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 Christmas Song
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And every mother's
Child is gonna spy to see if
Reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I'm offering this
Simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Although' it's been said many times
Many ways
Merry Christmas to you
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's The Christmas Song evoke a feeling of warmth, joy, and nostalgia that only the holiday season can bring. The opening lines describe a quintessential winter scene - chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and yuletide carols being sung by a choir. The last line of the first verse, "And folks dressed up like Eskimos," adds to the charming imagery and evokes a sense of togetherness and community, as if everyone is embracing the spirit of the season.
The second verse continues with the imagery, mentioning a turkey and mistletoe, which are common symbols of Christmas. The mention of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow suggests the innocence and wonder associated with the holiday season. The lyrics also touch on the anticipation of Santa's arrival, with the children eagerly waiting to see if Rudolph and the other reindeer really know how to fly. The final verse offers a simple message of goodwill and unity, conveying the idea that no matter who you are or where you come from, the joy of Christmas is something that everyone can share in.
Overall, Brian McKnight's The Christmas Song is a festive and heartwarming tribute to the magic of the holiday season, with its nostalgic imagery and simple message of goodwill.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Warm memories of Christmas are being created while sitting cozily around a fireplace.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter season is here and the weather is getting colder with Jack Frost reminding us of this fact.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The holiday spirit is alive with the sound of traditional Christmas carols being joyously sung by a group of people.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
To stay warm, people are bundling up in thick winter clothing, such as Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some
It's common knowledge that enjoying a Christmas feast with family and friends involves a turkey centerpiece dish, and some festive mistletoe.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement of Christmas is particularly captivating for young children who are dazzled by the decorations and presents.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
As anticipation builds for Santa's arrival, children will have a difficult time falling asleep in anticipation of his visit.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children are eagerly expecting the arrival of Santa Claus and his gifts.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
Santa Claus is likely bringing a vast array of toys and treats for children to enjoy on Christmas Day.
On his sleigh
Santa's mode of transportation is a magical sleigh, which is powered by his trusty team of reindeer.
And every mother's
All mothers' children
Child is gonna spy to see if
Children will likely try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus in action to validate their belief in his existence.
Reindeer really know how to fly
Children are fascinated by the idea that Santa's loyal reindeer can magically take to the skies to deliver presents across the world.
And so, I'm offering this
In light of the joyous Christmas season,
Simple phrase to kids from
I would like to extend this straightforward message to children everywhere.
One to ninety-two
Regardless of age, everyone deserves to receive warm wishes during the holiday season.
Although' it's been said many times
Despite the phrase being used countless times before,
Many ways
People can express holiday greetings in many different ways.
Merry Christmas to you
I wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas celebration.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Karen Nichelson
I just went to see Brian MCKNIGHT this weekend in philly, .and the man still has it his voice is more beautiful and soulful then ever...I tell you they're not making music like that these days...And I still listen to his music 2019 & until. Great Show
ladyd
I've had the opportunity to meet this amazing artist on several occasions and I tell you his talent as well as the warmth he shows his fans goes over and beyond the norm. He's the coolest of the cool.
Kevin Urso
Fantastic cover of a classic. Nice job guys.
7820126
damn this is a nice twist to a classic this bass is kickin!
Jericho Peters
NOW THAT'S BRIAN MCKNIGHTS OWN VOICE. COMMENDABLE UPBEAT MODERN VERSION BRIAN. FINE WORK. AND TO THE BAND MEMBERS.
Wanda # Wanditty Bradley
He can sing the Bible and make it sound good Christmas sounds so much better when he sings it to you
Craig Dees
Absolutely brilliant performance.
Specialdark23
This has a little marvin gaye feel to it! A nice touch to this timeless classic!
J.Evans_TalktheTalk
It really does I love it
Stephanie Martoccio
Still smooth as silk!!!