Just Too Many People

Album: Melissa (1975)
Charted: 30
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Just Too Many People" is the follow-up to Melissa Manchester's first hit, "Midnight Blue," and it did well, reaching #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. It addresses the irony that the more people there are, the more lonely people there are, as it's hard to get to know anyone in a large crowd. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • Manchester wrote this song with Vini Poncia, who co-wrote hits for The Ronettes ("(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up") and Leo Sayer ("You Make Me Feel Like Dancing"). Manchester talked about the track in a Songfacts interview: "Even then, people were struggling. People are always struggling, and sometimes you hope a song will help to unite people or bring clarity to their struggles, and that was one of those songs."
  • According to Manchester, the song proved controversial, with some radio stations in the Boston area refusing to play it because they thought there was some kind of anti-family message in the song, probably because of the lyrics:

    Livin' in a house divided
    By loneliness and sorrow

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.