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.
Next 2 U
Brian McKnight Lyrics
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Never played to lose
It's not really a lie if you're telling half the truth
All the other girls, was just to pass the time
Til you let me get next to you (til you let me get next to you)
Til you let me get next to you (til you let me get next to you)
Never had a dream that ever came true
Til I hear
I'm a hold my breathe til you let me get next to you
What do you say
Could you feel the same way, about me
Can't you see
All I want is you. all I need is you
Never had much luck, mistakes I made a few
But I feel my luck has change, if you tell me what to do
I'm not would you'd you expect, if I come to bed
Would you let me get next to you
Would you let me get next to you
You stay on my mind, ever constantly
I won't show the best until you give you to me
I hunger for your touch, I could never get enough
If you let me get next to you
If you let me get next to you
The lyrics to Brian McKnight's song "next2U" describe a man who has never really been successful in love until he meets the woman he is singing to. He claims that he has never "dropped a dime" or played to lose, suggesting that he has always been a good guy, but has just never found the right person. He also mentions that while he may have told half-truths to other women, he never really felt anything for them – they were just passing time until he could be with the person he is singing to.
He goes on to say that he has never had a dream come true until he meets her, and that he is willing to hold his breath until he can be next to her. He asks if she feels the same way about him and says that all he wants and needs is her. He acknowledges that he hasn't had much luck in the past, but he feels like that has changed now that he's met her. He asks if he can come to bed with her and if she would let him get next to her.
Overall, the lyrics portray a romantic and earnest man who has finally found the person he wants to be with and who is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her.
Line by Line Meaning
Never dropped a dime
I have never given up or lost in love before.
Never played to lose
I always play to win in love.
It's not really a lie if you're telling half the truth
I may not be telling the whole truth, but at least I am being truthful to some extent.
All the other girls, was just to pass the time
I was just dating other girls to fill the void until I met the right girl.
Til you let me get next to you (til you let me get next to you)
Til you let me get next to you (til you let me get next to you)
I am eagerly waiting for the moment when I can be with you.
Never had a dream that ever came true
I have never experienced a dream that has actually come true.
Never met a girl who was anything like you
I have never come across a girl who is as special as you are.
Til I hear
I'm a hold my breath til you let me get next to you
I am holding my breath until I hear that you are ready to be with me.
What do you say
Could you feel the same way, about me
I am wondering if you have the same feelings for me that I have for you.
Can't you see
All I want is you. all I need is you
I just want you and need you in my life.
Never had much luck, mistakes I made a few
I have not had much luck in love and have made some mistakes in the past.
But I feel my luck has change, if you tell me what to do
I feel that my luck has changed if you can guide me on what to do to be with you.
I'm not would you'd you expect, if I come to bed
I may not be what you are expecting from me if I come to bed with you.
Would you let me get next to you
Would you let me get next to you
I am asking you to let me be with you.
You stay on my mind, ever constantly
You are always on my mind, constantly occupying my thoughts.
I won't show the best until you give you to me
I will not reveal my true self to you until you give yourself to me.
I hunger for your touch, I could never get enough
I have an insatiable desire for your touch and can never get enough of it.
If you let me get next to you
If you let me get next to you
I am still asking you to let me be with you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT S. KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind