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.
Up Around My Way
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can call me day and night, night and day
Girl you're all that I want
I need you up around my way
We go together like a potter and clay
Girl you're all that I want
I need you up around my way
Rembrandt would cry
To stand in line for a lock of your hair
I'd fly around around the world
Just to be close to you
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
[Chorus: x2]
Just tell me what I should do
Tell me what I should say
Rub me I'm your genie
Your wish is my command right away
Can we talk about it
Lady can we get together
I'm free, I'm free
Left of the sun
Right of the moon
You're hotter than the fourth of July
One taste of your sweet sweet lips
Will have me doing cartwheels and flips
Kinda shy to say that I'm sweating you
Judging by the smile on your face
Says I'm getting through
You no rush, come will the day
You come around my way
Come on
[Chorus: Repeats]
The song "Up Around My Way" by Brian McKnight is an alluring ballad about a man who is deeply in love with a woman and wants her to be with him constantly. The chorus of the song is the most memorable part of the track, as it repeats twice, expressing the artist's desire to be with the object of his affection day and night. The artist compares his love to the relationship between a potter and clay, implying that they are meant to be together and complements the woman's beauty in a way that makes him feel like he would do anything to be close to her.
The lyrics of the song go on to emphasize how much the artist loves the woman, comparing her to famous painters and artists such as Michael Angelo and Rembrandt. The artist believes that these painters would be so enamored with the woman's beauty that they would faint and cry in her presence. He also goes on to emphasize how deeply he is in love with her when he sings, "One taste of your sweet, sweet lips will have me doing cartwheels and flips," implying that he is willing to do anything just to feel her touch. The bridge of the song expresses the artist's desire to be with the woman anytime, anyplace, and anywhere, emphasizing the depth of his love.
Line by Line Meaning
You can call me day and night, night and day
I am always available for you, no matter when you need me
Girl you're all that I want
You are the only one I desire
I need you up around my way
I want you near me all the time
We go together like a potter and clay
We are perfectly matched and create something beautiful together
Michael Angelo would faint
Your beauty is so incredible that even the greatest artist would be overwhelmed by it
Rembrandt would cry
Your beauty is so moving that even the most stoic artist would shed tears
To stand in line for a lock of your hair
I would do anything to be close to you, even wait in a long line for a simple piece of your hair
I'd fly around around the world
I would travel the world just to be near you
Just to be close to you
Being near you is the most important thing to me
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
I am always willing to be there for you, no matter the time or place
Just tell me what I should do
I am open to doing anything to make you happy
Tell me what I should say
I want to know how to communicate with you in the best way possible
Rub me I'm your genie
I am here to fulfill your wishes and desires like a genie in a bottle
Your wish is my command right away
I will do whatever you want me to do, immediately and without hesitation
Can we talk about it
I want to have a conversation with you about our relationship
Lady can we get together
I want to spend some time with you and deepen our relationship
I'm free, I'm free
I am available to spend time with you whenever you want
Left of the sun
You are more radiant and beautiful than the sun
Right of the moon
You are more captivating and alluring than the moon
You're hotter than the fourth of July
You are incredibly attractive and desirable
One taste of your sweet sweet lips
Kissing you is a truly heavenly experience
Will have me doing cartwheels and flips
Being with you makes me feel incredibly happy and carefree
Kinda shy to say that I'm sweating you
I am a little embarrassed to admit how much I like you
Judging by the smile on your face
I can tell that you like me too
Says I'm getting through
Your smile shows that I am starting to make an impression on you
You no rush, come will the day
Whenever you are ready, I am here waiting for you
You come around my way
Please come see me soon, I miss you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind