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.
Night People
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lookin' at each other
Waitin' for something to happen
Night people, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Waitin' for something to happen
While the day world is sleeping
Lookin' at each other
When the day world stops moving
Night people start groovin', hangin' out
Lookin' for something to happen
While the day world are hanging'
Night people start swanging, hangin' out
Lookin' for something to happen
Night people, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Waitin' for something to happen
Can't have one kind, but not the other
Got to keep the world alive
If everybody went to sleep at the same time
Every night the world would die
Night people, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Waitin' for something to happen
Can't have one kind, but not the other
Got to keep the world alive
If everybody went to sleep at the same time
Every night the world would die
Gotta see who's with you
Who's with me
Who's with who, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Gotta see what ya wearing
What ya got
What ya sharing, hangin' out
Waiting for something to happen
Gotta see who's with you
Who's with me
Who's with who, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Once the day world goes blind
Night people doin' fine, hangin' out
Lookin' for something to happen
When the day bees stop humming
Night people start coming, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Night people, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Waitin' for something to happen
Night people, hangin' out
Lookin' at each other
Waitin' for something to happen
The lyrics to Brian McKnight's "Night People" showcase the perpetual divide between those who prefer the nighttime and those who prefer the daytime. The song is a celebration of the world that comes alive when the sun sets, when "night people" come out to play. These people are portrayed as a sort of subculture, forging connections with one another beneath the cover of darkness. There is a sense of anticipation and mischief in the air, as they wait "for something to happen."
McKnight seems to suggest that if everyone slept at the same time, the world would die, emphasizing that two opposing forces are necessary for life to thrive. The night people, in their own way, keep the world alive. The song doesn't necessarily condemn either lifestyle, however, and recognizes the importance of both. "Can't have one kind, but not the other," McKnight cautions, urging listeners to embrace the balance that each side brings to existence.
Overall, "Night People" is a tribute to the charms of the nighttime, the company of strangers, and the anticipation of the unknown. It recognizes that even though night people are often seen as outsiders, they play an important role in keeping the world turning.
Line by Line Meaning
Night people, hangin' out
People who come alive at night are hanging out
Lookin' at each other
They are looking at one another
Waitin' for something to happen
They are waiting for some event to occur
While the day world is sleeping
While the world during the day is resting
When the day world stops moving
When the busy traffic of the day dies down
While the day world are hanging'
During the day when people are stalling
Night people start swanging
The night owls start enjoying themselves
Can't have one kind, but not the other
It's essential to have both day people and night people
Got to keep the world alive
It's essential to keep the world full of activity
Gotta see who's with you
Need to know who is around you
Waiting for something to happen
Anticipating an exciting event
Once the day world goes blind
When the day world fades into darkness
When the day bees stop humming
When the busy chatter of the day fails
Night people start coming
Night people start their night activities
Contributed by Lila D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Viera
That band is savage. And a vocal to match.
Ali.Abassa
thank's for sharing!