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.
Because Of His Love
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under the stars so bright
King of Kings
What tidings of comfort and joy He brings
Son of man from Heaven above, You fell
Jehovah Emanuel
Upon a midnight clear
It must be love
It's got to be His love
It must be His love
That brought You here
Because of His love that's why you're here
To give us hope for tomorrow
To take away the sorrow and fear
To wipe away the tears and love because of His love
Special one, Who came to set all men free
Now all Heaven and earth will sing
Behold the newborn King
It's all because of His love
It must be love
Got to be His love
It could only be His love
That brought You here
Because of His love, that's why you're here
To give us hope for tomorrow
To take away the sorrow and fear
To wipe away the tears and love because of His love
Oh, close to my heart, I hold the sleeping savior
He came to chase all the darkness away
If there might be things, I don't understand
I'll just keep holding on to Your hand
Because of His love, that's why you're here
To give us hope for tomorrow
To take away the sorrow and fear
To wipe away the tears and love because of His
Because of His love, that's why you're here
To give us hope for tomorrow
To take away the sorrow and fear
To wipe away the tears and love because of His
Because of His love, that's why you're here
To give us hope for tomorrow
To take away the sorrow and fear
To wipe away the tears and love because of His love
The lyrics to Brian McKnight's "Because of His Love" are a tribute to the birth of Jesus Christ and the profound love that he brought to earth. The opening verse describes a "little boy" asleep in the singer's arms under the stars, representing the infant Jesus. McKnight then sings about how Jesus is the "King of Kings" and brings comfort and joy to all who believe in him. The line "Son of Man from Heaven above, You fell" refers to the belief that Jesus descended from heaven to earth to become a human being.
The chorus reinforces the idea that Jesus came to earth because of his love for humanity. The singer is convinced that only divine love could have brought Jesus to earth, and that he is here to "give us hope for tomorrow, to take away the sorrow and fear, to wipe away the tears." The song's bridge celebrates Jesus' role in setting humanity free, and declares that all of heaven and earth sings in his honor.
The final verse speaks directly to Jesus, with McKnight holding the sleeping savior close to his heart. The singer declares his gratitude for Jesus' love and acknowledges that there are things he may not understand, but he will continue to hold on to Jesus' hand.
Overall, "Because of His Love" is a heartwarming ode to the power and meaning of Jesus' birth and the love and hope he brought to earth.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little boy, asleep in my arms tonight
Addressing a sleeping child in his arms, the singer marvels at the beauty of the starry night above.
Under the stars so bright
The stars overhead add to the awe-inspiring moment the singer shares with his sleeping child.
King of Kings
The child is attributed with the highest title possible in the minds of the faithful, highlighting the extent to which he is loved and revered.
What tidings of comfort and joy He brings
The child is viewed as a bringer of comfort and joy, qualities that are sorely needed in a world fraught with strife and pain.
Son of man from Heaven above, You fell
The child is an embodiment of God's love, having descended from heaven to earth as a mortal human.
Jehovah Emanuel
The child is referred to using a biblical name for God, reinforcing the idea of his divine nature.
Upon a midnight clear
The child's arrival is depicted as a moment of clarity and peace, occurring amidst otherwise troubled times.
I feel the love
The singer is moved deeply by the presence of the child in his arms, and by extension, the love of God that surrounds them both.
It must be love
The singer attributes overwhelming emotion to the love of God, recognizing that it is the source of all he feels in this moment.
It's got to be His love
The singer affirms that all the love he experiences is from God and cannot be dismissed as anything else.
It must be His love
The singer repeats his belief that love is the most powerful force in the universe and that it is inherently linked to God.
That brought You here
The singer attributes the child's arrival to the love of God, recognizing that it was a deliberate act of creation.
Because of His love that's why you're here
The singer reiterates that love is central to the child's existence, and that he was brought into the world to spread it to others.
To give us hope for tomorrow
The child symbolizes a brighter future, one in which love and hope can triumph over despair and darkness.
To take away the sorrow and fear
The child represents the possibility of healing and redemption, offering comfort to those who have been hurt or wounded in some way.
To wipe away the tears and love because of His love
The singer affirms that God's love has the power to heal all hurts and bring about a state of peace and joy.
Special one, Who came to set all men free
The singer acknowledges that the child has a unique and holy role to play in the world, and that it is his destiny to bring freedom to all people.
Now all Heaven and earth will sing
The child's birth is celebrated not just on earth, but in heaven as well, signifying its significance across the cosmos.
Behold the newborn King
The child is given the highest possible honor, being referred to as a king right from birth.
It's all because of His love
The singer emphasizes that everything good in the world stems from the love of God and his infinite grace.
Got to be His love
The singer reiterates that love is the most powerful force in the world, and that it is directly linked to God.
It could only be His love
The singer affirms that there is no other source for the love he feels in his heart, apart from the love of God.
Oh, close to my heart, I hold the sleeping savior
The singer physically embraces the child, underscoring his deep emotional attachment and love for him.
He came to chase all the darkness away
The child symbolizes light and hope, driving away all traces of despair and negativity.
If there might be things, I don't understand
The singer acknowledges that there may be mysteries surrounding the child's birth and destiny that he cannot fully comprehend.
I'll just keep holding on to Your hand
Despite the unknown, the singer affirms his faith in God and his love, affirming that he will continue to trust in it and follow where it leads.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT, MICHAEL BRANDON BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind