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.
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Brian McKnight Lyrics
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I'm trying to recall when was the last time
How long has it been
Talking reminisce and somehow you pack out the things
I feel the deja vu and even if it's just for old time sake
I don't wanna close my eyes
Not until the night turns to day
Not right now while I'm feeling this way
The perfect dinner execution
I love it when you whisper my name
I don't wanna stop no no no
Not right now while I'm feeling this way
How am I supposed to get my head back on straight
I guess I missed you more than I was willing to show it or say
Now the question is what in the hell do we do now
I guess in this cold world better the second time we go round
I don't wanna close my eyes
Not until the night turns to day
I don't wanna stop no no no
Not right now while I'm feeling this way
The perfect dinner execution
I love it when you whisper my name
I don't wanna stop no no no
Not right now while I'm feeling this way
There's no reason we could stop this train
Like we're standing in the pouring rain
And we don't care we doin' just fine
If a mirror see you face again (your face, your sweet face)
Feels so good to have you back again (so good you're back again)
I don't wanna close my eyes
Not until the night turns to day
I don't wanna stop no no no
Not right now while I'm feeling this way
The perfect dinner execution
I love it when you whisper my name
I don't wanna stop no no no
Not right now while I'm feeling this w
The lyrics of Brian McKnight's song demonstrate his strong connection to a person he believed he would never see again. As he tries to recall the last time he saw this person and how long it's been, he feels the sense of deja vu, making him want to hold on to this moment just a little bit longer. McKnight's lyrics convey his reluctance to let go of this person, as seen in his repeated assertion that he doesn't want to close his eyes or stop feeling the way he does until it turns to day. He is enjoying the moment so much that he doesn't want it to end yet. He even talks about the perfect dinner execution and how he loves it when this person whispers his name, indicating a deep level of intimacy.
McKnight's lyrics depict a complicated relationship that has undergone a lot of changes. He misses this person more than he was willing to show or say, which means that there could have been some issues that led them to part ways. However, he feels like this time around; they can make it work better since they now know what to expect. Overall, the lyrics convey the strong emotional and romantic connection between McKnight and this person that he believed he would never see again.
Line by Line Meaning
Thought and I believed that I will never see you again
At one point I thought I'd never see you again and now I'm struggling to remember the last time we spoke.
I'm trying to recall when was the last time
I'm trying hard to remember the last time you were in my life.
How long has it been
I'm asking myself how much time has passed since we last connected?
Talking reminisce and somehow you pack out the things
As we talk, I'm reminded of old memories and you start packing up your things to leave.
I feel the deja vu and even if it's just for old time sake
The nostalgia is overwhelming and I cherish this moment, even if it's just for old time's sake.
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't want to let go of this moment.
Not until the night turns to day
I want this moment to last until the sun comes up.
I don't wanna stop no no no
I don't want this moment to end, not yet.
Not right now while I'm feeling this way
I'm enjoying the way I feel right now, so please don't end this moment.
The perfect dinner execution
The dinner we had was perfect and everything went according to plan.
I love it when you whisper my name
The way you say my name gives me joy and happiness.
How am I supposed to get my head back on straight
I'm finding it hard to think straight after this encounter.
I guess I missed you more than I was willing to show it or say
I realize now that I missed you more than I was willing to admit.
Now the question is what in the hell do we do now
We're both unsure of what steps to take next and it's a confusing feeling.
I guess in this cold world better the second time we go round
Maybe it's better for us to go through this again, a second time around.
There's no reason we could stop this train
There's no reason to stop this love that we have for each other.
Like we're standing in the pouring rain
We're standing together through the storm, just like being in the pouring rain.
And we don't care we doin' just fine
No matter what people think, we're both happy and doing just fine.
If a mirror see you face again (your face, your sweet face)
Seeing your face in the mirror again would be a blessing.
Feels so good to have you back again (so good you're back again)
It's such a great feeling to have you back in my life.
Contributed by Allison O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.