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.
Anytime
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From something that was so meant to be, yeah
Forever was the promise in our hearts
Now, more and more I wonder where you are
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
Still have your picture in a frame
Hear your footsteps down the hall
I swear I hear your voice, driving me insane
How I wish that you would call
To say
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
I miss you
I miss you
(No more) loneliness and heartache
(No more) crying myself to sleep
(Don't want no more) wondering about tomorrow
Won't you come back to me
Come back to me, oh
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
I miss you [Repeat: x3]
The lyrics of the song Anytime by Brian McKnight are about a man who misses his former partner and wonders whether she thinks about him as well. The song speaks to the pain of separation and how the memories of a past relationship can linger long after it's over. The singer cannot remember why they fell apart despite being so perfect and he wonders where she is now. He questions whether she ever misses him the way he does her and if she ever thinks about him. He still has her picture in a frame, hears her footsteps down the hall, and wishes she would call. He longs to end the loneliness, heartache, and sleepless nights and begs her to come back to him.
The song's lyrics are poignant and powerful, making it a widely appreciated R&B ballad. The song was written and produced by Brian McKnight himself and was released in 1997. It reached number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 2 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. The song was the artist's biggest hit, opening doors for his future collaborations with popular icons.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't remember why we fell apart
I cannot recall the reason behind our separation.
From something that was so meant to be, yeah
It seems ironic that something that was so perfect ended up like this.
Forever was the promise in our hearts
We made a promise to each other to be together forever.
Now, more and more I wonder where you are
As time passes, I find myself thinking about your whereabouts more and more.
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever think of me, regardless of the time of day or night?
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and wish I were there with you?
I miss you
I long to see you again and to be with you.
Still have your picture in a frame
I still keep a photograph of you in a frame.
Hear your footsteps down the hall
Sometimes I feel like I can hear your footsteps down the hallway.
I swear I hear your voice, driving me insane
There are times when I am convinced that I can hear your voice, which is maddening.
How I wish that you would call
I wish you would reach out to me and contact me in some way.
I miss you
I long to be reunited with you.
(No more) loneliness and heartache
I don't want to feel lonely or heartbroken anymore.
(No more) crying myself to sleep
I don't want to cry myself to sleep anymore, missing you.
(Don't want no more) wondering about tomorrow
I don't want to worry and be uncertain about what the future holds.
Won't you come back to me
Please return to me, and let us reunite.
I miss you
The feeling of missing you is consuming and overwhelming.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michael Brandon Barnes, Brian Kelly Mcknight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TrippyRicky
Lyrics:
I can't remember why we fell apart
From something that was so meant to be, yeah
Forever was the promise in our hearts
Now, more and more I wonder where you are
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
Still have your picture in a frame
Hear your footsteps down the hall
I swear I hear your voice, driving me insane
How I wish that you would call
To say
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
I miss you
I miss you
loneliness and heartache
(No more) crying myself to sleep
(Don't want no more) wondering about tomorrow
Won't you come back to me
Come back to me, oh
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
Do I ever cross your mind, anytime
Do you ever wake up reaching out for me
Do I ever cross your mind anytime
I miss you
I miss you [Repeat: x3]
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Brian Kelly Mcknight / Michael Brandon Barnes
Anytime lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
@dawnrunyan1819
cried myself to sleep many nights listening to this, thinking of my one true love. Now, thirty years later we are together and getting married next June. 💜 My first love, will now become my last love!!
@smartalec8167
Dawn Runyan 👏🎆🎉 wishing you & yours happiness evermore!!!😊
@BlackMaleSpirituality
It worked out for you. I'm glad. I hope I find happiness one day.
@halfway2heaven2
Congratulations,giiiirl!
@kimberlylangston4595
Dawn Runyan you are so blessed ❤️
@ladonnahanna400
Dawn Runyan I'm crying reading this in the same situation and he is married but coming to see me 4 the 1st time in over 20yrs. Damn i hope he is my last love..
@nicholasselvaggi54
R&B today cannot touch these days. Absolute 🔥
@sarahjoelle4286
When I first heard this song I was 15. I was innocent, riding my bike to the park with my girls and we loved this song. I am now 40 and I have lived the lyrics. I get it now.
@one4AfreeAmerica
Word. I was 16, so we lived the same era. And, I too have lived this song. Still do. Miss the 90's innocence, and freedom.
@yellowroses6022
Hey Sarah we’re the same age!!!