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.
Could
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lying alone in my room
Don't know what I'm gonna do
Trying to figure out
If this is it this time
Just can't stop thinking
About the way you make me feel inside
I just can't get you off my mind
Chorus:
Could you be the one for me
Could we dance the night away
I want to give you everything
Though I don't have much
Could you fall in love with me
Could you love me the rest of my life
Could you forever be
The one for me, this time
Verse 2
I walk around in a daze
The ice is melting from my heart
Can I ever know if you feel the same
Are you the sunshine that's begging me
Come in from the rain
Or have you come into my life
To turn around and take your love away
Chorus
Bridge:
When I look into your eyes
(Oh,Oh,Oh,Oh)
They tell me that you're mine
but I keep asking myself
Chorus
Could you forever be
The one for me
This time
The lyrics of Brian McKnight’s song “Could” convey the singer’s uncertainty and longing for a potential romantic partner. In the first verse, he describes lying alone in his room and thinking about the person who’s on his mind. He wonders if they could be the one for him, and if they could dance the night away together. Despite his lack of material wealth, he still wants to give them everything. The chorus conveys his deep desire for the person to fall in love with him and stay with him forever.
In the second verse, the singer is confused about his feelings and wonders if the other person feels the same way. He compares the other person to sunshine, a symbol of hope and happiness, but also fears that they may leave him after coming into his life. The bridge reveals that the singer sees a strong connection when he looks into the other person’s eyes, but he also grapples with doubt and continues to question whether they could be meant for each other. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer’s yearning for a lasting and meaningful relationship with the other person.
Overall, “Could” is a romantic ballad that expresses the uncertainty and hope that people often experience when they fall in love. The lyrics capture the feeling of being on the brink of a relationship, with all the possibilities and unknowns that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Lying alone in my room
Starting off alone, thinking about what's going on.
Don't know what I'm gonna do
Unsure of how to solve or handle the situation.
Trying to figure out
Attempting to understand what's happening.
If this is it this time
Questioning whether this is the final chance to make things work.
Just can't stop thinking
Thoughts consumed by one particular thing/person.
About the way you make me feel inside
The emotions that come from being with that person.
I just can't get you off my mind
Unable to stop thinking about and remembering them.
No matter how hard I try
Despite the effort to forget them, they still linger in the mind.
Could you be the one for me
Asking if they are the person that will complete them and make them happy.
Could we dance the night away
An image of spending time with them in pure happiness and enjoyment.
I want to give you everything
Willingness to give them everything they want, including love.
Though I don't have much
Despite not being wealthy or having a lot to offer financially.
Could you fall in love with me
Hoping for and asking if they will be loved back.
Could you love me the rest of my life
Asking for a lifelong commitment of love.
Could you forever be
Desire for the love and happiness to last forever.
The one for me, this time
Hoping that this time it works out and they are the one.
I walk around in a daze
Feeling somewhat lost and confused.
The ice is melting from my heart
Slowly opening up and thawing feelings from the heart.
Can I ever know if you feel the same
Wondering if the feelings are reciprocated or if it's one-sided.
Are you the sunshine that's begging me
Questioning if they are the bright light that is needed in the dark or difficult moments.
Come in from the rain
A metaphor for finding refuge and happiness with that person.
Or have you come into my life
Realization that it may be possible that they are not meant to stay.
To turn around and take your love away
Worry and fear that they may leave or take away their love.
When I look into your eyes
Feeling an emotional connection when looking at them.
(Oh,Oh,Oh,Oh)
A vocal expression of intense emotion felt in that moment.
They tell me that you're mine
Believing and feeling that they belong to them.
but I keep asking myself
Despite the emotional bond they have, they are still unsure and questioning the reliability of it all.
Could you forever be
Continuing to question and hope for the love to last a lifetime.
The one for me
Desiring for them to be the perfect match.
This time
Hoping that this time it works out for them to be together forever.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT, MICHAEL BRANDON BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Latoya Abbott
I've been hurt so badly, but this songs makes me believe that the heart that is meant to love me will eventually find me. I still believe in love.
Christina Mitchell
I know you posted this message years ago I pray you are doing well.
I just wanted to encourage you to never give up on love. The most high is love and so man we must learn how to love. But I promise you stay under the shadow of his wing, take your heart always before him he will give you the desire of your heart.
Shalom
Edwina Koopman
Did you find him by now? I hope so
Victoria Smith
Amen and I pray you find it
Jane Hopke
My heart was broken many times through the years, but it’s only been recently when I came to a place of complete self-acceptance that I’ve been able to experience this kind of amazing love. Keep working on yourself, get to a place where you truly love yourself and love will come.
Kingfat The Ruler
Latoya Abbott I hope you never hurt again
Tania Jones
This song was our first dance at my wedding reception ☺
Christina Mitchell
Funny, I had dream about This song playing at my wedding.
Angle Johnson
wow how long ago?
Shae Johnson
Love this song so much. The words mean so many things......He said it better than I ever could.