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.
Played Yourself
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't you see I'm not surprised
That you think that I'm a fool
Hey
'Cause you think that no one sees
And you think you're playin' me
I just think that your confused
You're playin' you, baby
You didn't think that I would catch you
You didn't know how I knew
You didn't think your girl would tell on you
You played yourself that way
She was your bestfriend in your eyes
But she told me the flip side
Guess she wanted in my life
If you would've seen her plan
Would've known I was the man
That she desired to have
You were too blind to see
You didn't think that I would catch you
You didn't know how I knew
You didn't think your girl would tell on you
You played yourself that way
I waited
Look enough for you to throw your cards
You played it
But playin'didn't get you very far
You didn't think that I would catch you
You didn't know how I knew
You didn't think your girl would tell on you
You played yourself that way
In Brian McKnight's song "Played Yourself", the singer addresses a partner who has been dishonest and deceitful in their relationship. The opening lines emphasize the partner's repeated lies and the singer's lack of surprise. The partner believes they are fooling the singer and others, but the singer sees right through their behavior. The chorus repeats the phrase "you played yourself", pointing out that the partner has caused their own downfall.
The second verse introduces a new perspective - that of the partner's supposed best friend. The friend has provided information to the singer, possibly out of a desire to be with the singer themselves. The partner was unaware of this plan and again underestimated their own actions. The chorus repeats and emphasizes once more that the partner has only themselves to blame.
The final lines of the song suggest that the singer has been waiting for the partner to reveal their true nature, perhaps hoping for a reveal that would prevent further harm. However, the partner's actions did not get them very far.
Overall, the lyrics of "Played Yourself" critique deceitful behavior in relationships, emphasizing that such actions never truly benefit the perpetrator.
Line by Line Meaning
All you do is tell me lies
You consistently deceive me.
Can't you see I'm not surprised
I am not shocked by your behavior.
That you think that I'm a fool
You consider me to be gullible and easily fooled.
Hey
An informal greeting.
'Cause you think that no one sees
You believe that your deceptive acts go unnoticed.
And you think you're playin' me
You assume that you are tricking me.
I just think that your confused
I believe that you are mistaken.
You're playin' you, baby
Your actions ultimately harm yourself.
You didn't think that I would catch you
You did not expect to be caught in your deception.
You didn't know how I knew
You were unaware of how I discovered the truth.
You didn't think your girl would tell on you
You did not anticipate your girlfriend revealing your secrets.
You played yourself that way
You ended up causing your own downfall.
She was your bestfriend in your eyes
You considered her to be your closest friend.
But she told me the flip side
She informed me of the other side of the story.
Guess she wanted in my life
She desired to be a part of my life instead of yours.
If you would've seen her plan
If you had been more perceptive, you would have noticed her intentions.
Would've known I was the man
You would have realized that I was the one she was interested in.
That she desired to have
She wanted to be with me instead of you.
You were too blind to see
You were unaware of what was happening right in front of you.
I waited
I was patient.
Look enough for you to throw your cards
I observed carefully until you made a mistake.
You played it
You made a poor decision.
But playin' didn't get you very far
Your actions did not work in your favor.
You didn't think that I would catch you
You did not expect to be caught in your deception.
You didn't know how I knew
You were unaware of how I discovered the truth.
You didn't think your girl would tell on you
You did not anticipate your girlfriend revealing your secrets.
You played yourself that way
You ended up causing your own downfall.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN MCKNIGHT, FRED JERKINS III, LASHAWN AMEEN DANIELS, RODNEY JERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind