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.
Grown Man Business
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me put you in a grown man business
If you ready for a grown man
Lay back and get this grown man business
If you ever had a grown man
Let me put you in a grown man business
If you ready for a grown man
B I'm about my grown man business
You tell me you like him, 'Cause he's young but wild (wild)
So you can't control him 'cause he's always out
(deep in the streets)
And when he comes home he don't help with the bills or car note (no)
And although he got a young back, he don't know about that real stroke
(that you really need)
I bet you thought that age was just a number
(just a little number)
But baby nowadays it makes me wonder
Why he let's you down at the wrong time
(You're at a stage where you trying to make moves and he)
Plays you out like a small child
(I bet his age got a whole lot to do with it)
[Chorus]
When the lies and games he runs on you get old (baby, I'm right here)
And whenever you're ready for grown man love come on (I'm right here)
And when you decide that little boys finish girls (girl come here)
Get back and get this grown man business girl ('cause it is right here)
If you're ready for a grown man
Lay back and get this grown man business
He's not really man enough to take care of home (home)
You need that security, somebody sexy and grown (grown and sexy)
He spends what he can, but mama I gives all I have (have)
Just check my track record baby, everything I do is first class
(I thought you knew)
I bet you though that age was just a number
(just a little number)
But baby nowadays it makes me wonder
He let's you down at the wrong time
(Girl I can see that you're out of his league but)
Plays you out like a small child
(so if you're ready for me)
[Chorus]
I got all you need
So make up your mind
And have it the way you like
If you do choose me
I'll promise you, you'll never go back
[Chorus]
I'm right here
I'm right here
I'm right here
I'm right here
Ooh, yeah
In "Grown Man Business," Brian McKnight is addressing a woman who has been dating a younger man, but is frustrated with his immaturity and inability to take care of her needs. He offers himself as an alternative, promising that he is ready for a real, mature relationship and can provide the stability and security that she craves. By contrasting his "grown man business" with the meager offerings of her current partner, McKnight is positioning himself as a more desirable and reliable choice.
McKnight is also highlighting the difference between "little boys" who are still figuring things out and "grown men" who are ready to take on the responsibilities of life. By suggesting that the woman deserves a partner who is capable of providing stability and support, he is implicitly criticizing her previous choice and arguing that age does matter when it comes to relationships. The overall message of the song is that if you want a mature, healthy relationship, you need to look for someone who is not only attractive and exciting, but also capable of fulfilling your emotional and practical needs.
Line by Line Meaning
If you ever had a grown man
If you thought you've experienced what it's like to be with a mature man before
Let me put you in a grown man business
Let me show you what it's like to be in a relationship with a true adult
If you ready for a grown man
If you are ready to move on from little boys
Lay back and get this grown man business
Relax and let me take care of you with my mature ways
B I'm about my grown man business
I am a mature man who knows how to handle my business and take care of my woman
You tell me you like him, 'Cause he's young but wild (wild)
You tell me you are attracted to him because he is young and reckless
So you can't control him 'cause he's always out (deep in the streets)
You can't make him behave because he's always out doing his own thing
And when he comes home he don't help with the bills or car note (no)
He comes home and doesn't contribute to the household expenses
And although he got a young back, he don't know about that real stroke (that you really need)
While he may have a young body, he doesn't know how to satisfy you in bed like a grown man would
I bet you thought that age was just a number (just a little number)
You probably thought that age doesn't matter much in a relationship
But baby nowadays it makes me wonder
But these days, I wonder if you are realizing the importance of maturity and experience
Why he let's you down at the wrong time (You're at a stage where you trying to make moves and he)
He disappoints you when you need him the most because you are trying to make important moves in your life
Plays you out like a small child (I bet his age got a whole lot to do with it)
He treats you like a child instead of an equal partner, and his immaturity is likely the cause
When the lies and games he runs on you get old (baby, I'm right here)
Once you've had enough of his dishonesty and immaturity, I am here for you
And whenever you're ready for grown man love come on (I'm right here)
When you are ready for a mature, serious relationship, I am here and willing to give you the love and respect you deserve
And when you decide that little boys finish girls (girl come here)
When you realize that dating immature boys is not fulfilling, come to me
Get back and get this grown man business girl ('cause it is right here)
Come back to me and experience a real, grown-up relationship because I can offer it to you
He's not really man enough to take care of home (home)
He is not responsible enough to take care of the home
You need that security, somebody sexy and grown (grown and sexy)
You need a man who can offer you security, who is attractive and is mature
He spends what he can, but mama I gives all I have (have)
He spends what he can while I am willing to give everything I can for you
Just check my track record baby, everything I do is first class (I thought you knew)
Look at my history of being a mature, responsible adult, and you'll see that I can provide top-notch quality in everything I do
I got all you need
I have everything you are looking for a relationship, and more
So make up your mind
It's time for you to decide what you want in a relationship
And have it the way you like
Choose me, and I will make sure the relationship is the way you want it
If you do choose me
If you choose to be with me
I'll promise you, you'll never go back
I promise you that once you experience what it's like to be with a real man, you will never want to go back to immature boys
I'm right here
I am here for you, waiting for you to make the right choice
Ooh, yeah
Yeah, I know I am the better choice for you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMUEL BARNES, JEAN OLIVIER, RYAN TOBY, M. MILLER, ALEXANDER MOSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind