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.
I Can't Go For That
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Easy, ready, willing, overtime
Where does it stop where do you dare me to draw the line
Use the body now you want my soul
Oh, forget about it no say no go
Yeah, I, I'll do anything that you want me to, yeah
I'll do almost anything that you want me to, yeah
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, can't go for that
Can't go for that, can't go for that
I can't go for being twice as nice
I can't go on for just repeating the same old line
Use the body now you want my soul
Oh, forget about it now say no go
Yeah, I, I'll do anything that you want me to, yeah
I'll do almost anything that you want me to, yeah
But I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, can't go for that
Can't go for that, can't go for that
Yeah, I, I'll do anything that you want me to, yeah
I'll do almost anything that you want me to, yeah
But I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, can't go for that
Can't go for that, can't go for that
Jump into you're eldy just like a swimming pool
Head first to quench for thirst but ended up the fool
Stay cool I wish that I could
But I can't so I shan't
Keep giving it all that I got to give
And that's a hell of a lot of a plan
Why can't you see that I'm the man
Our love could of been great
But a mistake is what you made
My cuisine you're dissin the plate
Never the giver just the taker
Take a listen to the the fact, in fact
Can't go for that
Yeah, I, I'll do anything that you want me to, yeah
I'll do almost anything that you want me to, yeah
But I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, can't go for that
Can't go for that, can't go for that
Yeah, I, I'll do anything that you want me to, yeah
I'll do almost anything that you want me to, yeah
But I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, no, no can do
I can't go for that, can't go for that
Can't go for that, can't go for that
In Brian McKnight's "I Can't Go For That," the singer addresses a lover who is trying to control him and his actions. McKnight is willing to do almost anything his lover requests, but he draws the line when it comes to losing his identity and sacrificing his soul for their relationship. He talks about how he can't go on repeating the same old lines or being twice as nice, as his lover wants. He feels let down by the relationship because he was the only one giving, and his lover only took from him. So, he refuses to comply with the demands and asserts his own identity.
The chorus repeats multiple times and acts as a catchphrase of the song. The singer asserts that he cannot go for what the lover wants him to do, no can do. The usage of the phrase signals that the singer understands where the relationship is heading, and he decides to put his foot down. He wants his lover to understand that he won't tolerate the same old pattern of behavior, and he won't go for that.
Overall, the song is a defiant yet sad ode to an unbalanced relationship where one party has more control and the other feels unfulfilled. The singer wants to give more but won't sacrifice himself in the process. He wants his lover to respect his identity and will not go for what his lover demands him to do.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I'll do anything that you want me to, yeah
The singer is willing to comply with the other person's requests and desires.
Easy, ready, willing, overtime
The singer is prepared and eager to put forth extra effort to fulfill the other person's wishes.
Where does it stop where do you dare me to draw the line
The singer is questioning how much further the other person will push them and is hesitant to cross certain boundaries.
Use the body now you want my soul
The other person is taking advantage of the artist physically and emotionally.
Oh, forget about it no say no go
The artist is refusing to continue with this situation and is saying no to the other person's demands.
I can't go for being twice as nice
The singer can't keep up with the other person's high expectations and demands for constant pleasing behavior.
I can't go on for just repeating the same old line
The singer is unable to continue saying or doing the same things over and over again without any change or growth in the relationship.
Jump into you're eldy just like a swimming pool
The artist's actions were impulsive and without much thought, leading them to dive headfirst into something that may not be good for them.
Head first to quench for thirst but ended up the fool
The artist acted recklessly, hoping to satisfy their desire for something, but ended up making a mistake and feeling foolish as a result.
Stay cool I wish that I could, but I can't so I shan't
The artist wants to remain calm and collected, but is unable to do so and won't continue to pretend as if they can.
Keep giving it all that I got to give
The singer has been putting forth significant effort to make the relationship work and meet the other person's needs.
And that's a hell of a lot of a plan
The artist's effort and dedication to the relationship is commendable and should be taken into account.
Why can't you see that I'm the man
The singer is frustrated that the other person is not recognizing their worth and effort in the relationship.
Our love could of been great
The singer believes that the potential for a great relationship was there, but things went wrong.
But a mistake is what you made
The other person made a mistake that negatively affected the relationship.
My cuisine you're dissin the plate
The artist's efforts to please the other person are unappreciated and criticized.
Never the giver just the taker
The other person is only taking from the relationship without contributing much, if anything.
Take a listen to the the fact, in fact
The singer is urging the other person to listen to the truth and reality of the situation.
Can't go for that
The singer cannot continue to go along with the other person's behavior and demands.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sara Allen, John Oates, Daryl Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bulldog Brower
Daryl Hall and John Oates gotta be proud of this version, good cover Brian.
Maggy Yaksic
I guess this is why I love Hall and Oates and Brian Mcknight so much! He does a pretty good job and I love how he stays true to the integrity of the original vocal of the song. I would love to see Brian mcknight on live at Daryl's house!
anthill927
I love your version Brian i think your runs and adlibs at the end are genius...great version!
Ronisha Hearts
Good job remaking this classic Brian I love it
don knotts
this version isn't terrible, but it's ridiculous to think the original can be matched. the use of the synths and the vocal arrangements were as brilliant as pop music gets.
LGKids
One of my favorite jams to play on KJLU! Peace!
MrKiwispirit
Wow all these years later to find a gem like this awesome
Raul Pacheco
One of a kind voice Brian McKnight has the texture and smoothness of his volcals. are of the best R&B singers that we have had the privilege to have been blessed to hear for there is nothing more I can say but ballads he is none other than mr. Brian McKnight need I say more the words with LL Cool J I " don't think so
Amber Dickson
LOVE THIS SONG
Lisa Harris
He did a great job on this!