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.
Everyday People
The Manhattans Lyrics
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I am everyday people, listen
Sometimes I'm right and I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my song
The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I'm in
I am everyday people, yeah, yeah
There is a blue one
Who can't accept the green one
For living with a fat one
How come I got to be a skinny one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on
And scooby dooby, dooby, dooby-doo
We gotta live together
I am no better and neither are you
We’re basically the same whatever we do
You love me, you hate me, you know me and then
Can't figure out what bag I'm in
'Cause I am everyday people, yeah, yes
I am everyday people, yeah, yeah
There is a long hair
That doesn't like the short hair
For bein' such a rich one
That will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on
And scooby dooby doo-doo-doo
We gotta live together
There is a yellow one
That won't accept the black one
And won't accept the red one
And won't accept the white one
There is a long hair
That doesn't like the short hair
For bein' with a rich one
That will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
We got to live together
(We gotta live together)
We got to live together
We got to live together
(No matter what color you are)
We got to live together
(We got to live together)
We got to live together
(We got to live together)
We got to live together
(Makes no difference who you are)
We got to live together
'Cause I am everyday people, yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, I am everyday people
I, I, I, everyday people
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I am everyday people
I am everyday people
I am everyday people
We got to live together
I am everyday people
I am everyday people
We got to live together
Everyday people
We got to live together
Everyday people
I am everyday people
Everyday people
The Manhattans' song "Everyday People" is an ode to the value of unity and acceptance. The lyrics suggest that no matter our differences, we are all essentially the same and we must learn to live together. This message is reinforced in the phrase "different strokes for different folks," which shows that everyone has different preferences and lifestyles. The lyricist acknowledges that there are some people in society who are intolerant and refuse to accept those who are different from them. However, the song emphasizes that we must set aside our differences and recognize that we are all "everyday people."
Throughout the song, there are several examples given of groups of people who are discriminated against or marginalized by others in society. There is the "blue one" who cannot accept the "green one" and the "long hair" who doesn't like the "short hair." Additionally, there is the "yellow one" who won't accept the "black one" and the "red one" who won't accept the "white one." These examples capture common prejudices found within communities and send a message to listeners that we must learn to be more accepting and open-minded if we are to live together in harmony.
Overall, The Manhattans' "Everyday People" song urges us to recognize that despite our differences, we are all just "everyday people" trying to navigate and make sense of the world. It suggests that if we can set aside our differences, live in peace, love and acceptance; we will be able to achieve a harmonious society.
Line by Line Meaning
I am everyday people, yeah, yeah
I am just an ordinary person, like everyone else
Sometimes I'm right and I can be wrong
I have my own opinions, and sometimes they are correct while other times they may be incorrect
My own beliefs are in my song
My personal values are reflected in the music I create
The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then
People from all different backgrounds and professions are equally important and should be respected
Makes no difference what group I'm in
Regardless of my social or cultural identity, I am still just a regular person
'Cause I am everyday people, yeah, yes
I am everyday people, yeah, yeah
I am part of a larger community of ordinary people
There is a blue one
Who can't accept the green one
For living with a fat one
How come I got to be a skinny one
Different strokes for different folks
People have different lifestyles, and we should not judge or discriminate against each other based on these differences
And so on and so on
And scooby dooby, dooby, dooby-doo
We gotta live together
We must all coexist and respect each other, no matter what our differences may be
I am no better and neither are you
We’re basically the same whatever we do
There is no superiority among individuals, as we are all equal regardless of what we do or who we are
You love me, you hate me, you know me and then
Can't figure out what bag I'm in
Others may have difficulty understanding my identity or the community I belong to, but that does not define me as a person
There is a long hair
That doesn't like the short hair
For bein' such a rich one
That will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
Some people may judge others based on their appearance or wealth, but we should avoid this and acknowledge our differences without discrimination
There is a yellow one
That won't accept the black one
And won't accept the red one
And won't accept the white one
Some people may have prejudice towards individuals of different races or ethnicities, which is not acceptable in a diverse society
We got to live together
(We gotta live together)
We got to live together
We got to live together
(No matter what color you are)
We must coexist peacefully and embrace our differences, regardless of our skin color or cultural heritage
'Cause I am everyday people, yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, I am everyday people
I, I, I, everyday people
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Again, I am simply an ordinary person among many others
We got to live together
(Makes no difference who you are)
We got to live together
Once again, a call to live harmoniously together despite our differences
I am everyday people
I am everyday people
I am everyday people
We got to live together
A reaffirmation of my identity as just an average person who believes in coexisting peaceably regardless of our differences
Everyday people
We got to live together
Everyday people
The chorus serves as a reminder that we must live harmoniously no matter who we are or where we come from
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sylvester Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind