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.
Don't Take Your Love from Me
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To get her a pail of water
To show her that he loved her
(Ooh, he loved her)
He really, really loved her
(Ooh, he loved her)
Romeo told Juliet
To show he loved her
(Ooh, he loved her)
He really, really loved her
Whoa, [?] in a storybook
A play of fantasy
They could never compare
With the love between you and me
Because we got a love we can feel
We got a love that's really real
We got a love we can feel
We got a love that's really real
He was such a determined fella
He searched all over for Cinderella
To show he loved her
(Ooh, he loved her)
He really, really loved her
(Ooh, he loved her)
Mary's lamb was white as snow
He followed her wherever she'd go
To show he loved her
(Ooh, he loved her)
He really, really loved her
Whoa, [?] in a storybook
A play of fantasy
They could never compare
With the love between you and me
Because we got a love we can feel
We got a love that's really real
We got a love we can feel
We got a love that's really real
The Manhattans' "Don't Take Your Love" is a love song that pays tribute to the lengths people will go to show love to their significant others. The first two verses describe popular stories of love, Jack and Jill and Romeo and Juliet, and how they demonstrated their love for each other. The third verse shifts focus to the singer's personal experience, highlighting how the love between him and his partner is far beyond the love found in storybooks and fantasies. The chorus reinforces the emotion and realness of their love.
The song's message is straightforward, and the lyrics paint a picture of love that is pure, loyal and devoted. While traditional tales of love and affection are present in the verses, the song aims to show that something special and real can exist beyond those tales, that true love is achievable in real life. The song's simplicity makes it relatable and accessible to anyone who has been in love.
The song was written by prolific R&B songwriter and producer Teddy Randazzo, who is well known for his work with Little Anthony and the Imperials. The Manhattans found success with the song when it reached #43 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1976. In interpreting the lyrics, it becomes clear that "Don't Take Your Love" is a timeless love song that still resonates with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Jack went up the hill for Jill
In order to prove his love for Jill, Jack went above and beyond by journeying up a hill to get her a pail of water.
To get her a pail of water
Jack did something seemingly insignificant - getting a pail of water - to express his commitment to Jill.
To show her that he loved her
Jack's act of fetching water was meant to demonstrate his love for Jill.
(Ooh, he loved her)
Jack felt a powerful and emotional connection to Jill.
He really, really loved her
Jack's feelings for Jill were intense and sincere.
Romeo told Juliet
Romeo expressed his love for Juliet through words.
Something that she could never forget
Romeo made such a profound impact on Juliet's heart that she would never forget his words of love.
He was such a determined fella
The man in this story was a relentless pursuer of love.
He searched all over for Cinderella
This man went to great lengths to find and win the heart of Cinderella.
Mary's lamb was white as snow
This is a reference to the nursery rhyme 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.'
He followed her wherever she'd go
The man in this story was persistent and devoted to the woman, wanting to be by her side always.
They could never compare
The love between the artist and their partner is incomparable to the love in any storybook or fairytale.
With the love between you and me
The love between the singer and their partner is pure and real.
Because we got a love we can feel
This line emphasizes the fact that the singer's love is genuine and heartfelt.
We got a love that's really real
The love between the singer and their partner is not based on fantasy or imagination, but is truly authentic.
We got a love we can feel
The artist can physically and emotionally experience the passionate love that exists between them and their partner.
We got a love that's really real
This line emphasizes once again that the love between the artist and their partner is genuine and authentic.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNETH GAMBLE, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@doc2skate
Manhattans, Chi-Lites, Dramatics, Blue Magic, Spinners, Stylistics, Delfonics, O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Intruders, Main Ingredient, Whispers, Chaka Khan, Three Degrees, Floaters. The 70's had all these great groups and great solo singers, great jazz, great blues, even rock & roll and easy listening sounded good. Man, how could we let them get away? Fantastic post.
@kevinarnold875
You called em all. Don't forget the 80s hits too!
@doniellestenson3502
And the magic this music still creates
@keithbrown3889
ABSOLUTELY 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
@calvinmelton2386
Dramatics
@kevinp7519
My tops are:
Isley Brothers
Manhattans
Enchantment
Stylistics
Temptations
Ojays
@spencerclarke2289
I'm 52 and my late father used to play this song a lot I miss the hell outta you Daddy thanks for the amazing memories !!!!!!
@maryestes9216
What I adore most about the Manhattans is that they take the time to explain things to their listeners, talking it over, I just love em!
@acaldwe1174
Back when the monolog part of the song was just as necessary as the lyrical part...
@M.O.G.
No cussing, no insults, just beautiful feelings in words.