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.
The Biggest Part of Me
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A broken Heart
You promise yourself
To never let it happen again
Don't want to think about it
Don't want to dream about it
But it finds it's way back into your head
The "I need you"'s
They're only words that people say
They're just words
When they're hand in hand
With the games that people play
If I never see the top of a mountain
If I never set foot in the sea
I promise you I'll love you forever
You'll always be
The biggest part of me
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will follow
You've changed the way that I need to think
I promise you I'll you forever
You'll always be
The biggest part of me
Take a look at me
I let you have my heart
I swore I'd never let it happen again
I'm not mad about it
I'm kinda glad about it
Cause I know on you girl
I can depend
The "I love you"'s
The "I need you"'s
They're only words that people say
They're just words
When they're hand in hand
With the games that people play
(But) If I never see the top of a mountain
If I never set foot in the sea
I promise you I'll love you forever
You'll always be
The biggest part of me
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will follow
You've changed the way that I need to think
I promise you I'll you forever
You'll always be
The biggest part of me
I believe
Yes, I believe
I believe in love again
And I swear
I'll always be there
Isn't this the way that it should be?
If I never see the top of a mountain
If I never set foot in the sea
I promise you I'll love you forever
You'll always be
The biggest part of me
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will follow
You've changed the way that I need to think
I promise you I'll you forever
You'll always be
The biggest part of me
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's song The Biggest Part of Me, explore the pain of a broken heart while also highlighting the power of love. The song begins with the singer addressing someone who has experienced a broken heart in the past, and acknowledging the reluctance to open themselves up to the vulnerability of love again. However, the singer's perception of love changes when they meet someone who changes the way they need to think.
The chorus repeatedly reassures the love interest that they will always be the biggest part of the singer, no matter where they go or what they do. The lyrics "if I never see the top of a mountain, if I never set foot in the sea" signify that the singer is willing to sacrifice everything physical in life as long as they have the love of their life beside them. Ultimately, McKnight declares that he believes in love again and that he will always be there for the love of his life.
The song allows the listeners to understand the power of love, that it can conquer one's fears, and reassure them that love can make life's downside worth the journey. The song’s message is unquestionable, and it is so relatable to everyone who has ever been in love or experienced heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
If You've ever had
If you've ever gone through a heartbreak
A broken Heart
When someone you loved caused you emotional pain by ending the relationship
You promise yourself
You make a commitment to yourself
To never let it happen again
To never let anyone hurt you like that again
Don't want to think about it
You try to block out the memory of the heartbreak and not dwell on it
Don't want to dream about it
You don't want to have dreams about it since it reopens wounds
But it finds it's way back into your head
But the memory of the heartbreak keeps reappearing in your thoughts
The 'I love you's
The expressione of love
The 'I need you's
The expression of a necessity of someone
They're only words that people say
Sometimes, people might say these words to mislead others and not really mean them
They're just words
They are simply uttered sounds that have no meaning when not followed by corresponding actions
When they're hand in hand
When people also manipulating and playing with one's affection alongside their professions of love and need
With the games that people play
People often play mind games and do not show genuine emotions
If I never see the top of a mountain
Even if I don't get to accomplish all my dreams
If I never set foot in the sea
Even if I don't get to experience all the amazing things in this world
I promise you I'll love you forever
I vow to love you eternally
You'll always be
I promise that you will always remain
The biggest part of me
The most substantial and significant part of who I am
Wherever you go
No matter where you travel
Whatever you do
No matter how you choose to live your life
I will follow
I will always stand by your side and support you
You've changed the way that I need to think
You've influenced my perspective and the way I need to approach life now
I believe
I have faith
Yes, I believe
Absolutely, I trust in it
I believe in love again
I have found love once more and believe it is real
And I swear
I promise with conviction
I'll always be there
I will always be by your side
Isn't this the way that it should be?
Don't you think love should be this strong and unwavering?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind