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.
Everybody Has A Dream
The Manhattans Lyrics
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As I wander through the world in which I live
I search everywhere for some new inspiration
But it′s more than cold reality can give
If I need a cause for celebration
Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
I rely on my imagination
And I dream of an imaginary time
Oh oh, and I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream, everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own
Just to be at home and to be all alone with you
If I believe in all the words I'm saying
And if a word from you can bring a better day
Then all I have are these games that I′ve been playing
To keep my hope from crumbling away
So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And all the fantasies that I will be keeping
Will make the empty hours easier, easier to stand
And I know that everybody has a dream
Everybody has a dream, everybody has a dream
And this is my dream, my own, just to be at home
And to be all alone, all alone with you
Oh, oh, with you
I know that everybody has a dream, oh oh, everybody has a dream
I know that everybody has a dream, everybody
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody, everybody, everybody has
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody has a dream, I know that
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody has a dream
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody has a dream, everybody has
(Everybody has a dream)
The lyrics of "Everybody Has A Dream" by The Manhattans explore the theme of hope and escapism. The singer reflects on the challenges and disappointments of life, describing it as a "quiet desperation." In this world, the search for inspiration is elusive, and "cold reality" falls short. Yet, the singer finds solace and joy in their imagination and dreams of a better time.
The recurring statement "everybody has a dream" emphasizes that everyone has desires, aspirations, and fantasies that they hold onto. It is a universal human experience to yearn for something beyond the ordinary. The singer realizes that their own dream is to be at home and alone with someone they love. In this space of intimacy and connection, they find comfort and fulfillment.
The second verse delves into the power of belief and the role of words in shaping one's reality. The singer suggests that a word from the person they love can bring a better day, implying the importance of positive affirmations and support. However, the singer admits that they often resort to playing games and illusions to preserve their hope and protect themselves from despair. They create "palaces of sand" and indulge in fantasies to temporarily escape the emptiness and hardships of life.
Line by Line Meaning
While in these days of quiet desperation
In the midst of feeling hopeless and desolate
As I wander through the world in which I live
As I navigate through my daily life
I search everywhere for some new inspiration
I seek new sources of motivation and creativity
But it's more than cold reality can give
Yet the harsh reality fails to provide what I need
If I need a cause for celebration
When I require something to rejoice about
Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind
Or a solace to calm my troubled thoughts
I rely on my imagination
I depend on my ability to imagine
And I dream of an imaginary time
And I envision a time that exists only in my mind
Oh oh, and I know that everybody has a dream
I understand that everyone possesses their own aspirations
And this is my dream, my own
And this is the dream unique to me
Just to be at home and to be all alone with you
Simply to be in the comfort of my own space, sharing solitude with you
If I believe in all the words I'm saying
If I have faith in the words I speak
And if a word from you can bring a better day
And if a single word from you can brighten my day
Then all I have are these games that I’ve been playing
Then my only consolation are the illusions I've been entertaining
To keep my hope from crumbling away
To preserve my hope from disintegrating completely
So let me lie and let me go on sleeping
Allow me to deceive myself and continue in blissful ignorance
And I will lose myself in palaces of sand
And I will immerse myself in fantasy worlds that hold no substance
And all the fantasies that I will be keeping
And all the imagined scenarios I will hold onto
Will make the empty hours easier, easier to stand
Will help me endure the vacant moments with greater ease
And I know that everybody has a dream
And I am aware that everyone possesses their own aspirations
And this is my dream, my own, just to be at home
And this is my unique dream, simply to be in the comfort of my own space
And to be all alone, all alone with you
And to experience solitude solely in your presence
Oh, oh, with you
Oh, oh, with you
I know that everybody has a dream, oh oh, everybody has a dream
I understand that everyone possesses their own aspirations, oh oh, everyone has a dream
I know that everybody has a dream, everybody
I know that everyone has their own aspirations, everybody
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody, everybody, everybody has
(Everyone has a dream) Every single person, everybody, everybody has
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody has a dream, I know that
(Everyone has a dream) Each individual has their own aspirations, I understand that
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody
(Everyone has a dream) Every single person
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody has a dream
(Everyone has a dream) Every individual possesses aspirations
(Everybody has a dream) Everybody has a dream, everybody has
(Everyone has a dream) Each person has aspirations, everybody has
Writer(s): Billy Joel
Contributed by Miles F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.