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.
Trying Not To Fall Asleep
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My will to stay away is getting weak
As I lay here tonight
Mama’s turning out the light
I know that there is so much more to see
If I close my eyes I know that I’ll be missing something
A shooting star or something good on the TV
I’m only trying not to fall asleep
Whatever's going on outside my window
I’m not tall enough to look out there and see
When things go bump in the night and I’m terrified from fight
I thank God that I have Teddy lying next to me
If I close my eyes I know that I’ll be missing something
A shooting star or something good on the TV
Daddy don’t be mad if you hear me crying
I’m only trying not to fall asleep
If I close my eyes I know that I’ll be missing something
A shooting star or something good on the TV
Daddy don’t be mad if you hear me crying
I’m only trying not to fall
I’m just trying not to fall
I’m just trying not to fall asleep
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's Trying Not To Fall Asleep are charming, touching, and relatable, evoking sweet childhood memories and providing a glimpse into the mind of a child who is afraid of missing out on the world while also being comforted by the presence of his parents and Teddy. The song's primary theme is a child's fear of missing out on what's happening in the world while he's asleep. The singer is aware that sleep is essential, but he's concerned about losing out on something important if he does so. He is aware of the beauty of life and the importance of capturing everything while he is awake, yet equally aware of the value of self-preservation through rest.
The artist describes the innocence of childhood by portraying bedtime as a miniature closing of our daily existence. While the natural inclination of the singer is to surrender to sleep, he finds himself fighting it in an effort to gain more experiences that will allow him to make the most of today's world. The song highlights the interplay between the laudable and perhaps somewhat foolish intentions of a child's mind and the gentle and protective nature of parental love. It's a gentle reminder that when we're young or unsure, the world is a complicated and fascinating place.
Line by Line Meaning
My eyelids are getting very heavy
I am becoming very tired and my eyes are beginning to close
My will to stay away is getting weak
I am losing my resolve to stay awake
As I lay here tonight
I am lying down for the night
Mama’s turning out the light
My mother is turning off the light in my room
I know that there is so much more to see
I am aware that there are many things around me that I could miss if I fall asleep
If I close my eyes I know that I’ll be missing something
I am hesitant to close my eyes because I fear I will miss out on something
A shooting star or something good on the TV
I don't want to miss out on seeing anything interesting or exciting, like a shooting star or a good TV show
Daddy don’t be mad if you hear me crying
I am worried that my father will be upset if he hears me crying because I am trying not to fall asleep
I’m only trying not to fall asleep
I am doing my best to stay awake
Whatever's going on outside my window
I don't know what's happening outside my window because I am not tall enough to see
I’m not tall enough to look out there and see
I am too short to see out my window
When things go bump in the night and I’m terrified from fight
I get scared when I hear strange noises at night
I thank God that I have Teddy lying next to me
I am grateful that I have my teddy bear with me to keep me company and feel safe
I’m just trying not to fall
I am only attempting to stay awake
I’m just trying not to fall asleep
I am only trying to avoid falling asleep
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Kelly McKnight
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind