THE MANHATTANS were originally: Winfred "Blue" Lovett, Richard Taylor, Kenny Kelley, George "Smitty" Smith and Sonny Bivins. The quintet reportedly took it's name not from the big city across the water from New Jersey, but from the cocktail known as the Manhattan featuring whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Still, the name suggested class, something the Manhattans have epitomized throughout their long career.
Between 1970 and 1973 they recorded for Starday/King Records , and by 1973 they were signed to industry behemoth Columbia where their career finally took off.
After 10 years of lower charting singles, the 1976 hit "Kiss and Say Goodbye" was the group's biggest hit to date and led to a performance at Jimmy carter's 1977 inaugural. In 1980 they won a Grammy for Shining Star written and produced by Leo Graham. In the mid 1980's female singer Regina Belle was briefly added to the lineup, singing on the Bobby Womack-produced single, "Where Did We Go Wrong" (a duet with Gerald Alston). She also contributed to The Manhattans 1986 Columbia Records album, "Back To Basics" before signing as a solo artist.
Two versions of The Manhattans have soldiered on to today. One lead by original member Sonny Bivins, and another created after a long hiatus, when founding member Blue Lovett began working with former lead Gerald Alston for a late career touring resurgence. Alston also appeared on Wu-Tang Clan's song "Stick Me For My Riches" in 2007.
In 2013, "Original" member Edward "Sonny" Bivins group features "Sonny" Bivins, Lee Williams, Charles Hardy, Harsey Hemphill and Alvin Pazant. In 2013, The Manhattans CD single "Just For Tonite" was released by Westwood Music Group. Currently, the group is recording material for a 2014 release. The Manhattans is a Registered U.S. Trademark owned by Manhattan Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
After You
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You see, you are the sunshine in my life
And after you life, life is not worth living
Id truly be lost after you
Sometimes I tell myself Im leaving
And I would like to think that I could go
But its just my pride Im deceiving
After you, who could there be
After you, whats left of me
Id be lost if youd ever go
Id just be broken in two
For who could there be after you
Before you, I was always running
My heart was always chasing someone new
But I could feel a change was coming
When my heart kept chasing you
After you, who could there be
After you, whats left of me
Id be lost if youd ever go
Id just be broken in two
For who could there be after you
If I thought someone could take your place
Id just be kidding myself
Cos I know Id have to be a fool
To think that I could feel this way for someone else
And oh, after you, who could there be
After you, whats left of me
Id be lost if youd ever go
Id just be broken in two
Oh who could there be after you
Who could there be after you
Oh yeah, after you
Who could there be after you
No-one, no-one could ever take your place
Who could there be after you
The Manhattans' "After You" is a sentimental ballad about the singer's love for their partner. The song is a reflection of the depth of love and the connection that the singer shares with their partner. The singer can't imagine life without their loved one, who is the sunshine in their life. The chorus repeats the phrase "After you, who could there be, after you, what's left of me," emphasizing the singer's belief that no one could ever replace their partner or fill the void they would leave behind.
The verses explore the singer's inner turmoil and vulnerability. They admit to occasionally thinking about leaving, but deep down, they know they couldn't bear to live without their partner. The singer also reflects on their past, explaining that before their partner, they were always chasing someone new. The love they share has brought a significant change in their life, and they can't imagine losing it. The song's bridge is particularly poignant, as the singer admits to joking with themselves that someone else could take their partner's place, but ultimately knows that they are only fooling themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Id be lost after you
My life is meaningless without you
You see, you are the sunshine in my life
You bring happiness and light to my life
And after you life, life is not worth living
I cannot imagine living my life without you
Id truly be lost after you
Without you, I would feel lost
Sometimes I tell myself Im leaving
I try to convince myself that I can leave
And I would like to think that I could go
I wish I could leave
But its just my pride Im deceiving
My pride is stopping me from admitting that I need you
Cos deep inside I really know
In my heart, I know that I cannot leave you
Before you, I was always running
I used to constantly look for love in different places
My heart was always chasing someone new
I was never content or satisfied with anyone
But I could feel a change was coming
When I met you, I could sense that something different was happening
When my heart kept chasing you
My heart was drawn to you and I couldn't resist
If I thought someone could take your place
If I believed that someone else could fill your role in my life
Id just be kidding myself
I would be lying to myself
Cos I know Id have to be a fool
It would be foolish of me to think that anyone else could replace you
To think that I could feel this way for someone else
To believe that I could have the same feelings for someone else as I do for you
After you, who could there be
No one could ever compare to you
After you, whats left of me
You are an essential part of my life and without you, I am incomplete
Id be lost if youd ever go
I would be lost without you in my life
Id just be broken in two
Without you, I would feel shattered and incomplete
Oh who could there be after you
No one could ever replace you
No-one, no-one could ever take your place
You are irreplaceable and no one could ever fill your role in my life
Writer(s): Doug James, Doug Frank
Contributed by Henry H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Debra Hernandez
Gerald Alston is so underrated as a vocalist... This song is so well done...The Manhattans are sensational.....Dynamic in person...
Avwiene Hyatt
One of the best voice of all time..Gerald Alston
Norma J.
Does this guy ever sing a bad song? Love it! Thanks for sharing, love, love The Manhattans.
Janet Holmes
No, he doesn't...
Dan Addis
I picked up the Greatest Hits album on vinyl by The Manhattans and now I'm glad I did! This here is real Ol' Skool Soul!!
CJ Jeanie
WOW, I use to play this song to death!!! Have not heard this in years!!! Thank U sooo much for posting.
Gregory ziegler
I did to😃
Sandra Kennedy
Love this album one of my favorite groups from the 60's real music you can feel even after 45yrs now 65
Dennis Walker
Please mam For F//K Same Get your Musical Faxs Right. .Very Was Born I Think in the I'd Late 50s ,.How could He Could He Had Been a SIXTIES Hit? . love Talk Was Made in The mid 80s After The brilliant Black Tie Album.. maybe possibly following the After Midnight Album....So it woulda been quite a feat for the man 2 Produce An Album From the,80s In The SIXTIES...Not Even Gerald Alston s that Good .. Do,nt you Agree?
Maria Ferreira
como são lindas as musicas de manhattans lembra minha adolescência isso é q é vozeirão!!!...