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.
Just Can't Seem To Get Next To You
The Manhattans Lyrics
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You've become more than a friend of mine
No matter what you say or do
In my heart i know that i love you
You don′t seem to note the change in me
May be its that you're too close to see, ooh
I just can't seem to get next you
I just can't seem to get next to you
Don′t know why my heart cries,
But please don't pass me by
Searching all this time for the right way
I still can′t find the words to say
And maybe you won't understand
If i should reach out, and touch your hand
So i keep on hoping desperately
You will be the one to come to me
The lyrics to The Manhattans' song "Just Can't Seem To Get Next To You" express the singer's deep longing and frustration in their pursuit of someone they have been wanting for a long time. The person they desire has transitioned from a mere friend to someone they have developed strong feelings for. Despite this shift, the singer feels that their emotions are not reciprocated. They grasp onto the hope that the person they love will eventually see the change in them and acknowledge their feelings.
The lyrics convey the singer's struggle to connect with this person on a deeper level. They express their confusion and helplessness in not being able to break through to them. The singer yearns to be close to the one they love, but they feel blocked or overlooked, resulting in a sense of despair. The desperation comes across as they express their desire for the person not to pass them by and plead for their attention.
In essence, the lyrics reflect the universal experience of unrequited love, capturing the pain, confusion, and longing that often accompany such feelings. The Manhattans' smooth vocal harmonies and emotive delivery enhance the intensity and sincerity of the emotion expressed in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I′ve been wanting you for a long time
I have desired your presence and affection for a significant period of time
You've become more than a friend of mine
Our relationship has evolved beyond a platonic friendship
No matter what you say or do
Despite your actions and words
In my heart i know that i love you
Deep within my heart, I am certain of my love for you
You don′t seem to note the change in me
You appear to be unaware of the transformation I have undergone
May be its that you're too close to see, ooh
Perhaps your proximity to me prevents you from perceiving it, oh
I just can't seem to get next you
I am simply unable to be close to you
I don′t what to do, i can′t get through
I am unsure of my next course of action, as I am unable to establish a connection with you
I just can't seem to get next to you
I continuously struggle to be in close proximity to you
Don′t know why my heart cries
I do not understand the reason for my heart's emotional turmoil
But please don't pass me by
However, I implore you not to ignore or disregard me
Searching all this time for the right way
Throughout this prolonged period, I have been seeking the proper approach
I still can′t find the words to say
Yet, I am unable to discover the appropriate words to express myself
And maybe you won't understand
Furthermore, there is a possibility that you will not comprehend
If i should reach out, and touch your hand
Should I attempt to extend my hand and make physical contact with you
So i keep on hoping desperately
Therefore, I continue to hold onto desperate hopes
You will be the one to come to me
That you will be the individual who approaches me
Writer(s): Gerald Alston, Barbara L Morr
Contributed by Henry B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.