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 Me
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I try to right more than I'm wrong
I play the game, albeit not that well
I've done some things of which I'll never tell
When things are good, I stay the same
When things get bad, I don't complain
I may not be all that you hoped I will be
I come up short all over town
Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down
When I give back, I take a little for myself
I am just like anybody else
I play the fool, have but one vice
I am not always very nice
I live my life on stage, on queue
I do the things I have to do
Of this I am sure, life can be shit
I wouldn't change one day a bit
I may not be all that you hoped I will be
I know I am not the best you'll ever see
I may not be all that you hoped I would be
But I am just me
In this song, Brian McKnight reflects on his own flaws and imperfections. He acknowledges that he may not be the perfect person that his audience may have hoped for, but he remains true to himself and accepts who he is. He candidly admits to making mistakes, keeping secrets, and being like anyone else. He suggests that his realness takes precedence over any personal ideals that others may have created for him. By sharing these relatable and truthful sentiments, Brian McKnight establishes a sense of vulnerability that is often not expressed in popular music culture. Through the use of simple but effective language, he urges his listeners to accept themselves for who they are, accepting our weakness and strength, and find solace in the fact that being flawed is part of being human.
This song is an introspective reflection of Brian's life and just how he is perceived by others. The song acknowledges that there are times when he is not at his best, and he may disappoint people. However, he often rises to the occasion and tries to do his best. The song also makes it clear that even though Brian may not be the best artist ever seen or the perfect example of how to live your life, he is genuine and unapologetically himself. The song is a testament to accepting oneself, with all faults and failures included.
Line by Line Meaning
This is me, I write the songs
I am an artist and songwriter, and I take responsibility for my music and what it expresses.
I try to right more than I'm wrong
I strive to make meaningful music that portrays my experiences and emotions as honestly as possible.
I play the game, albeit not that well
I am not perfect and sometimes make mistakes, but I still try my best in life.
I've done some things of which I'll never tell
I have made some choices in my life that I prefer to keep private and not share with others.
When things are good, I stay the same
I am not influenced by success or fame and remain true to who I am as a person.
When things get bad, I don't complain
I don't let challenges or hardships bring me down and instead focus on finding solutions.
I may not be all that you hoped I will be
I understand that people may have their own expectations of me, but I cannot guarantee that I will meet them.
But I am just me
At the end of the day, I am only human and can only be true to myself and my own experiences.
I come up short all over town
I may not always live up to other people's expectations, and there are times when I disappoint others.
Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down
I go through highs and lows in my life just like anyone else, and my success is not always consistent.
When I give back, I take a little for myself
I am not perfect and sometimes fall into the trap of selfishness, even when I am trying to do good.
I am just like anybody else
Despite being a famous musician, I am still just a human being with flaws and struggles like everyone else.
I play the fool, have but one vice
I am not perfect and sometimes make foolish decisions, but I try to limit my negative behaviors to one area.
I am not always very nice
I don't always treat others with the kindness and respect they deserve, but I am working on being a better person.
I live my life on stage, on queue
As a musician, my life is often in the public eye and I am expected to perform on-demand for my fans.
I do the things I have to do
Even though my life can be challenging at times, I still have responsibilities that I need to fulfill.
Of this I am sure, life can be shit
I'm aware that life can be difficult and unfair, and that there will be times when things don't go my way.
I wouldn't change one day a bit
Despite the challenges I face, I appreciate and accept my life for what it is and wouldn't change any of it.
I know I am not the best you'll ever see
I accept that I may not be the most talented, successful, or well-liked musician out there, but I am still happy with who I am.
I may not be all that you hoped I would be
Once again, I acknowledge that people may have their own expectations of me, but I can only be myself and nothing more.
But I am just me
At the end of the day, all I can do is be true to myself and hope that others accept me for who I am.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Kelly McKnight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sglaspie2000
Brian, your songs just minister to my spirit. I've loved you gift for a great long time. I hope you keep blessing me through your songs for a long time to come. Your #1 fan for real.
RodrigoDigoJunho
Brian , obrigado por tocar meu coração com músicas que me fazem enxergar que ainda existe sentimento na vida !
RodrigoDigoJunho
Brian, thank you for touching my heart with songs that make me see that there is still a feeling in life!
Christopher Calhoun
I LOVE this song !!!!!!!!!!!!!
nahomy g
All you people who leave comments on this make me know and feel I'm not the only one who feel music should be more meaningful like this one of Brian mcknights. Thankyou everyone. -3 we all have something in common :)
Malinda Tuoto Bidinger
this is my anthem...this is honest showing vulnerability... I love this song!!
Malinda Tuoto Bidinger
My theme song I love it!!
Andrea Thomas
I love your music! Andrea J. Thomas
Kevin LexTer
brian mcknight!! FTW you make my world spin around again!
Mo Blessings
Looking like he takes good care of himself!