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.
Can You Take It
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothin' in the world can stop it now
It's in control
We might as well just try to stop the wind
Give up!
Give in!
You lose!
Love will always win
Stop resisting!
[Chorus]
Nothin' you can do about it
It's too strong to be denied
Nothin' you can do about it
Relax enjoy the ride
Destiny!
We are what fate intended us to be
Can't you see?
We're all a part of some eternal plan
So give up!
Give in!
You lose!
Love will always win
Start surrendering, oh
Stop resisting!
[Chorus]
Don't you try to understand it
Leave it as a mystery
It's bigger than the both of us
We're each other's history!
[Chorus]
The Manhattan Transfer's song "Nothin' You Can Do About It" is about surrendering to destiny and the power of love. The song suggests that despite our struggles, love will always prevail, and it is futile to resist it. The song speaks to the idea that love is something that cannot be controlled or stopped; it is an unstoppable force that we must accept as part of our lives.
The chorus of the song sends the message that there is nothing you can do about the power of love. It is too strong to be denied, so it is best to relax and enjoy the ride. The lyrics encourage the listener to embrace destiny and realize that their fate is part of a grander plan. To be on the losing end of love is better than to resist it, as love will always win in the end.
The lyrics also suggest that love is a mystery that we do not need to understand fully. It is something that is bigger than us and is an essential part of our history with each other. The song encourages us to give in and surrender to love, as fighting it will only lead to pain and suffering. In summary, the song is about the power of love and the idea that sometimes we must give in and surrender to our destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
It has begun
The inevitable has started
Nothin' in the world can stop it now
It can't be prevented anymore
It's in control
The situation is in charge
We might as well just try to stop the wind
Our efforts are futile
Give up!
Accept defeat
Give in!
Succumb to the circumstances
You lose!
You can't win against it
Love will always win
Love prevails
Start surrendering
Begin to let go
Stop resisting!
Cease fighting
Destiny!
Fate has a plan
We are what fate intended us to be
We fulfill a predetermined purpose
Can't you see?
Don't you understand?
We're all a part of some eternal plan
We're connected to the greater scheme of things
Don't you try to understand it
Don't analyze it
Leave it as a mystery
Let it be unexplainable
It's bigger than the both of us
It transcends our individuality
We're each other's history!
We share a common past
Nothin' you can do about it
It's beyond your control
It's too strong to be denied
It's irresistible
Relax enjoy the ride
Just go with the flow
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, GARDEN RAKE MUSIC
Written by: DAVID FOSTER, JAY GRAYDON, STEPHEN KIPNER, STEPHEN ALAN KIPNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ms. Nini
There'll never be another like The Manhattans. A group of true gentlemen with powerful talent :-)
Lois Weiss
we know it
PORT JERVIS
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!
Elvin Smith
George Smith of the Manhattans one of the best voices you'll ever hear.
Lois Weiss
yes indeed Elvin!
dadzilla
Always was a Manhattans fan. Have all of the Gerald Alston Manhattans joints. When I stumbled across this album, in the late 70's, this became my favorite Manhattans single.
bergendy5
I love the Manhattans, they have such a unique sound. The words had so much meaning, ..........
rongee 2049
They just don't make music like this anymore... What a treasure!
kariebeez
Lead vocals are great, harmonizing just wonderful. So sorry for the loss of these vocally talented gentlemen, their style and talent never to be replicated.
William Russell
This song tugs at the heart. Soooooooooo nice!!!