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.
Last Dance
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fa la la la
Fa la la la
Fa la la la la hey
Fa la la la
Fa la la la
Fa la la la ooh
Do I know more than we knew then?
Or do we know less and we just pretend
Your brought out my heart and walked away
Your eyes tell me more than words could ever say
[Chorus]
Should we take a chance
And dance the last dance?
Should we spend the night
One last time
Caught up in this romance
Or maybe wait and see, let it be
The way that it will be
Should we take a chance
And dance the last dance
How can I be wrong?
When I feel the way I feel
How can I deny, emotions that's so real
In the middle of the night
I call out your name
Do I ever cross your mind?
Do you feel the same?
[Chorus]
Let me go, come to me
Which way is the way it should be
This is so bittersweet
There's no way that we can love enough to show
If we take the chance
[Chorus]
Brian McKnight's Last Dance is an honest and vulnerable song expressing the hesitation of two people who have gone through a relationship but needed to say goodbye. The opening Fa la la la is the song's instrumental that establishes the initial mood of the song. The lyrics start off with a philosophical question, "Do I know more than we knew then? Or do we know less and we just pretend." The singer reflects on his past relationship and wonders if he still knows his former lover. He goes on to say that she had brought out his heart, and the eyes tell him more than words ever could. Looking back regrets seem mixed with lingering affection.
The chorus, "Should we take a chance and dance the last dance? Should we spend the night one last time Caught up in this romance?" is McKnight's invitation to his former lover to spend one last night together or dance the last dance. He is conflicted about what to do, but the feelings are too strong to ignore. Part of him is holding back while the other part wants to go for it.
McKnight expresses uncertainty yet also undeniable emotion when he sings "How can I be wrong? When I feel the way I feel. How can I deny emotions that's so real?" With this statement, he lays bare his heart and tells us that he still feels something for his former lover. However, the song ends with lyric-less instrumental music, suggesting that the answer is left to our imagination.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement with something previously said or done.
Fa la la la
Singing a joyful, nonsensical sound representing the feeling of happiness in the moment.
Do I know more than we knew then?
Wondering if personal growth and experiences have changed our perspectives since a previous point in time.
Or do we know less and we just pretend
Questioning whether or not we have really gained knowledge or are just pretending to have it.
Your brought out my heart and walked away
Acknowledging that someone has had a significant impact on your emotions, but ultimately left.
Your eyes tell me more than words could ever say
Recognizing that someone's body language can reveal more about their feelings than their spoken words.
[Chorus]
Proposal of a potential decision that needs to be made collectively between person A and person B.
Should we take a chance
Asking if it would be worth taking a risk in whatever situation they are in.
And dance the last dance?
Suggesting that they should make the most of the situation and not hold back.
Should we spend the night
Asking if they should commit to taking advantage of the time they have together.
One last time
Implying that this may be the last chance they have to experience something like this.
Caught up in this romance
Acknowledging that they are currently involved in a romantic situation.
Or maybe wait and see, let it be
Questioning whether or not it would be wise to hold off and let things happen naturally without forcing anything.
The way that it will be
Accepting the natural unfolding of events without trying to control them.
How can I be wrong?
Expressing certainty in one's feelings based on intuition and emotion.
When I feel the way I feel
Using personal feelings as a way to confirm one's beliefs and actions.
How can I deny, emotions that's so real
Pointing out the difficulty in denying feelings that are deeply felt and genuine.
In the middle of the night
Reflecting on emotions that still linger, even in the midst of a long day.
I call out your name
Admitting to thinking and daydreaming about someone often.
Do I ever cross your mind?
Asking a rhetorical question, wondering if they hold the same significance to the other person as they do to themselves.
Do you feel the same?
Questioning whether or not the other person shares the same emotional intensity.
Let me go, come to me
Expressing a sense of longing for the other person, but a feeling of surrender that they may not feel the same way.
Which way is the way it should be
Admitting to feeling lost and uncertain in this situation, wondering where it might go.
This is so bittersweet
Acknowledging the mixed emotions and potential pain that comes with the situation at hand.
There's no way that we can love enough to show
Expressing the idea that love may not be enough to save them or make this situation work.
[Chorus]
Proposal of a potential decision that needs to be made collectively between person A and person B.
If we take the chance
Expressing the hope that if they do take a chance, it will lead to more positive than negative outcomes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT, MICHAEL BRANDON BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind