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.

Hail Mary
Brian McKnight Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mary had a little baby,
Born in bethlehem
Everytime the little baby cried
She rocked him in a weary land
Ain't that rockin' for the world
Ain't that rockin' for the world
Ain't that
Oh, she rocked

Oh, she rocked and rocked
She rocked him in a weary land
Rocking,rocking

He was born in a lowly manager
'cause there was found no room in the inn
Everytime the little baby cried
She rocked him in a weary land
Ain't that rockin' for the world
Ain't that rockin' for the world
Ain't that
Oh, she rocked
Oh, she rocked and rocked
She rocked him in a weary

There were shepherds abiding in the field
Keeping watch o'er the flock by night
Unto you a babe was born this day
Said the angel of the lord to the shepherds in the field
Angels call him christ the lord
But I call my jesus king emmanuel
Everytime the little baby cried
She rocked him in a weary land

Ain't that rockin' for the world
Ain't that rockin' for the world
Ain't that
Oh, she rocked

Oh, she rocked and rocked
She rocked him in a weary

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Brian McKnight's "Hail Mary" describe the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Mary, his mother. In the first verse, Mary is depicted as a loving mother who rocks her newborn baby, born in Bethlehem, whenever he cries in their weary surroundings. Despite the difficult and humble circumstances of the baby's birth, Mary comforts and cares for her child with tenderness and love. The repetition of the phrase, "Ain't that rockin' for the world," emphasizes the profundity of this simple act of maternal care and suggests that it has a significant impact on the wider world beyond the manger.

The second verse describes the situation surrounding the baby's birth more specifically, with the mention of a "lowly manager" and the lack of space in the inn. The song then transitions to the biblical story of the shepherds who were visited by an angel and informed of the birth of Jesus. The angel calls the baby "Christ the Lord," but Mary refers to him as "King Emmanuel," perhaps highlighting the dual nature of Jesus as both a divine figure and a human one, who is loved by his earthly mother. Once again, Mary is depicted as rocking her child in a "weary land," emphasizing her strong maternal instincts and her love and care for her son.

Overall, the lyrics to "Hail Mary" emphasize the tenderness and devotion of Mary as a mother, and the profound impact that her love and care have on the world through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Line by Line Meaning

Mary had a little baby,
Mary gave birth to a child in Bethlehem

Born in bethlehem
The child was born in Bethlehem

Everytime the little baby cried
Whenever the baby cried

She rocked him in a weary land
Mary comforted the baby in a difficult situation

Ain't that rockin' for the world
Isn't this comforting action meaningful for everyone

Ain't that
Isn't that the truth

Oh, she rocked
Oh, how she comforted the baby

Oh, she rocked and rocked
She kept comforting the baby

She rocked him in a weary land
Mary comforted the baby in a difficult situation

He was born in a lowly manager
He was born in a humble manger

'cause there was found no room in the inn
Because there was no place for them to stay