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.
Follow Your Heart
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a puzzling thing Oo, Oo, Oo,
What should I do, do, do, do, do, do, do
I (It's a puzzling thing) really want to know, know, know, know
Somebody's got to get up and tell me (What should he do) yeah, yeah
I really, really, really (It's a puzzling thing) want to know, know, know
(What should he do) My mind tells me to forget her
(It's a puzzling thing) My heart says love her, love her true, yeah
(It's a puzzling thing)
Somebody's got to get up and tell me what should I do
I really got to (What should he do) know, know, know, know, know, know (Follow your heart boy yeah)
Somebody, somebody please, please tell me, tell me
(Follow your heart hey, hoo) I really, really, really want to know, know, know,
(Follow your heart boy yeah) know yeah
Somebody's got to get up and tell me, tell me (Follow your heart hey hoo) tell me, tell me, tell me
She treats me sweet'sometimes yeah (It's a puzzling thing)
Then she treats me so untrue, true, true, true, true
(What should he do)
Which one, which one should I rely on (It's a puzzling thing)
Somebody come on, tell me what should I do
I really got to know, (What should he do) know, know, know, know
(Follow your heart boy yeah) Yeah, I asked my mother, my father, my sister, and my brother
Somebody's got (Follow your heart, hey, hoo) to tell me, yeah
I really want to know, know, know, know (Follow your heart boy yeah)
I really, really got to know (Follow your heart, hey, hoo)
Mother said, it's hard to make a decision (My son)
But love is a part of life (My son)
Have faith, have faith in all you do son
And make that girl your wife (Make that girl your wife)
My mind tells me to forget her (It's a puzzling thing)
My heart says no, no, no, siree, yeah (What should he do)
Which one, which one should I rely on
(It's a puzzling thing) Somebody's got to tell me,
What should it be; I really, really, really (What should he do)
got to know, know, know, know, know (Follow your heart boy, yeah)
Somebody's got to get up and tell me, yeah
(Follow your heart, hey, hoo) I really, really, really, got to know
(Follow your heart boy, yeah)
I asked my mother, my father, my sister'
The Manhattans' song "Follow Your Heart" addresses a common dilemma that many people have faced at some point in their lives - the conflict between following one's mind and emotions. The lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to decide whether he should forget a woman who sometimes treats him sweet but other times treats him unkindly, or continue to love her despite the uncertainty. The song suggests that the choice between the mind and heart is a puzzling thing, and that the singer needs guidance from someone else to make the right decision.
The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and confusion, as the singer seeks advice from his mother, father, sister, and brother - anyone who can help him make a decision. Ultimately, the song seems to suggest that the answer lies in following one's heart, as the title suggests. However, the lyrics do not provide a clear resolution to the singer's dilemma, leaving it up to the listener to interpret the message.
Overall, "Follow Your Heart" is a poignant and relatable song that explores the complexities of human emotions and decision-making.
Line by Line Meaning
What should you do Oo, Oo, Oo;
The singer is expressing confusion and seeking advice on what to do.
It's a puzzling thing Oo, Oo, Oo,
The situation at hand is confusing and difficult to understand.
What should I do, do, do, do, do, do, do
The singer is repeating his confusion and asking what he should do.
I (It's a puzzling thing) really want to know, know, know, know
The singer is emphasizing his desire to understand what to do, and acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.
Somebody's got to get up and tell me (What should he do) yeah, yeah
The singer is asking for direct advice from someone who can guide him in what to do.
I really, really, really (It's a puzzling thing) want to know, know, know
The singer repeats his strong desire to know what to do, emphasizing the difficulty of making the decision.
(What should he do) My mind tells me to forget her
The singer's logical mind is telling him to move on from the girl in question.
(It's a puzzling thing) My heart says love her, love her true, yeah
The singer's emotions are telling him to continue to love the girl, despite the difficulties in their relationship.
(What should he do) Which one, which one should I rely on
The singer is torn between his logical mind and his emotions, unsure which to follow.
(It's a puzzling thing) Somebody's got to get up and tell me what should I do
The singer acknowledges the complexity of the situation and the need for guidance from others.
I really got to (What should he do) know, know, know, know, know, know (Follow your heart boy yeah)
The singer emphasizes his strong desire for guidance and the importance of following one's heart.
Somebody, somebody please, please tell me, tell me
The singer is pleading with others for guidance and advice.
(Follow your heart hey, hoo) I really, really, really want to know, know, know,
The singer repeats the importance of following one's heart and emphasizes his desire for guidance.
(Follow your heart boy yeah) know yeah
The singer reiterates the importance of following one's heart and emphasizes the need for guidance in making decisions of the heart.
Somebody's got to get up and tell me, tell me (Follow your heart hey hoo) tell me, tell me, tell me
The singer continues to plead for guidance and emphasizes the importance of following one's heart in decision making.
She treats me sweet'sometimes yeah (It's a puzzling thing)
The singer describes the confusing nature of his relationship with the girl, acknowledging that she treats him well at times, but poorly at other times.
Then she treats me so untrue, true, true, true, true
The singer emphasizes that the girl's treatment of him is inconsistent and confusing.
(What should he do) Which one, which one should I rely on (It's a puzzling thing)
The singer continues to question which of his conflicting emotions and thoughts to trust in making a decision.
Somebody come on, tell me what should I do
The singer continues to plead for guidance and advice from others.
I really got to know, (What should he do) know, know, know, know
The singer emphasizes his strong desire for guidance and clarity in making a decision.
(Follow your heart boy yeah) Yeah, I asked my mother, my father, my sister, and my brother
The singer has sought guidance from those closest to him in his life.
Somebody's got (Follow your heart, hey, hoo) to tell me, yeah
The singer continues to plead for guidance and advice from anyone who can help.
I really want to know, know, know, know (Follow your heart boy yeah)
The singer emphasizes their strong desire for guidance in a difficult decision.
I really, really got to know (Follow your heart, hey, hoo)
The singer repeats their desire for guidance and emphasizes the importance of following one's heart in decision making.
Mother said, it's hard to make a decision (My son)
The singer recounts advice from their mother, acknowledging the difficulty of making a decision.
But love is a part of life (My son)
The mother emphasizes the importance of love in life and decision making.
Have faith, have faith in all you do son
The mother encourages the singer to have faith in their decisions and actions.
And make that girl your wife (Make that girl your wife)
The mother advises the singer to commit to the girl in question and make her his wife.
My mind tells me to forget her (It's a puzzling thing)
The singer acknowledges the conflict between his logical mind and his emotions in deciding what to do.
My heart says no, no, no, siree, yeah (What should he do)
The singer's heart is telling him to resist forgetting the girl and to keep pursuing her, despite the difficulties.
Which one, which one should I rely on
The singer continues to struggle with which of his conflicting emotions and thoughts to trust in deciding what to do.
(It's a puzzling thing) Somebody's got to tell me, What should it be; I really, really, really (What should he do)
The singer acknowledges the difficulty and complexity of the situation, and continues to plead for guidance and advice from anyone who can help.
got to know, know, know, know, know (Follow your heart boy, yeah)
The singer emphasizes their strong desire for guidance and for following one's heart in making decisions.
Somebody's got to get up and tell me, yeah (Follow your heart, hey, hoo)
The singer continues to plead for guidance and advice from anyone who can help, emphasizing the importance of following one's heart in difficult situations.
I really, really, really, got to know (Follow your heart boy, yeah)
The singer reiterates their strong desire for guidance and emphasizes the importance of following one's heart in decision making.
Contributed by Hannah C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Elias Diez
Thanks to the people that make the world a better place by posting beautiful music that should never be forgotten
Robert Patterson
I use to listen to this song when I was seven years old . I am 64 now it still send chills down my spine . The voices are the stuff to sure all my troubles
Gwendolyn Williams
That's because you knew good music at that age. and still know good music. I'm the same way.
acrucker
Another Masterpiece for future generations to enjoy! Thank you Manhattans!
Charlie Waters
I'll say it again..masterpiece... the message listen people...
Charles Larocco
GREAT! The Manhattans never made a less than GREAT recording when they recorded in the 60s! They were never the same after their original lead singer passed, and he can never be replaced.
Barbara Knight
I agree Charles Larocco. 👍🏼
Adamloveslife
Timeless! Every time I hear this song it still sounds great! I'm glad someone posted this song on YouTube!
LeVaughn Dickerson
This song blew me away when I first heard it in 1965. I still play it a lot along with some of my other favorite Manhattans songs, which include 'We Made It' and 'One Life To Live'. Talk about harmony....I think these guys invented it.
acrucker
Another Masterpiece for future generations to enjoy! Thank you, Manhattans!