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.
Blackbird
The Manhattans Lyrics
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Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
Pack up all my cares and woe, here I go, winging low
Bye, bye, blackbird
Where somebody waits for me
Sugar's sweet, so is she
Bye, bye, blackbird
No one here can love or understand me
Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
Blackbird, bye, bye
Bye, bye, blackbird
Where somebody waits for me
Sugar's sweet, so is she
Bye, bye, blackbird
No one here can love or understand me
Oh what hard luck stories they all hand me
Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
Blackbird, bye, bye
The Manhattans’ song “Blackbird” centers on the struggles of a man who feels like nobody around him understands or loves him. He expresses his disillusionment with life, as people continue to hand him “hard luck stories.” The lyrics suggest that his circumstances are overwhelming, and the only respite he can find is in leaving everything behind, represented by the repeated refrain of “Bye, bye, blackbird.”
Despite the hardships he faces, the singer’s confidence in finding someone who truly cares for him remains strong. He believes that “somebody waits” for him and that this person is just as sweet as sugar. The song concludes with the promise of his return, as he makes his bed and prepares to arrive “late tonight.”
The lyrics draw attention to how it feels to be an outsider or someone who is struggling to fit in, which is a common theme in music. The song also conveys the idea that hope remains in the face of overwhelming adversity. The lyrics encourage listeners to keep moving forward and believe that happiness awaits them.
Line by Line Meaning
No one here can love or understand me
I feel unloved and misunderstood by those around me
Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
People always tell me tough stories about their lives, making me feel like my problems are small.
Pack up all my cares and woe, here I go, winging low
I'm leaving behind all my troubles and sadness, going through life aimlessly
Bye, bye, blackbird
I'm saying goodbye to my past mistakes and moving on
Where somebody waits for me
I'm hopeful that there's someone out there waiting for me with open arms
Sugar's sweet, so is she
The person waiting for me is sweet and kind, just like sugar
Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
I'll be coming home late tonight, so please prepare my bed and turn on the light
Blackbird, bye, bye
I'm saying goodbye to my past as I move forward with life
No one here can love or understand me
Again, I feel unloved and misunderstood by those around me
Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me
People continue to tell me their tough stories, making me feel even more alone.
Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight
I'll be coming home late tonight, please prepare my bed and turn on the light
Blackbird, bye, bye
Once again, I'm saying goodbye to my past and embracing the future
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mort Dixon, Ray Henderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind