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Maneater
Daryl Hall & John Oates
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- Album
- H2O
- Released
- 1982
- Genres
- yacht rock, soft rock
- Length
- 4:32
- Tempo
- 89 BPM
- Label
- RCA/BMG Heritage
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About this song
The song was a number one hit for the duo in 1982 and spent four weeks at the top of the charts. John Oates had written a early version that was reggae-flavored, and Daryl Hall changed the groove to a Motown-style feel. Hall has said that a suggestion from Sara Allen, his partner, to end the song on the chorus made a big difference to it.
What it's about
According to John Oates, the song is about greed, avarice and spoiled riches in New York City in the 1980s. They told that story through a girl because it was easier for listeners to relate to.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 11 other songs, like “1982 by The Hood Internet”.
- Covered 19 times, including “Maneater by John Oates & Saxsquatch”.
- Written by John Oates, Daryl Hall and Sara Allen.
- Produced by Daryl Hall and John Oates.
- Recorded at Electric Lady Studios.