Manhattan
War · Waving White [2007]
In the city, she wakes, before the break of day,
Cold water on her face, so lonely
Between the glass and knife, she'd like to start a fire,
She'd burn the city down, she'd burn it all for love
CHORUS:
Can you see the people, staring at the steeples
Wondering why they're so lonely, so lonely?
Can you hear their voices, joining in a chorus,
Wondering why it's so lovely, so lovely?
In the city, she wakes, the smoke is cleared away,
The fire's just a flame, still breathing,
She made a big debut on Fifth Avenue,
Then the village voice review took the fire from her eyes
CHORUS
We're walking right beside the ones we used to fight,
The flag is waving white, the flag is waving white,
We see for the first time, when we stop the fight,
The flag is waving white, the flag is waving white
CHORUS
Cold water on her face, so lonely
Between the glass and knife, she'd like to start a fire,
She'd burn the city down, she'd burn it all for love
CHORUS:
Can you see the people, staring at the steeples
Wondering why they're so lonely, so lonely?
Can you hear their voices, joining in a chorus,
Wondering why it's so lovely, so lovely?
In the city, she wakes, the smoke is cleared away,
The fire's just a flame, still breathing,
She made a big debut on Fifth Avenue,
Then the village voice review took the fire from her eyes
CHORUS
We're walking right beside the ones we used to fight,
The flag is waving white, the flag is waving white,
We see for the first time, when we stop the fight,
The flag is waving white, the flag is waving white
CHORUS
Manhattan - War
Released on the 2007 album Waving White, 'Manhattan' stands as a defining track in the career of the American rock band War. The song exemplifies the group's signature blend of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock, featuring the distinctive vocal harmonies and driving rhythms that characterized their work during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a staple of their discography, the recording captures the band's ability to create complex, groove-oriented soundscapes that have influenced countless artists across multiple genres. Its enduring appeal lies in its infectious energy and the seamless integration of brass and percussion, making it a quintessential example of classic rock and roll performance.