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.
Again
Brian McKnight Lyrics
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Thought it was over when you walked out the door
Reminded me of the pain that you caused in my heart
No, I'm not missing you at all
No, I'm not trying to make you feel small
But lady, it cuts like a knife
That you think you can walk right back into my life, So...
And we don't have a reason to talk
If you want something to say,
Then start telling how you could hurt me that way
It was hell getting over you
Damn you for what you put me through
The curtain's closed, goodbye, the end
'Cause I don't think my heart will let me love you again
Everything you said was a lie
Right to my face, couldn't understand why
How you could do me that way
Then walk back in my life
Where were you when I couldn't sleep?
Where were you when I couldn't eat? and,
Where were you when I cried?
There's no way I could let you back into my life
You don't have to call
And we don't have a reason to talk
If you want something to say,
Then start telling how you could hurt me that way
It was hell getting over you
Damn you for what you put me through
The curtain's closed, goodbye, the end
'Cause I don't think my heart will let me love you again
No, it can not find a way
I don't have nothing to say
Baby, I gotta be real
Guess now you know how it feels
Why are you wasting my time?
Guess I been crossin your mind
Can't let you back in my life... This is goodbye!
You don't have to call
And we don't have a reason to talk
If you want something to say,
Then start telling how you could hurt me that way
It was hell getting over you
Damn you for what you put me through
The curtain's closed, goodbye, the end
'Cause I don't think my heart...
You don't have to call
And we don't have a reason to talk
If you want something to say,
Then start telling how you could hurt me that way
It was hell getting over you
Damn you for what you put me through
The curtain's closed, goodbye, the end
'Cause I don't think my heart will let me love you again
The song "Again" by Brian McKnight is a heartbreaking ballad that speaks to the pain of heartbreak and betrayal, and the difficulty of moving on from past hurt. The lyrics are a message to an ex-lover who is trying to come back into the singer's life after causing them pain and heartache. The singer begins by questioning why the ex-lover is contacting them, reminding them of the hurt they caused and stating that they are not missing them or trying to make them feel small. The singer admits that the ex-lover's return cuts like a knife, but makes it clear that they do not want them back in their life.
The chorus repeats the sentiment that the ex-lover does not have to call and the two have no reason to talk, unless the ex-lover wants to apologize for the hurt they caused. The singer goes on to describe the difficulty of getting over the ex-lover and the pain that they suffered during the breakup, blaming the ex-lover for the hell they went through. The singer asserts that their heart will not let them love the ex-lover again and that it is time to say goodbye for good.
The song is emotional and relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak and the struggle of trying to move on from a difficult past relationship. It highlights the importance of self-love and self-respect, and the need to prioritize one's own emotional well-being over the desires and actions of others.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you calling me for?
Why are you even bothering to contact me?
Thought it was over when you walked out the door
I believed our relationship was over when you left me.
Reminded me of the pain that you caused in my heart
Your return brought back the hurt and pain you caused me before.
No, I'm not missing you at all
I do not feel any longing or desire for your presence in my life.
No, I'm not trying to make you feel small
I am not attempting to belittle or demean you in any way.
But lady, it cuts like a knife
Your reappearance is very painful to me.
That you think you can walk right back into my life, So...
I am surprised that you believe you can easily return to my life.
You don't have to call
You are not obligated to call or contact me.
And we don't have a reason to talk
We do not have any topics to discuss or reason to communicate.
If you want something to say,
If you have anything to say or declare,
Then start telling how you could hurt me that way
You can begin by explaining how you managed to hurt me so badly.
It was hell getting over you
Getting over you was a nightmare for me.
Damn you for what you put me through
I blame you for what you have put me through.
The curtain's closed, goodbye, the end
This is the conclusion of our relationship, goodbye.
'Cause I don't think my heart will let me love you again
I do not believe I am capable of loving you again due to the emotional scars you left me.
Everything you said was a lie
Everything you told me was untrue or deceptive.
Right to my face, couldn't understand why
You were dishonest with me even when we were face-to-face, and I cannot fathom why.
How you could do me that way
I cannot comprehend how you could treat me in such a manner.
Then walk back in my life
And then return to my life as if nothing happened.
Where were you when I couldn't sleep?
When I had insomnia, where were you?
Where were you when I couldn't eat? and,
When I had no appetite, where were you?
Where were you when I cried?
And where were you when I was crying?
There's no way I could let you back into my life
I cannot permit you to enter my life again.
No, it can not find a way
There is no way for us to reconcile or repair our relationship.
I don't have nothing to say
I have nothing to communicate to you.
Baby, I gotta be real
I must be honest with you.
Guess now you know how it feels
Now you understand what it is like to be in my shoes.
Why are you wasting my time?
You are currently wasting my time with your attempts to rekindle our relationship.
Guess I been crossin your mind
It appears that you have been thinking about me recently.
Can't let you back in my life... This is goodbye!
I cannot allow you to return to my life, and this is my final farewell.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT, TIM KELLEY, BOB ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind