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.
What We Do Here
Brian McKnight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I realized that you don't know me well
I'm talking about grown things
Don't let the words get in the way
I know that you heard all about my past
And all the relationships that didn't last
For we do what we're gonna do
[Chorus]
See what we do here stays here
I'm telling you cause I want to make it clear
Its only cause I want you to have no fear
That baby what we do here stays here
And nobody has to know
What's good is if you meet me right after the show
I'm telling you cause I want to make it clear
That baby what we do here stays here
If you have any questions girl go on and ask
Right now our reputation is still in tact
Ten minutes till curtain call
Everything will be okay
I swear this has never happened once before
Chances are you won't get back once you're out that door
Your body is telling me yes, you can believe me when I say
[Chorus]
Its almost time to start the show
I don't want you to go
I want you stay, I'll say it again
Cause I need you so
[Chorus: x2]
In the song "What We Do Here" by Brian McKnight, the singer speaks about engaging in "grown things" with someone whom he doesn't want to kiss and tell about. He acknowledges that the woman has likely heard about his past and his previous relationships that didn't last, but he wants to clarify that what they do together will stay between them. The singer ensures the woman that their actions will not be known by anyone, and they won't let anyone interfere in their personal affair. The singer admits that he has never been in this situation before and acknowledges that this is a unique experience for him. He pleads with the woman to stay put and then repeats the chorus.
The song is about two consenting adults who are engaging in a physical relationship, and they want to keep it private. Though the lyrics contain mature content, they are not vulgar or explicit. McKnight sings about respect and boundaries within a sexual relationship, and he urges the woman to have confidence and not worry about anyone knowing about their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I've never been down for the kiss and tell
I usually keep my private affairs to myself
But I realized that you don't know me well
I feel like you don't know me well enough yet to trust me
I'm talking about grown things
We're talking about adult stuff here
Don't let the words get in the way
Don't let anything I've said make you doubt me or our situation
I know that you heard all about my past
I know you've heard rumors about my previous relationships
And all the relationships that didn't last
And how they all ended badly
For we do what we're gonna do
Regardless of what people say, we're going to do what we want to do
There's something I must get straight, baby
Let me make something clear to you
See what we do here stays here
Whatever happens between us, it stays between us
I'm telling you 'cause I want to make it clear
I'm saying it out loud so you have no doubts
It's only 'cause I want you to have no fear
I don't want you to worry about anything happening outside of this moment
And nobody has to know
This is our secret
What's good is if you meet me right after the show
It would be great if we could continue this later tonight
If you have any questions girl go on and ask
If you have any doubts or concerns, feel free to ask me
Right now our reputation is still in tact
At this moment, our reputation and relationship is still undamaged and private
Ten minutes till curtain call
The show is about to start in ten minutes
Everything will be okay
Don't worry, everything will be fine
I swear this has never happened once before
I promise this kind of situation has never happened to me before
Chances are you won't get back once you're out that door
If you leave now, it's unlikely that you'll come back
Your body is telling me yes, you can believe me when I say
I can tell by your body language that you're interested and I'm telling you the truth
It's almost time to start the show
The show is about to begin soon
I don't want you to go
I want you to stay with me
I want you stay, I'll say it again
I really want you to stay with me and I'm not afraid to say it twice
[Chorus]
Repetition of the main refrain
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN KELLY MCKNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MOONLIGHT MAGIC TAROT
His music does something to my soul!! Love me some Brian
beautiworld adams
LOVE THAT BASS!
Dominique Gooden
@Lawrence Mills That bass is NASTY!!! Lol
Lawrence Mills
sickening lol
Lawrence Mills
for real that bass is discussting
Tieesha Essex
I wish he'd performed this song live. This song was so slept on. Naughty song but ooooooohhhh so classic!
eternal1blue
He did I know was a late night show know was a Brother .
Hoop
Idk why this song never got the credit it deserved
Marvin Parks
It was nominated for a Grammy
Black Hawk
This gave me ear shock compared to the crap on radio stations today. Artists like cardi B are pointless.