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.
Good Enough
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the drums are pumpin'
the groove is lockin' in the rhythm like we want it to be
No time for stallin'
We're really haulin'
we've gotta keep it in the pocket or we'll stagger behind
Or if the time itself will falter, or of words even rhyme
But we admit, the trick to it is not to think about it
when you're busy bravin' all the notes in the line
This time we mean it
We're gonna swing it
And take you right up to the end before we try to unwind
Alan's solo:
I've never been the kind of guy who could just normally quit
Never could decide when to rest my pride
and feel all right with just good enough
Thoughts, they gather
tellin' me to look to find a bright new way
to assemble all the stimulated motives that haunt me
tryin' a live it, be in the moment, tryin' to sing it alone
can beckon to me, a feelin' of being bent
so I believe, takin' a leave is the brightest way to stop
All the chatter boxin' going 'round in my brain
so I'm wailin' - movin' and groovin' this part of this song
I hope that my riff's good enough to keep
better leave it now or go out of my mind
Violin Solo
Tim's solo:
Now I dig you think that perfect's what we should make it
But I've been down that road and I can tell ya how we feel's
the most important thing about it
Whether you're right or whether you might think
we're pathetic
A little lighter on the reins will help you loosen up the chains
that are still binding you -
In the past, whenever thoughts I had would try to re-
evaluate all that i would do
I'd hesitate, consolidate, and motivate
All the little pearls of doubt that strive to break up
every single bit of
precious joy that flowed from God's soul spark that
shines within me
That's it in a nut shell
So take advice from this sap, go for feel and leave it alone
Mandolin Solo:
Now's the time to sing
Swing is what we bring
Rhythm that's the thing
To really get your spirit movin' higher
Gonna jump and play
Dance the night away
Make you really sway
And let the music take you even higher
E-lla sang this song real special
Come on, come on - we'll sing this special song for you
One more one we'll go
but before we blow
we want you to know
The take is really good enough, we'll keep it!
The Manhattan Transfer's song "It's Good Enough to Keep" is a lively tune that celebrates the power of music and the energy that comes with playing well together. The lyrics describe the excitement of a band that is "lockin' in the rhythm" and playing with passion and intensity. The song encourages listeners to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the joy of making music.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, with its contagious energy and driving beat. The second verse speaks to the challenges of improvising and staying in sync with other musicians, but ultimately reminds us that the key is to stay focused and "brave all the notes in the line." The third verse features a beautiful violin solo and a heartfelt reflection on the pitfalls of perfectionism and the importance of following one's instincts.
The song ends with a triumphant chorus that celebrates the band's success in capturing the magic of their performance. It's a fitting end to a song that celebrates the power of music to bring people together and create something special.
Overall, "It's Good Enough to Keep" is a song that is sure to get your toes tapping and your spirits lifted. Its infectious groove and positive message make it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and delight listeners for generations to come.
Line by Line Meaning
The jam is jumpin'
The music is lively and enjoyable
the drums are pumpin'
The drums are creating a lively rhythm
the groove is lockin' in the rhythm like we want it to be
The music is following the desired rhythm
No time for stallin'
There is no time to waste
We're really haulin'
We are moving quickly
we've gotta keep it in the pocket or we'll stagger behind
We must maintain the rhythm to stay on track
You never know just when to leave it when you're riffin' in time
It's difficult to know when to stop when improvising
Or if the time itself will falter, or of words even rhyme
It's uncertain if the rhythm or lyrics will be consistent
But we admit, the trick to it is not to think about it
The key is to not overthink while playing
when you're busy bravin' all the notes in the line
While playing a challenging piece
This time we mean it
We are being serious this time
We're gonna swing it
We are going to play the music with rhythm
And take you right up to the end before we try to unwind
We will play until the end before relaxing
I've never been the kind of guy who could just normally quit
I have always found it difficult to let things go
Never could decide when to rest my pride
I struggle with knowing when to take a break
and feel all right with just good enough
I have a hard time being satisfied with mediocrity
Thoughts, they gather
My thoughts come together
tellin' me to look to find a bright new way
My thoughts urge me to find a new path
to assemble all the stimulated motives that haunt me
To gather all the driving forces that bother me
tryin' a live it, be in the moment, tryin' to sing it alone
Trying to live in and enjoy the present moment while singing alone
can beckon to me, a feelin' of being bent
This can make me feel overwhelmed
so I believe, takin' a leave is the brightest way to stop
I believe that taking a break is the best way to rest
All the chatter boxin' going 'round in my brain
The excessive thoughts running through my mind
so I'm wailin' - movin' and groovin' this part of this song
So I'm singing and dancing this part of the song energetically
I hope that my riff's good enough to keep
I hope my improvisation is satisfactory
better leave it now or go out of my mind
It's better to stop playing now than to get too stressed
Now I dig you think that perfect's what we should make it
I understand that you believe we should strive for perfection
But I've been down that road and I can tell ya how we feel's
I have been in that situation and know that how we feel is more important
the most important thing about it
The most important thing to consider
Whether you're right or whether you might think
Regardless of your opinion
we're pathetic
We are not pathetic
A little lighter on the reins will help you loosen up the chains
A more relaxed approach will help you be more creative
that are still binding you -
That are still limiting you
In the past, whenever thoughts I had would try to re-
In the past, when I would try to reconsider
evaluate all that i would do
Evaluate everything I would do
I'd hesitate, consolidate, and motivate
I would hesitate, then gather my thoughts and motivation
All the little pearls of doubt that strive to break up
All the little doubts that try to hinder
every single bit of
Every small part of
precious joy that flowed from God's soul spark that
The valuable joy that comes from a spiritual source
shines within me
Exists inside me
That's it in a nut shell
That is the summary
So take advice from this sap, go for feel and leave it alone
So take advice from me, go with your instincts and don't overthink
Now's the time to sing
It is time to start singing
Swing is what we bring
Our music is full of lively rhythm
Rhythm that's the thing
Rhythm is the most important aspect
To really get your spirit movin' higher
To energize you
Gonna jump and play
We are going to play energetically
Dance the night away
Dancing all night long
Make you really sway
We will make you move to the rhythm
And let the music take you even higher
Let the music energize you even more
E-lla sang this song real special
Ella sang this song exceptionally well
Come on, come on - we'll sing this special song for you
We'll sing this song for you with enthusiasm
One more one we'll go
We will do one more performance
but before we blow
Before we end the performance
we want you to know
We want to convey
The take is really good enough, we'll keep it!
The performance was satisfactory and we will not record another version
Lyrics © REGENT MUSIC CORPORATION
Written by: ALAN PAUL, BENNY GOODMAN, CHARLES CHRISTIAN, JIMMY MUNDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind