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.
Goodbye Is The Saddest Word
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You only make it hard for me
Please don′t cry
If you see me, somewhere
Maybe there will be another time for us
Just don't... just don′t say goodbye
You see, goodbye is the saddest saddest thing to say
Lets just... lets just say... so long
Don't look back
At what has been
Keep on turning corners
Baby we'll meet again
Who can say where
Who can say when
(Du du du)
Well, but if our love was meant to be
(Du du du)
There will be another time for you and me
Oh goodbye is the saddest word
Two ears have ever heard
The ...
But now this is goodbye
What you know
What I believe
I′m losing the greatest thing in this world
And I kind of hope
That after I
After I get myself together girl
I can come back home
(Come back)
And be the kind of man you want me to be
Thats why I hope
You′ll wait for me
But baby, baby, baby
The world won't stop
Turning around
If what we′ve lost
Can somehow be found, girl
I know its hard
To come to an end
(Du du du)
Well knowing not where or when
(Du du du)
We will ever be together somewhere
Oh I
Oh goodbye is the saddest word
Two ears have ever heard
Oh goodbye is the saddest word
Two ears have ever heard
Oh goodbye goodbye goodbye goodbye goodbye
Is the saddest word
Goodbye goodbye goodbye
Is the saddest word
Two ears have ever heard
In "Goodbye Is The Saddest Word" by The Manhattans, the lyrics explore the pain of a breakup and the difficulty of saying goodbye to someone you love. The song is an emotional plea from the singer to his former partner, begging her not to say goodbye because of the devastating impact it would have on them both. He hopes that they will meet again in the future and that their love will remain strong until then.
The lyrics express a mixture of sadness and hope, with the singer acknowledging the pain that both he and his partner are feeling but also holding onto the possibility that they may reunite one day. The repeated phrase "goodbye is the saddest saddest thing to say" highlights the depth of emotion that the singer is experiencing and the importance of the relationship that he is losing. He urges his partner to keep moving forward and not to dwell on what has been lost, reminding her that they will always have the memory of their love.
The song is a classic example of soul music, with its heartfelt lyrics and smooth, melodic vocals. The Manhattans were one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1970s, known for their lush harmonies and romantic ballads. "Goodbye Is The Saddest Word" was one of their biggest hits, reaching number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977.
Line by Line Meaning
No baby
Addressing someone and stating that you are talking to them, likely in a romantic context.
You only make it hard for me
You are causing difficulty or conflict in this situation.
Please don't cry
Asking the other person to refrain from showing emotions like sadness or tears.
If you see me, somewhere
In the event that you happen to encounter me in the future, in any location.
Maybe there will be another time for us
Perhaps there will be an opportunity in the future for us to reconcile or reconnect.
Just don't... just don't say goodbye
Please avoid saying farewell, as it is emotionally difficult to do.
You see, goodbye is the saddest saddest thing to say
Explaining that saying farewell is one of the most painful things to do in this situation.
Lets just... lets just say... so long
Choosing to use an alternate phrase instead of saying goodbye, in an effort to make the parting less difficult.
Don't look back
Advice to not dwell on the past or what has been lost.
At what has been
Suggesting to not focus on what has already occurred or what cannot be changed.
Keep on turning corners
Continuing to move forward and make progress, even if the path is uncertain.
Baby we'll meet again
Offering hope that the two parties will eventually reunite or cross paths in the future.
Who can say where
Acknowledging that it is impossible to know where things will go from here.
Who can say when
Admitting that the timeline for any potential reunion or resolution is unknown.
Well, but if our love was meant to be
Speculating that if the two parties are meant to be together, then it will eventually come to pass.
There will be another time for you and me
Reiterating the hope that there will be another chance for the two parties to be together at some point in the future.
Oh goodbye is the saddest word
Reflecting on the emotional difficulty of saying goodbye.
Two ears have ever heard
Asserting that saying farewell is one of the most painful experiences one can go through.
The ...
This line is incomplete and does not convey a clear meaning on its own.
But now this is goodbye
Acknowledging that despite the emotional hardship, it is time to say goodbye in the present moment.
What you know
Asking the other person to consider what they know or understand about the situation.
What I believe
Stating what you personally believe about the situation or the relationship.
I'm losing the greatest thing in this world
Admitting that the relationship or the other person is of the highest importance to you.
And I kind of hope
Expressing a tentative or uncertain hope regarding the future.
That after I
Once a certain condition or event has occurred.
After I get myself together girl
Suggesting that a period of growth or personal development needs to occur before further progress can be made in the relationship.
I can come back home
Stating that you hope to return to a familiar or comforting place in the future.
(Come back)
This parenthetical is not part of the lyrics and does not have a specific meaning.
And be the kind of man you want me to be
Expressing a desire to become a better partner or person in order to improve the relationship.
Thats why I hope
Reiterating the hopeful sentiment expressed earlier in the song.
You'll wait for me
Expressing a desire for the other person to remain committed to the relationship while you work on personal growth.
The world won't stop
Acknowledging that despite the end of the relationship, the world will keep moving forward.
Turning around
Continuing to move and progress, despite setbacks or changes in direction.
If what we've lost
Recognizing that something valuable (the relationship) has been lost in the process.
Can somehow be found, girl
Offering hope that what has been lost can eventually be regained or restored in some way.
I know its hard
Acknowledging that this situation is difficult or painful for all parties involved.
To come to an end
Expressing sadness or regret that the relationship has come to a close.
(Du du du)
This repeated sound effect does not have a clear meaning in the context of the song.
Well knowing not where or when
Admitting once again that it is impossible to know what the future holds for the relationship.
We will ever be together somewhere
Offering hope that at some point in the future, the two parties will be reunited in some location or context.
Oh I
Expressing a strong emotional reaction to the situation.
Goodbye goodbye goodbye goodbye goodbye
Repeatedly emphasizing the emotional difficulty of saying farewell.
Is the saddest word
Asserting once again that saying goodbye is one of the most painful experiences one can go through.
Two ears have ever heard
Reiterating the idea that farewell is emotionally challenging and difficult for all parties involved.
Writer(s): Robert John Lange
Contributed by Mason J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@etrain9730
This song hits bro 😭❤️🔥
@user-ms4ny1li4q
Beautiful
@mikehorgan6025
So many great songs by The Manhattans !! A very under-rated group..
@aleslie82
Goodbye is the saddest word two ears have ever heard. We gave our love a try but now this is goodbye. Wow! Couldnt have said it better myself
@derekcarty2666
we will never hear singing like this again, sadly
@carlosdavis6276
This a classic song ever and best groups Manhattan.
@nakitawilliams3967
Love this music.
@vinsertheritagehere340
Smooth Soul - feeling it!
@nFra-zj9bw
Hvala Bolesnoj braći
@CALITEX4
You did it!!! Thank you soo much this album takes me back to my childhood days in Dallas, TX, LOL!!!!, can you imagine a 7 year old loving this album back in 1978? My 6 yr old sister and my dad and I use to groove to this 8 track on our way to school, "Dada put in The Manhattans!!!" My dad would chuckle and pop in that 8 track and all would be right with the world at least for a little while. I am sending you a big ol' cyber hug an my dad is sending you a cyber pound.