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.
You'd Better Believe It
The Manhattans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(You'd better believe it)
That I do love you
And my love is true
Don't go around with a doubt in your mind
You know, baby, I'm not the cheatin' kind because
Whoa... Oh... Whoa... You'd better believe it, baby
(You'd better believe it)
Mmm
Somebody's been lyin'
Because I've been so true
Now stop your cryin'
And your sobbing too
You'll feel so much better when you do
You know, baby, there's no one else but you because
(You'd better believe it)
Whoa... Oh... Whoa... You'd better believe it, baby
(You'd better believe it)
Mmm
How could you let them get under your skin
The story you heard was just a big lie
I know within my heart I've committed no sin
So baby, there's no reason to cry, whoa... Whoa... Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(You'd better believe it)
I know, I know, I know, baby, you'd better believe it, yeah, yeah
(You'd better believe it)
(You'd better believe it) Baby, believe it, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(You'd better believe it) Just put a little trust in me, baby
(You'd better believe it) I'll show you that I care, ooh
(You'd better believe it)
The Manhattans' song "You'd Better Believe It" is a love ballad that conveys a man's reassurance to his lover of his true love. The song opens with the repetitive phrase "You'd better believe it" repeated twice, which sets the tone for the entire song. The singer tells his lover that his love is true and she should have no doubts about it. He also emphasizes that he is not the cheating kind and that she shouldn't listen to untrue rumors.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges the hurt his lover is feeling due to the lies she has heard about him. He encourages her to stop crying and to trust in him. He assures her that he has committed no sins and the story she heard is just a big lie.
The song ends with the singer telling his lover to put a little trust in him, and he'll show her that he cares. The overall message of the song is the importance of trust in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
(You'd better believe it)
I'm absolutely serious and truthful about what I'm saying.
(You'd better believe it)
You need to understand the significance of what I'm saying.
That I do love you
I am genuinely in love with you.
And my love is true
My love is authentic and real.
Don't go around with a doubt in your mind
Don't be suspicious or uncertain about my feelings.
You know, baby, I'm not the cheatin' kind because
I have never cheated and I never will, so you can trust me.
Whoa... Oh... Whoa... You'd better believe it, baby
This is a serious matter that requires your trust and belief in me.
Somebody's been lyin'
Someone has spread rumors or false information.
Because I've been so true
But I have always been honest and faithful.
Now stop your cryin'
Don't be upset or emotional about this situation.
And your sobbing too
Stop crying excessively.
You'll feel so much better when you do
You'll feel relieved and better if you stop crying and believe me.
You know, baby, there's no one else but you because
You are the only one I love and care for.
How could you let them get under your skin
Why did you allow false information to affect you?
The story you heard was just a big lie
The rumors or information you heard were completely untrue.
I know within my heart I've committed no sin
I am confident that I have done nothing wrong.
So baby, there's no reason to cry, whoa... Whoa... Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
There's no need to be upset or emotional about this false information.
I know, I know, I know, baby, you'd better believe it, yeah, yeah
I understand that it's difficult to trust, but you need to believe me.
Just put a little trust in me, baby
Give me a chance to prove my love and faithfulness to you.
I'll show you that I care, ooh
I'll demonstrate my love and devotion to you.
Contributed by Sydney M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.