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 Way Love Goes
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Counting every minute that I was gone
And you used to call me sweet things in the morning light
After you would hug me so tender
Each and every night
Lately you got so much to do
And your never at home
By the time I get to see you
I've been too afraid to ask you
But I need to know
[Chorus]
Is this the way love goes
Say it isn't so
Is this the way love goes
Right before my eyes
Wearing a disguise
I need to know
Is this the way love goes
Staring at a photograph of you and I inframed
When I blink my eyes you start to fade away
Oh, I recall that day in fall and all the things you said
All of the promises that you never kept
Lately you got so much to do
And you're never at home
When I finally get to see you
You need you're time alone
I've been too afraid to ask you
But I need to know
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Everybody needs to a love they can count on
I'm the kind of man who needs to know exactly where I stand
Stayin' up late at night I'm wondering
How we can make it right
Never gonna say goodbye
I'm crying
Find a way to make it right
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's song The Way Love Goes, speak about a failing relationship that is no longer what it used to be. The song is composed of two verses and a chorus that repeats twice. The first verse mentions a time in the past when the two partners were very much in love. The other partner would wait by the phone, counting the minutes until their partner returns, and in the morning, they would say sweet things to each other. However, the second verse speaks of the present, where things have changed. The partner has become distant and is always busy, making it difficult for the other partner to see them often. They express their concern and ask if the love that they once knew is still there.
The chorus repeats twice and reflects the same concept of the second verse. The partner who sings the song is questioning whether this is the way love continues when it starts fading away before their eyes, wearing a disguise.
In the bridge, the singer speaks of his desire to have a love that he can count on and that he needs to know where he stands in the relationship. The last line of the song speaks of his hope to fix their relationship troubles.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember how you used to wait by the phone
I recall the past when you waited for me to call you and how caring you were.
Counting every minute that I was gone
You anxiously measured the time until you would finally speak to me.
And you used to call me sweet things in the morning light
You made me feel special by saying romantic things to me every morning.
After you would hug me so tender
You showed your affection by embracing me with a gentle touch.
Each and every night
You made sure to show me love every night.
Lately you got so much to do
Your life has become busy and you have many responsibilities.
And your never at home
You are not home often.
By the time I get to see you
When I see you, it is after a long time apart.
You need your time alone
You need space to be by yourself.
I've been too afraid to ask you
I haven't had the courage to ask you this before.
But I need to know
However, I need to know the truth.
[Chorus]
Is this what love is like now? I can't believe it.
Staring at a photograph of you and I framed
Looking at a picture of us together.
When I blink my eyes you start to fade away
You seem to disappear when I close my eyes.
Oh, I recall that day in fall and all the things you said
I remember the autumn day and the promises you made.
All of the promises that you never kept
You made promises that were never fulfilled.
Lately you got so much to do
You have many things to do lately.
And you're never at home
You are not often at home.
When I finally get to see you
I don't get to see you often.
You need you're time alone
You need time by yourself.
I've been too afraid to ask you
I have been afraid to ask you for fear of the answer.
But I need to know
Regardless, I need to know the answer.
[Chorus]
I can't believe this is what our love has become.
[Bridge]
Everyone needs a love they can rely on. I crave stability in my relationship.
I'm the kind of man who needs to know exactly where I stand
I am the type of person who needs clarity and certainty in my love life.
Stayin' up late at night I'm wondering
I am kept up by thoughts about our relationship.
How we can make it right
I want to figure out how we can fix our relationship.
Never gonna say goodbye
I am not ready to quit the relationship.
I'm crying
I am feeling emotional about all of this.
Find a way to make it right
I need to find a solution to this problem.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT, MICHAEL BRANDON BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DJ Meek
When u learn the words as a child...then TRULY understand what they mean as an adult. TIMELESS
C Me
Yesss. It’s the way he gets shawty together over a smooth tone.
angelagarb
i remember buying this when i was in junior high...and keeping it on repeat so long my mom told me turn it off lol! # classic
Jeanie Tyler
We all did. I wore this song out
Story of My Life
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Paula Carter
Same here in high school! One of my 2 favorite albums.
John Davis
I Feel You.. You Can't Play this Song Just One Time... Because You can't Hear it All in just One Time..
Living2LivW/Christ4Ever
#Classic...did the same thing in my Escort every time I cranked it up. My 30 year old daughter can attest to it...she loved that Cassette so much as a child.
Tommy Hopes
I remember seeing him live in concert in Houston Texas in 1993. He sounds as good live just like the album in person.
Westie Katie
tommy hopes SAME