Alicia Keys: I don't need to know lyrics

Alicia Keys says it "doesn't matter" she can't understand the lyrics of her favourite song.

The 31-year-old has captured the hearts of people worldwide with her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics.

The star favours tracks by musical duo Amadou & Mariam from Mali, despite not being able to understand the songs they sing in their native French language.

"[Sabali by Amadou & Mariam] reminds me of travelling to Paris for work and then going back home to Harlem," she revealed to Company magazine.

"Only certain songs make you feel almost lost in time. I wish I knew what they were saying, but I know it doesn't really matter because I can still feel it."

The gorgeous singer married recording artist Swizz Beatz in 2010 and together they have two-year-old son Egypt.

Alicia feels sentimental when she hears We All Try by Frank Ocean because it reminds her of special time spent with her beau.

"This song reminds me of my first wedding anniversary," she divulged.

"We were driving a vintage Corvette and blasting out this song. The lyrics always move me – the sentiment that we're all trying to do our best always fills me with hope. And it's so true."

Alicia has been busy working on her own music, with the release of new album Girl on Fire scheduled for the end of this month.