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.
I Wanna Be
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It would feel to be free
I wish I could break
All the chains holding me
I wish I could say
All the things that I should say
Say 'em loud say 'em clear
I wish I could share
All the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars
That keep us apart
I wish you could know
What it means to be me
Then you'd see and agree
That every man should be free
I wish I could give
All I'm longin' to give
I wish I could live
Like I'm longin' to live
I wish I could do
All the things that I can do
And though I'm way over due
I'd be starting a new
Well I wish I could be
Like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be
If I found I could fly
Oh I'd soar to the sun
And look down at the sea
Than I'd sing 'cause I know, yea
Then I'd sing 'cause I know, yea
Then I'd sing 'cause I know
I'd know how it feels
Oh I know how it feels to be free
Yea yea! oh, I know how it feels
Yes I know
Oh, I know
How it feels
How it feels
To be free
The lyrics of "I Wanna Be" by The Manhattans express a deep longing for freedom, both physically and emotionally. The song speaks to the desire to break free from the constraints and chains that hold the singer back from fully expressing themselves and experiencing life to the fullest.
The opening lines, "I wish I knew how / It would feel to be free," reveal a yearning to understand the true essence of freedom. The singer longs to break free from the limitations that have been placed on them, whether it be societal expectations, personal struggles, or emotional barriers. They want to be able to speak their mind, to share their love freely, and to live life authentically.
The lyrics also touch on the desire to connect with others on a deep level. The lines "I wish you could know / What it means to be me / Then you'd see and agree / That every man should be free" highlight the need for empathy and understanding. The singer believes that if others could truly understand their perspective, they would realize the importance of freedom for every individual.
Ultimately, the song celebrates the idea of liberation and self-discovery. It paints a picture of soaring like a bird in the sky, experiencing the vastness of the world from a new perspective. The repeated phrase "I know how it feels to be free" expresses a sense of empowerment and self-assurance, suggesting that the singer has overcome their struggles and found freedom within themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I knew how
If only I could understand
It would feel to be free
The sensation of true freedom
I wish I could break
If only I could shatter
All the chains holding me
The restraints that bind me
I wish I could say
If only I could express
All the things that I should say
All the words that must be spoken
Say 'em loud say 'em clear
Speak with volume and clarity
For the whole round world to hear
So the entire world may listen
I wish I could share
If only I could give
All the love that's in my heart
The boundless affection within me
Remove all the bars
Eliminate all the barriers
That keep us apart
Which cause our separation
I wish you could know
If only you could comprehend
What it means to be me
The essence of my existence
Then you'd see and agree
You would perceive and acknowledge
That every man should be free
That all individuals deserve freedom
I wish I could give
If only I could provide
All I'm longin' to give
Everything I yearn to offer
I wish I could live
If only I could experience
Like I'm longin' to live
In the manner I yearn for
I wish I could do
If only I could accomplish
All the things that I can do
Every task within my capabilities
And though I'm way over due
Despite being significantly delayed
I'd be starting a new
I would commence anew
Well I wish I could be
Oh, if only I could become
Like a bird in the sky
Similar to a soaring bird
How sweet it would be
The delightful sensation it would bring
If I found I could fly
If I discovered the ability to soar
Oh I'd soar to the sun
I would ascend towards the sun
And look down at the sea
Gazing upon the vast ocean below
Than I'd sing 'cause I know, yea
Therefore, I would sing with certainty
Then I'd sing 'cause I know, yea
Then I would sing with understanding
Then I'd sing 'cause I know
Then I would sing with knowledge
I'd know how it feels
I would comprehend the sensation
Oh I know how it feels to be free
Indeed, I understand the experience of freedom
Yea yea! oh, I know how it feels
Yes, I am well aware of the sensation
Yes I know
Certainly, I understand
Oh, I know
Truly, I comprehend
How it feels
The sensation it brings
How it feels
The way it is experienced
To be free
To exist without constraints
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Riofski
Great post, Soulhawk! This was the Manhattans' first charting single and it did very well, peaking at #12 on the US R&B charts (and #68 on Billboard's Hot 100) in January of 1965. Like so many of their records, it was an original composition, this time by founding group member Winfred "Blue" Lovett.
Lawrence Dorfman
Soul hawk another super soul group, lead and song.
TYVM
Jimmie Smith
The late great George Smith on lead all of the original Manhattans have pass on but their music lives on
connie
THEY ARE THE BEST TY
belaone
I love it....i just wanna wanna
I wanna buy you the whole wide world, just be my girl...
i want to be your everything
Just be my girl
I wanna be your diamonds and pearls
All you have to do is be my girl
Be my girlfriend
Creator post lyrics_thank you.
Pasture579thunder
Now Thats Soul!
Michele Valeri
♥️
Jessica Mccaroll
Want to be !!
Ofelia DeLeon
I wanna b by your side. I'll always b your girl
John Brodie
Did this come out on the Sue label