The track reached #13 in the UK Singles Chart.
The song was co-written by keyboardist Magne Furuholmen and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy.
The single version omits the lyric "you see things in the depths of my eyes that my love's run dry" that is present twice on the album version during the song's main chorus.
The Norwegian indie folk-pop duo Kings of Convenience released an acoustic cover version of "Manhattan Skyline" in 2001.
Scottish comedian Limmy featured the song in his popular sketch "Benny Harvey RIP".