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 The Lonely Talking Again
The Manhattans Lyrics
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And believe me woman it's confusing me
I'm afraid to say let's make up and all's forgiven
But something tells me I'm heading for heartbreak
So lady please I'm praying that
This time will be different
That you and I can share the same that I visualize
It just the lonely talking again
Are you really ready for love girl or is
It just the lonely talking again
Now the time before when we got together
You promised you'd be forever home to me
But all i got from you is lots of talking
Lonely nights to feel with misery ao lady please
Please tell me now that when I fulfill your needs
But won't believe me even knowing
All that you come back tell me
Are you really ready for love girl, or is
Just the lonely talking again
Are you really ready for love girl, or is
The lonely talking again, tell me sugar please
Tell me are you really ready for love girl
Or is it just the lonely talking again
Are you really ready for love girl
Or is it the lonely talking again
I wanna know, I wanna know
Are you really ready for love girl
Or is it just the lonely talking again
In the song "Just the Lonely Talking Again" by The Manhattans, the singer sings to his former lover who has returned for a second time. He expresses his confusion and fear of heartbreak if he were to forgive her. The singer is unsure if the woman truly wants love or if she is just lonely, using past experiences as a reference. The verses reveal that she had promised forever, but only gave empty words, leading to lonely nights and misery. The chorus repeatedly asks the question "Are you really ready for love girl or is it just the lonely talking again?" with a plea for a truthful answer. The singer wants to know if she is truly committed to the relationship or if she is just temporarily seeking comfort from her loneliness.
The tone of the song is melancholic and touches on themes of heartbreak, loneliness and mistrust in love. The lyrics depict a strained relationship where love and trust have been broken. The singer is trying to gain clarity on the woman's intentions and whether or not they will be able to have a healthy relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the second time around for you and I girl
We have been in a relationship before, and now we're trying again
And believe me woman it's confusing me
I'm having a hard time understanding where we stand in our relationship
I'm afraid to say let's make up and all's forgiven
I'm hesitant to suggest we reconcile and forget the past
But something tells me I'm heading for heartbreak
I have a feeling that we're headed towards another painful breakup
So lady please I'm praying that
I'm hoping and asking that you
This time will be different
Things will be better between us than the last time
That you and I can share the same that I visualize
We can have a fulfilling relationship based on my hopes and dreams
Are you really ready for love girl, or is
Do you genuinely want to be in a committed relationship or are you
It just the lonely talking again
Making these desires due to your loneliness
Now the time before when we got together
In our previous attempt at being in a relationship
You promised you'd be forever home to me
You claimed you would always be there for me
But all i got from you is lots of talking
But in reality, you only gave me empty promises and talk
Lonely nights to feel with misery ao lady please
I've been alone and unhappy while you were away, so please
Please tell me now that when I fulfill your needs
Let me know if I can fulfill your desires and make you happy
But won't believe me even knowing
But you won't trust me or believe me
All that you come back tell me
If you return to me, explain why
Tell me are you really ready for love girl
I'm asking if you're ready for a real commitment and meaningful relationship
Or is it just the lonely talking again
Or are your feelings just due to your loneliness
Are you really ready for love girl
I want to know if you're truly prepared for a serious relationship
Or is it the lonely talking again
Or if it's just a fleeting desire due to feeling lonely
I wanna know, I wanna know
I'm curious and want to understand
Are you really ready for love girl
If you're truly committed to a real, lasting relationship
Or is it just the lonely talking again
Or if it's just a temporary desire to fill a void
Writer(s): Sam Dees
Contributed by Vivian V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.