me up like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You make me feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (yeah yeah)
I'm still feeling you
You still got it
I can't get you out of my head
When I'm with you
There's no other place
That I'd rather be instead
Never lost a year
Girl you're still the flame
That's burning deep in my soul
So remarkable, so incredible
The best I've ever known
When we kissed, it's like Christmas
I still feel butterfly's
Every time we're together
Like the 4th of July
Ah oh (You make it feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You let me up like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You make me feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (yeah yeah)
Each and every night is like new year's eve
Every touch is like heaven to me
When we're making love, I can't get enough
Baby you're all I ever need
When we kissed, it's like Christmas
I still feel butterfly's
Every time we're together
Like the 4th of July
When we kissed, it's like Christmas
I still feel butterfly's
Every time we're together
Like the 4th of July
Ah oh (You make it feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You let me up like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You make me feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (yeah yeah)
Ah oh (You make it feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You let me up like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (You make me feel like the 4th of July)
Ah oh (yeah yeah)
When we kissed, it's like Christmas (You make it feel like the 4th of July)
I still feel butterfly's (You let me up like the 4th of July)
Every time we're together (You make me feel like the 4th of July)
Like the 4th of July (yeah yeah)
In Brian McKnight's song "4th of July," the singer expresses his deep and unwavering love for his partner. He reminisces about the early days of their relationship and marvels at how beautiful his partner still is after all these years. He goes on to describe how his partner's love makes him feel like every day is a celebration, likening their love to fireworks on the Fourth of July. He declares that every time they kiss, he feels like it's Christmas and it causes him to feel butterfly's. The love that they share is all that he needs, and he is forever grateful for her.
The lyrics depict a deep and enduring love and admiration for his partner, which has remained consistent over the years. We get a glimpse of the passion they share that goes beyond just physical attraction or lust. The singer is overwhelmed with joy, and this is evident in how he describes his partner and their relationship. He is deeply grateful for the love they share and doesn't take it for granted, which is evident when he sings: "I'm so damn glad you're mine."
The title, "4th of July," is used as a metaphor for how the singer's partner makes him feel. The Fourth of July is typically celebrated with fireworks that light up the sky, and in the same way, their love lights up his heart, and he feels like every day is worth celebrating. This comparison creates an image of a passionate, intense, and explosive love story.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah oh
Repetition of nonsensical sounds to add emphasis and rhythm to the song
I was nothing then
Refers to a time when the singer felt empty and unimportant without the significant other's love
Just the other day
Indicates that the singer's feelings have not changed for a long time, despite the passing of years
And I couldn't help but smile
Expresses the joy and happiness that the artist feels when thinking about their significant other
You're still beautiful
Appreciation and admiration toward the significant other's external appearance
After all these years
Highlights the longevity of their relationship, which has withstood the test of time
And I'm so damn glad you're mine
Affirms the singer's love and commitment towards the significant other
Never lost a year
The artist has not lost any love or attraction towards the significant other throughout the years
Girl you're still the flame
The significant other's love and passion still burns brightly in the artist's heart
That's burning deep in my soul
Expresses the intensity and depth of the love that the artist has for the significant other
So remarkable, so incredible
The significant other is outstanding and exceptional in the singer's eyes
The best I've ever known
The significant other is the best romantic partner the artist has ever had or known
When we kissed, it's like Christmas
Happiness and excitement that the singer feels when kissing the significant other
I still feel butterfly's
The physical sensation and nervousness that the singer experiences when with the significant other
Every time we're together
Happiness that the singer feels when spending time with the significant other
Like the 4th of July
Intense, exciting, and joyful feelings that the artist experiences when with the significant other, just like the 4th of July celebrations
Each and every night is like new year's eve
The artist feels excitement, joy, and new beginnings each night they spend with the significant other
Every touch is like heaven to me
The singer finds immense pleasure and delight in even the slightest touches from the significant other
When we're making love, I can't get enough
The singer desires and craves the physical intimacy and connection with the significant other
Baby you're all I ever need
The artist only needs the significant other's love and companionship to feel complete and happy
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Kelly McKnight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
redlanternman
This is Brian at his very best!!!This is a Gem!!I could play this song 20 times every day for the rest of my life!!Thats how magical this song is!!Thank you Brian for this blessing of art!!
Mezmerized4Life Jay
Omg, I forgot about this song 😭💙 Brian is one of the best male vocalist/artist
fayemi jumoke
You're right. He certainly is one of the best male vocalist!
Lia
only 46k views? Brian I love you. you are clearly under estimated. your music never changes. still sound the same!! ♥
fayemi jumoke
He's such a great artist! Brian we love you!💕💕
eduardopthiago
how can somebody only compose hits ? I dont know.. but definetely Brian is this guy. Amazing music, as usual. Thumb up
Beautifulflower52
OMG!!!! I love this song. It has that personal feel to it, not like the videos you would usually see that can be distracting. This video give you an opportunity to focus on the lyrics in the song. Allowing you to appeciate the true meaning in the song which is Love!!! I can't get enough of Brian's music....
P D
In Quarantine watching in 2020.Its been depressing.Listening to this song puts a smile on my face.🙂🥰Thanks Mr.Mcknight.💞
LaTicia Theora
Falling asleep while listening to Brian McKnight....priceless ;-) !
jumartin
Such an underrated artist. Go Brian!! You're the best!