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.
One of the One's Who Did
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whose mother and father is across the waters
Fighting the war that they know nothing about
We pray for You tonight, God help us, listen
We're running outta time, can't waste it, can't waste it
Have you seen the news today?
War is on the uprise, who said it was to be this way?
This life's all I have to live and I'll gladly give it
To be one of the one's who did, thank You
Ever since creation, we've been counting down the time
From then to now and we will see, nations fighting nations
I hide the world inside my heart then I read about
Man inventing weapons of mass destruction to tear us all apart
But like the rising of the sun
We're waiting for You to come and take us away
Those of us who believe in You, believe me when I say
We're running outta time, can't waste it
Have you seen it, have you seen the news today? Guess what?
War is on the uprise, who said it was to be this way?
Lord, I know that millions won't make it, but I'm so glad Jesus
This life's all I have to live and I'll gladly give it
To be one of the one's who did
I'm gonna hang on to You, Lord
I'm gonna stay strong for You Lord, yeah
I'm gonna keep holding on, gonna keep holding on
To Your unchanging hand, Lord You know the plan
That You have for me, it's not my will
But Your way, and I'm gonna follow that way, Lord
Oh Lordy, with a made-up mind, I'm willing to go on through
I'm not gonna worry about what my friends might say
Or my friends might do, hey
I'm gonna follow You, Lord, I'm gonna follow You, Lord
If I let it all go, if my momma, if my momma don't go
If my sista don't go, if my brotha don't go
I'm going, I'm going through, Lord
If my preacher don't go, said I'm going
Oh Lordy, oh Lordy, oh Lordy
I surrender all with a made-up mind
I'm going through, oh, care
So Father, we pray right now that You hear our cries
For peace, for restoration, give us hope right now
Without You we can't make it, we've tried and we're sorry
But we look to the hills, from it cometh our help
'Cause we know our help comes from You
We're gonna hold on, I said we're gonna hold on to You
We're not gonna let go this time, Father
We're gonna trust and have faith, the size of a mustard seed
Bless your name, Father, You're worthy, You're worthy, thank You
Brian McKnight's song "One Of The Ones Who Did" is a soulful, reflective ballad that touches on the themes of war, faith, and hope. The song begins with a prayer for the children whose parents are fighting wars across the water. As the song progresses, the singer urges the listener to focus on the quality of their own lives, to live fully and intentionally, despite the backdrop of war and fear.
The song expresses a sense of urgency and encourages the listener to hold onto their faith and remain hopeful amidst the turmoil of the present. The lyrics speak to a longing for peace, the importance of living with purpose and gaining strength through faith.
In the bridge, the singer expresses his determination to follow God's plan and surrender all to Him. The song ends with a plea for peace and restoration, emphasizing that our help comes from the divine.
Overall, "One Of The Ones Who Did" is a touching and emotional song that speaks to the human desire for meaning, hope, and faith in the midst of chaos, war, and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
For every little girl and every little boy
This song is dedicated to all the children whose parents are away fighting wars they do not understand.
Whose mother and father is across the waters
The children's mothers and fathers are currently stationed in other countries.
Fighting the war that they know nothing about
The parents are fighting wars that the children cannot comprehend.
We pray for You tonight, God help us, listen
The singer is asking for God's help and guidance during these difficult times.
We're running outta time, can't waste it, can't waste it
There is a sense of urgency in this song, and there is no time to waste.
Have you seen the news today?
The singer is referencing the constant stream of negative news coming in every day about the state of the world.
War is on the uprise, who said it was to be this way?
The singer is questioning why there is so much war and violence in the world.
Lord, I know that millions won't make it, yes, Lord
The singer acknowledges that many people will suffer and die in times of war and conflict.
This life's all I have to live and I'll gladly give it
The singer is willing to sacrifice their life to fight for what they believe in.
To be one of the one's who did, thank You
The singer wants to be one of the brave men and women who fought for a better world.
Ever since creation, we've been counting down the time
People have been marking time since the beginning of human history.
From then to now and we will see, nations fighting nations
There has always been and there will likely always be conflict and violence between different nations.
I hide the world inside my heart then I read about
The singer is shocked and saddened by the terrible things happening in the world, even though they try to keep it out of their mind.
Man inventing weapons of mass destruction to tear us all apart
The singer is referring to the devastating effects of war and the terrible weapons that humans have created to cause mass destruction.
But like the rising of the sun
Just as the sun rises every morning, the singer believes that a better future is possible.
We're waiting for You to come and take us away
The singer is hoping for some kind of divine intervention or miracle to save humanity from itself.
Those of us who believe in You, believe me when I say
The singer believes that true believers will be saved in the end and will go on to a better place.
I'm gonna hang on to You, Lord
The singer is affirming their faith and commitment to a higher power.
I'm gonna keep holding on, gonna keep holding on
The singer refuses to give up or lose hope in the face of difficult times.
To Your unchanging hand, Lord You know the plan
The singer trusts in God's plan, even though it is not always clear or easy to understand.
That You have for me, it's not my will
The singer acknowledges that their life is not completely under their own control, and that there is a higher power at work.
I'm gonna follow that way, Lord
The singer is committed to following the path that God has set for them.
Oh Lordy, with a made-up mind, I'm willing to go on through
The singer is determined and resolute in their faith, no matter what obstacles they may face.
If I let it all go, if my momma, if my momma don't go
The singer is saying that even if they lose everything, they will still hold on to their faith and beliefs.
If my sista don't go, if my brotha don't go
The singer is saying that even if their family or loved ones do not share their faith, they will still stay true to their beliefs.
I'm going, I'm going through, Lord
The singer is determined to keep fighting for what they believe in, no matter what obstacles they may face.
So Father, we pray right now that You hear our cries
The singer is asking God to hear their prayers and pleas for help and guidance.
For peace, for restoration, give us hope right now
The singer is praying for peace and for a better world, and asking for hope that this is possible.
Without You we can't make it, we've tried and we're sorry
The singer acknowledges that humans cannot solve all their problems alone, and apologizes for their shortcomings.
But we look to the hills, from it cometh our help
The singer is quoting from the Bible (Psalm 121) and expressing their faith that God will provide the help they need.
We're gonna hold on to You, I said we're gonna hold on to You
The singer is reaffirming their faith and commitment to God.
We're not gonna let go this time, Father
The singer is saying that this time, they will not give up or lose hope.
We're gonna trust and have faith, the size of a mustard seed
The singer is referencing a Biblical passage (Matthew 17:20) and saying that even a small amount of faith can have a big impact.
Bless your name, Father, You're worthy, You're worthy, thank You
The singer is praising God and thanking them for their blessings.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
trixielolo77
I bought this cd when it came out and this song of all, hit me to the core when I reached the end of the cd, I adored it. He sings so beautifully, he sings to my heart.
Luis Hernandez Martinez
What's funny is I remember buying this CD but I don't remember this song. Just recently heard it and now it stays on repeat. Finally saw him in concert excellent talented musician!!!!!
MrBlactye
Brian and Kirk did such amazing job on this song. Thank You Lord for these 2 guys and this song they have given us.
Thomas B
outstanding song by mr mcknight, he is one of the greats of all time
Ralph Rodriguez
I believe that Brian McKnight has been appointed by the Creator on God to send messages to the masses of the young as well as the old to share in the love and to show the world and there's nothing here that cannot be defeated i standing with the Lord yeah just renewed many broken lives through his song I as a witness emulate and practice singing his praises is voice is a miracle to all who hear it I too have been blessed to be able to use my voice and to put into practice his words encouragement thank you Brian thank you lord.
Richard H
Brian I saw you in concert back in 1998 in Atlanta. You will always be my favorite singer. People who gave this song a thumbs down should be ashamed and I'm gonna pray for you all for your heart is filled with hate.
Richard H
Eddie Williams yes the Lord is a great Lord for blessing us with gifts. Have a happy blessed day bro. 🙏
Eddie Williams
Richard H it's a repentant heart thank God for His great forgiveness and giving talents to men. Go Brian!🎵🎸🎹🎷📻🎤😀🎙👀
Zan Ma Ger
Man he is so talented n annoited brother, absolutely Brian mcknight. ...
Hilda Alaway
I enjoy Brain McKnight too him is anointed as well. He's sing what's live for is God.