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.
If It Was Cool
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I might cross the room, that you're leading,
And I can't deny that I want you.
So I make my way up to you,
No, I see that ring on your finger.
Telling me that I shouldn't linger.
It's such a shame, a disaster,
That it has to be this way,
But if it was cool.
It would be me and you.
Think of all the nasty things we could do.
That would something, but only,
"If" it was cool, but it ain't though,
Tell me, would he mind,
If I kissed ya,
Now he's at home, watching E-S-P-N
If I took you home, would he miss you?
But it don't' matter, 'cause I don't get down that way.
No, if you were mine, would you do this to me?
While I'm at home, watching reruns of Drag
Net with a bottle of Hennesey.
Would you be ashamed when you saw,
And what would you say?
But if it was cool.
It would be me and you.
Think of all the nasty things we could do.
That would something, but only,
"If" it was cool, but it ain't though,
Whoa, so nice to meet,
Oh, I try to teach you the best I could,
Like a true gentleman should.
Girl, I've gots to meet to him,
He right there, might just see it,
I'll be around, same bat time, same bat channel,
You know the station, whoa.
But if it was cool.
It would be me and you.
Think of all the nasty things we could do.
That would something, but only,
"If" it was cool, but it ain't though,
If it was cool.
If it was cool.
If it was cool.
That would something, but only,
"If" it was cool, but it ain't though,
We meet and everything was fine,
We were so young, everybody drove a Mercedes,
We got, so high, so low, wasn't so long ago,
We coulda fell in love, but your girl got in the mix,
Made you sick, drove you crazy,
Then one day came out your face with a pack of lies.
When other people get into your business,
They should really shut the hell up and take five,
And now you're sorry, you say baby I'm sorry.
I might be able to forgive you and forget, but I dunno yet.
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's song "If It Was Cool" delve into the complexities of attraction and temptation within a relationship. The singer observes a woman with whom he feels a strong connection, indicated by the look in her eyes as she leads him across the room. However, he notices a ring on her finger, signifying that she is already taken. This realization presents a barrier to any potential romantic involvement, as the societal norm dictates that he should not pursue her despite his desire.
The chorus reflects on the fantasy of what could happen if the circumstances were different. The singer imagines the forbidden possibilities and intimacies that could unfold between them if the situation permitted. He questions whether her partner would even notice if they engaged in a moment of intimacy, painting a picture of longing and yearning that is kept at bay by the constraints of reality.
The lyrics depict a sense of internal conflict and moral dilemma as the singer contemplates the consequences of acting upon his desires. He questions the loyalty and integrity of both himself and the woman in question, pondering how such actions would impact their respective relationships. The mention of watching television at home and reminiscing about past times emphasizes the contrast between fantasy and reality, highlighting the struggle between temptation and responsibility.
As the song progresses, there is a thematic shift towards reflection and regret. The singer recalls a time when things were simpler and possibilities seemed endless. However, a third party's interference led to turmoil and deceit, ultimately resulting in a moment of reckoning. The lyrics suggest a sense of uncertainty and the complexities of forgiveness, as the singer grapples with the aftermath of betrayal and the difficulty of moving forward.
Overall, "If It Was Cool" conveys a narrative of forbidden attraction, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of giving in to temptation. It explores the blurred lines between desire and responsibility, painting a nuanced portrait of human emotions and the complexities of relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I see that look in your eyes, girl,
Observing the expression in your eyes, indicating your interest.
I might cross the room, that you're leading,
I might approach you, as you seem to be beckoning me.
And I can't deny that I want you.
I cannot hide the fact that I desire you.
So I make my way up to you,
I proceed to come closer to you.
No, I see that ring on your finger.
However, I notice the ring on your finger, implying you are taken.
Telling me that I shouldn't linger.
Sending a signal that I should not pursue a romantic interest.
It's such a shame, a disaster,
It is regretful and unfortunate.
That it has to be this way,
That the situation has to be like this.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT, MICHAEL BRANDON BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind