“Back at One” is a popular song by Brian McKnight, a renowned American singer-songwriter. Released in August 1999, this captivating track served as the lead single for his sixth studio album, titled “Back at One.” With its smooth jazz influences, the song encapsulates the heartfelt emotions of a man who deeply regrets the decision to end his relationship and yearns to reconcile with his former girlfriend.
Notably, the song’s introduction is instantly recognizable, characterized by a captivating ascending piano riff complemented by McKnight’s soulful and emotive vocals. Garnering significant commercial success, “Back at One” soared to the number one position on the esteemed Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Additionally, it received critical acclaim and earned Brian McKnight a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2000. This captivating composition has also been covered by esteemed artists such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Michael Bolton, further cementing its enduring popularity and timeless appeal.
Back At One Lyrics
[Verse 1]
It’s undeniable
That we should be together
It’s unbelievable how I used to say that I’d fall never
The basis is need to know, if you don’t know just how I feel
Then let me show you now that I’m for real
If all things in time, time will reveal
Yeah
[Chorus]
One, you’re like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you
Three, girl, it’s plain to see
That you’re the only one for me, and
Four, repeat steps one through three
Five, make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I start back at one
Yeah, yeah
[Verse 2]
It’s so incredible the way things work themselves out
And all emotional, once you know what it’s all about, babe
And undesirable for us to be apart
Never would’ve made it very far
‘Cause you know you’ve got the keys to my heart
‘Cause…
[Chorus]
One, you’re like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you
Three, girl, it’s plain to see
That you’re the only one for me, and
Four, repeat steps one through three
Five, make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I start back at one
[Bridge]
Say farewell to the dark of night, I see the coming of the sun
I feel like a little child whose life has just begun
You came and breathed new life into this lonely heart of mine
You threw out the lifeline just in the nick of time
[Chorus]
One, you’re like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you
Three, girl, it’s plain to see
That you’re the only one for me, and
Four, repeat steps one through three
Five, make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I start back at one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psN0NH8IcbQ&ab_channel=VhicPlaylist
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by McKnight and his longtime collaborator Vincent Herbert.
- The piano riff in the intro was inspired by the song “The Look of Love” by Burt Bacharach.
- The song was recorded at the Hit Factory in New York City.
- The music video for the song was directed by Paul Hunter.
- The song was featured in the films “The Best Man” and “The Perfect Storm”.
