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.
Hungry 4 U
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can we sing
In a strange land
They can't seem
To comprehend
They don't understand
In our song
Is from the heart
It 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
Among 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
The lyrics to Brian McKnight's song Hungry 4 U express the challenges that come with making music that speaks to people in unfamiliar territories. The opening lines, "Some ask us how, How can we sing, In a strange land" brings to light the confusion people have when trying to understand how music can be made in a foreign land. However, the song goes on to explain that the message in their song comes from the heart, and distance doesn't matter when a message is pure. If they can touch just one person through their music, then they have done what they came to do. The song's chorus reinforces the idea that everything they do, they do it for the listener.
Further into the song, the lyrics take on a more religious tone as it acknowledges their talents are gifts from god. When they perform for their listeners, they are not only performing for each other but also for the lord. This is emphasized in the line, "My lord, you put it down for us, So we put it down for you." The need to do their best in their craft comes from their gratitude towards their talents.
This song is a reminder that music is a universal language that can overcome all borders and bounds when performed with sincerity. Brian McKnight is conveying that despite cultural differences, hope and faithfulness can be spread through a song. The lyrics additionally reveal how humbling it is to be an artist and how important it is that they don't take the gifts bestowed on them for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
Some ask us how
People often ask us how
How can we sing
How are we able to sing
In a strange land
In a place that feels unfamiliar
They can't seem
They appear unable
To comprehend
To understand or grasp
They don't understand
They lack the understanding
That the message
That the meaning or essence
In our song
Embedded in our music
Is from the heart
Comes from within us
It Doesn't matter
It is not significant
How near
How close
Doesn't matter
It is not important
How far
How distant
If there be one
If there is someone
That is touched
Who is moved or touched emotionally
By the things
By what we do or create
That we do
That comes naturally to us
Then we're satisfied
We feel content or fulfilled
Satisfied
Fulfilled or content
And we did
And we have accomplished
What we came
What we intended or set out to do
To do
To accomplish or complete
Then we'll rejoice
Then we will celebrate
Among ourselves
With each other
'Till we get
Until we arrive or reach
Where we're goin'to
Our intended destination
Everything we do
Every action we take
We do it for you
We do it for the listener or audience
My lord
My God or deity
You put it down
You have provided for us or assisted us
For us
For our sake or benefit
So we put it down
So we offer something in return
For you
For the listener or audience
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Kelly McKnight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind