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.
Devil In The Dark
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's just you and I
Not a song, there's not one sigh
Just the beat of my poor heart
Lord, in the dark
Now in the dark, in the dark
I get such a thrill when he presses his fingertips upon my lips
Lord, in the dark
But soon, this dance will be ending
And you're gonna be missed
Gee I'm not pretendin',
'Cause I swear it's fun, fun to be kissed in the dark, wooo ahhhh
But soon, this dance will be ending
And you're gonna be missed, mm, mm, mmm
Gee baby, I ain't pretendin',
'Cause I swear, I swear, I swear it's fun to be kissed in the dark
Now we may find what the rest have left behind
Just let them dance, we gonna find romance
Just let them dance, we gonna find sweet romance, baby
Just let them dance, we gonna find romance
Lord, in the dark, oh yeah, whoa wooee
The Manhattan Transfer's song, "In The Dark" is a sultry and seductive love ballad that draws the listener into the intimate moments shared between two lovers. The lyrics evoke a sense of darkness and isolation, giving the impression that the two people are completely alone in their silhouettes. The reference to the beat of the singer's heart serves to underline the sensual tension that is building between them.
The song's primary focus is the physical interaction between the two unnamed individuals, with the physical touch of the man's fingertips on the woman's lips being the key event. The lyrics create a sense of desperate urgency as the woman pleads with the man to touch her in this way, with the repetition of "please, please keep still" emphasizing her desire for him to continue.
As the song progresses, the knowledge that their time together is limited becomes evident, with the realization that they will soon have to part adding a sense of poignancy to the lyrics. Despite this awareness, the two continue to engage with each other, seeking out the thrill of the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
In the dark
Being in a secluded, low-lit place.
It's just you and I
Being the only two people present.
Not a song, there's not one sigh
No music or sound can be heard.
Just the beat of my poor heart
Only the loud sound of my heart can be heard.
Lord, in the dark
Expressing surprise or emotion.
Now in the dark, in the dark
Continuation from the previous line.
I get such a thrill when he presses his fingertips upon my lips
Feeling excited to be touched by someone special.
And begs me to please, please keep still
Feeling irresistible and being asked to remain still for a moment.
But soon, this dance will be ending
The time together will eventually be over.
And you're gonna be missed
Missing the other person when the time comes to part ways.
Gee I'm not pretendin'
Being truthful and honest about the feelings being experienced.
'Cause I swear it's fun, fun to be kissed in the dark, wooo ahhhh
Expressing the excitement of being together with someone special in a dark, secluded place.
Now we may find what the rest have left behind
Exploring and discovering what others have missed out on.
Just let them dance, we gonna find romance
Ignoring what others are doing and finding romance on our own terms.
Just let them dance, we gonna find sweet romance, baby
Discovering sweet romance with the person we are with.
Lord, in the dark, oh yeah, whoa wooee
Expressing emotion and excitement in the moment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GERTRUDE NEISEN, SAM COSLOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind