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.
Just Lemme Know
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say you want me but right know you can't stay
Day after day passes, getting older
What do you want from me baby?
Things you told me, had me believing
That you love me, but right now you can leave
Lately I've been feeling like the you've been deceiving
Tell me, just let me know
The way you wanna play it, just let me know
Write me a letter if you can't say it, just let me know
The way you want me to be, is it him or is it me?
If you need time, in the meantime, just let me know
If you're not sure then let's be honest
Make up your mind it's too high a price to pay
You gotta know that my heart might break
From trust, from broken promise
What do you want from me baby?
If you think I'm foolish, you got me mistaken
If you can't love me then why not to set me free?
What do you want from me? Tell me, just let me know
(Let me know, let me know)
The way you wanna play it, just let me know
Write me a letter if you can't say it, just let me know
The way you want me to be, is it him or is it me
If you need time, in the meantime, just let me know
What's on your mind, don't wanna waste
(Don't wanna waste more time)wanna waste more time
(Just tell me now) now (how you feel)
I need to know if it's done or what we have is for real
Let me know, let me know
Where you wanna play it, just let me know
(Let me know, let me know)
Write me a letter if you can't say it, just let me know
The way you want me to be, is it him or is it me
If you need time, in the meantime, just let me know
Let me know, let me know
Where you wanna play it, just let me know
(Let me know, let me know)
Write me a letter if you can't say it, just let me know
The way you want me to be, is it him or is it me
If you need time, in the meantime, just let me know
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's song "Just Lemme Know" are about a tumultuous relationship where the singer's partner is sending mixed signals about their feelings and intentions. The partner keeps crying on the singer's shoulder and saying they want them, but then they can't stay. The singer is getting older and frustrated with the situation, questioning what their partner really wants from them. They were led to believe that their partner loved them, but now they feel like they are being deceived. The singer is asking their partner to be honest with their feelings and intentions, to let them know how they want to play the relationship. If their partner needs time, the singer is okay with it as long as they communicate it. However, if their partner is not sure of their feelings or intentions, the singer is willing to move on from the relationship because it is too high a price to pay.
The singer also expresses that they do not want to waste their time in a relationship where they do not know where they stand. They need to know if their partner's feelings and intentions are genuine and if the relationship is for real. The repeated line "let me know" emphasizes the singer's need for clarity in their relationship.
Overall, the song portrays the frustration, confusion, and longing for clarity that can come with a confusing and uncertain relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we go again with the crying on my shoulder
You keep coming back to me with your problems and tears, seeking my comfort.
Say you want me but right now you can't stay
You express your desire for me, but at the same time, you are unable to commit to a relationship with me.
Day after day passes, getting older
Time keeps moving forward, and we are not getting any younger.
What do you want from me baby?
You are confusing me with your mixed signals and I need clarity on what you really want from this relationship.
Things you told me, had me believing
Your words and promises made me believe that you loved me and were committed to me.
That you love me, but right now you can leave
Your love for me seems to be conditional and temporary, and you are willing to walk away from it.
Lately I've been feeling like the you've been deceiving
I am beginning to suspect that you are not being truthful with me and hiding something from me.
What do you want from me?
I need you to communicate your intentions and desires regarding our relationship.
Tell me, just let me know
Please be honest and transparent with me and tell me what you want and how you feel.
The way you wanna play it, just let me know
Be clear and upfront with me about what kind of relationship you want to have with me.
Write me a letter if you can't say it, just let me know
If you find it difficult to express yourself in person, write to me so that we can have an honest conversation about our relationship.
The way you want me to be, is it him or is it me?
I need to know if there is someone else in your life and if you are comparing me to them.
If you need time, in the meantime, just let me know
If you need time to figure out what you want, let me know so that I don't assume there is something wrong with our relationship.
If you're not sure then let's be honest
If you are unsure about what you want, then let's be truthful with each other and not play games.
Make up your mind it's too high a price to pay
Not making a decision and keeping me hanging is too costly and it is taking a toll on me emotionally.
You gotta know that my heart might break
If you continue to be indecisive and lead me on, it will eventually hurt me deeply.
From trust, from broken promise
My broken heart will result from losing trust in you and feeling betrayed by your broken promises.
If you think I'm foolish, you got me mistaken
If you are taking advantage of my feelings and assuming that I am a fool, you are wrong.
If you can't love me then why not to set me free?
If you are unable or unwilling to love me the way I deserve, then it is better to end things and let me go.
(Let me know, let me know)
Reiterating the request to be honest and communicative with me.
What's on your mind, don't wanna waste
I want to know what is going on in your head and not waste any more time wondering.
(Don't wanna waste more time)wanna waste more time
Time is precious, and I do not want to spend it waiting for answers that may never come.
(Just tell me now) now (how you feel)
Urgently requesting that you tell me how you feel right now so that we can move forward accordingly.
I need to know if it's done or what we have is for real
I need clarity on whether you see a future for us or if it is time to move on for good.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Kelly McKnight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind