Brian McKnight (born June 5, 1969 in Buffalo, New York) is an American sing… Read Full Bio ↴Brian McKnight (born June 5, 1969 in Buffalo, New York) is an American singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and one of the prominent singers of his years, specializing in pop and R&B. He is a multi-instrumentalist and plays the piano, guitar, and trumpet.

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.

For You
Brian McKnight Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Some ask us how
How can we sing in a strange land
They can't seem to comprehend
They don't understand
That the message in our soul
Is from the heart
Doesn't matter how near
Doesn't matter how far

If there be one that is touched
By the things that we do
Then we're satisfied
Satisfied
And we did what we came to do

Then we'll rejoice amongst ourselves
Till we get where we're goin' to
Everything we do
We do it for you

My Lord you put it down for us
So we put it down for you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Brian McKnight's "For You" opens up with a question that was once asked of the singer's group, how they are able to sing in a foreign land. The following lines explain how their music carries a message from their heart that transcends physical boundaries. They sing not to be understood or accepted by the people, but to touch the hearts of those who share their love for music. The chorus speaks directly of their purpose in taking on this musical journey; for the one person, no matter how near or far, who is touched by their work. With that, they consider their mission accomplished, and they rejoice with each other until they reach their final destination.

The song is a testament to an artist's or performer's dedication to their craft. The lyrics are straightforward yet sincere, with every word a reminder that everything they do is for the sake of the music, the very thing that brings them together. "For You" emphasizes that the most important element of music is the message that it carries, and that is what they hope to convey to their audience.

Line by Line Meaning

Some ask us how
People often question how we are able to sing in a foreign land

How can we sing in a strange land
They find it difficult to comprehend that we are able to sing in a land that is not our own

They can't seem to comprehend
They are simply unable to understand our ability to sing in a foreign land

They don't understand
They lack the understanding of how our souls are guided by a message that comes from our heart

That the message in our soul
The message that guides our soul

Is from the heart
Originates from our deepest emotions

Doesn't matter how near
It does not matter how close

Doesn't matter how far
It doesn't matter how far away

If there be one that is touched
If one person is moved by our message

By the things that we do
By the actions that we take

Then we're satisfied
Then we are content