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.
Christmas Medley
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who meant to rest on Mary′s lap is sleeping
Who angels greet with anthem sweet
While shepherds watch our keeping
Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
The stars in the sky
Look down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
The first noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep all day
On a cold winter's night that was so very deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
The Christmas Medley by Brian McKnight is a collection of three different Christmas carols or songs. The first one is "What Child Is This?" which he sings with such a serene voice. This song is a blend of traditional English language lyrics with the melody Greensleeves. The song focuses on the infant Jesus who was born to rest on Mary's lap and who angels greeted with an anthem sweet while shepherd watched over them. This can be interpreted to mean the star that guided the wise men who came to pay homage to baby Jesus. As the lyrics unfold, it becomes clear that the song is an ode to Christ's birth and the nativity scene that we are familiar with. The melody of the song is hauntingly beautiful and McKnight's voice adds a lullaby-like element to the otherwise religious lyrics.
The second song in the medley is "Away in a Manger". This song is a classic rendition of the humble birthplace of Jesus Christ. The song speaks of there being no crib for a bed and how the little Lord, Jesus lay down his sweet head on hay. The lyrics further explain how the stars in the sky towered over the place where he lay in a manger. The song highlights the meager beginnings of the Son of God, who would later go on to perform miracles and change the course of human history. Like the first song, the melody is calming, awe-inspiring, and authentic. McKnight's interpretation of the song is one of pure wonder, and the simplicity of the song carries a deep emotion that seems to resonate with many.
The final song of the medley is “The First Noel,” which was composed in the early 19th century. The lyrics speak of the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ by an angel to shepherds in the fields. The song talks about how the news of Christ's birth was spread, and how it was received by the people. The lyrics affirm that Christ was born king of Israel, and this is why we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ. The song has a lovely melody that feels brilliant and joyful.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this?
Who is this baby that is being referred to?
Who meant to rest on Mary′s lap is sleeping
The baby who is supposed to be sleeping on Mary's lap is indeed sleeping
Who angels greet with anthem sweet
The angels are singing a sweet song to welcome this baby
While shepherds watch our keeping
The shepherds are watching over us as we sleep
Away in a manger
The baby is laid to sleep in a manger
No crib for a bed
There is no crib for the baby to sleep in
The little Lord Jesus
The baby is Jesus, our Lord
Lay down his sweet head
Jesus is sleeping soundly with his sweet head rested
The stars in the sky
The stars in the sky are shining
Look down where he lay
The stars are shining down on the baby Jesus
The little Lord Jesus
The baby is Jesus, our Lord
Asleep on the hay
Jesus is sleeping on a bed made of hay
The first noel the angel did say
The angel announced the first Christmas to the shepherds
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The announcement was given to a group of poor shepherds who were resting in a field
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep all day
The shepherds were resting in a field while keeping watch of their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so very deep.
It was a cold and deep winter's night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
The word Noel, which means Christmas, is being repeated in celebration
Born is the King of Israel!
Jesus, the King of Israel, is born on this day
Writer(s): Johnny Marks
Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.