In 1979, Shirman reunited The Attack. Two years later he founded another band Hershey and the 12 Bars who released an album in 2000: Greatest Hits Volume II (A New Day Records, AND CD43).
Hi Ho Silver Lining
The Attack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thats where you're at
Going down a bumpy hillside
In your hippy hat
Flying across the country
And getting fat
Saying everything is groovy
And it's hi, ho silver lining
And away you go now baby
I see your sun is shining
And I won't make a fuss
Though it's obvious
Flies are in your pea soup baby
They're waving at me
Anything you want is yours now
Only nothing's for free
Lies are gonna get you some day
Just wait and see
So open up your beach umbrella
While you're watching TV
And it's hi, ho silver lining
And away you go now baby
I see your sun is shining
But I won't make a fuss
When it's obvious
And it's hi, ho silver lining
And away you go now baby
I see your sun is shining
But I won't make a fuss
Though it's obvious
And it's hi ho silver lining
And away you go now baby
I see your sun is shining
But I won't make a fuss
Though it's obvious
The lyrics of The Attack's song 'Hi Ho Silver Lining' describe someone who seems to be carefree and living life to the fullest, but in reality, they are not as happy as they seem. The song uses vivid imagery to convey the contrast between the idealized life that the person appears to be living and the harsh realities they face every day. The first verse emphasizes the person's nomadic lifestyle, as they travel across the country but are still unsatisfied with their life. They wear a "hippy hat" and claim that "everything is groovy" even though their life is full of bumps and potholes.
The second verse reveals some of the problems the person is facing. Flies are in their soup, and they have no money to pay for anything they want. They are also lying to themselves and others, thinking that they can get away with it forever. The chorus repeats the phrase "hi ho silver lining," which represents the hope and optimism that the person clings to, even though they are aware that nothing in life is truly free.
Overall, this song is a commentary on the hippie culture of the1960s, where people were searching for utopia and happiness but often found themselves disillusioned by the realities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
You're everywhere and nowhere, baby
You seem present, but actually you're not really here, baby.
Thats where you're at
That's how you exist.
Going down a bumpy hillside
Experiencing an uncertain and unstable journey.
In your hippy hat
Wearing casual and bohemian headgear.
Flying across the country
Traversing through the entire country by air.
And getting fat
Gaining weight through this.
Saying everything is groovy
Expressing that everything is good and fine.
When your tyres are flat
But in reality, things aren't going so smoothly.
And it's hi, ho silver lining
An exclamation to denote a bright and positive situation.
And away you go now baby
Off you go, dear.
I see your sun is shining
Noting that you're in a positive and optimistic state of mind.
And I won't make a fuss
I won't bother you.
Though it's obvious
Even though the truth is apparent.
Flies are in your pea soup baby
Noticing that your meal has flies in it.
They're waving at me
The flies are even taunting me!
Anything you want is yours now
Emphasizing that you can have anything you desire.
Only nothing's for free
However, you'll have to pay the price eventually.
Lies are gonna get you some day
Deceiving others will catch up to you eventually.
Just wait and see
You'll realize this for yourself soon enough.
So open up your beach umbrella
Take some time to relax and enjoy yourself.
While you're watching TV
Watch some TV and unwind.
And away you go now baby
You're off somewhere else again.
But I won't make a fuss
I won't cause a scene over your departure.
When it's obvious
Even though the situation is clear.
And away you go now baby
Once again, you're off on your own.
But I won't make a fuss
I won't argue with your decisions.
Though it's obvious
Even though the truth is plain to see.
And it's hi ho silver lining
A rejoinder to state that things are looking up.
And away you go now baby
Again, you're heading off somewhere else.
I see your sun is shining
Observing that you're in a good mood.
But I won't make a fuss
I won't make a scene over it.
Though it's obvious
Even though everyone can see what's going on.
Writer(s): Weiss, English
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
nick gratton
i really appreciate the post too because my father was the bass player witht he attack and clarinette gerry henderson so thankyou :)
Alex McKenna
Nice to hear this again - after 43 years :-) Radio CIty used to play this version, and I liked it best!
Alf Hartigan
My pleasure. I always preferred this version, which preceded Jeff Beck's hit, and thought Gerry's clarinet was brilliant. It added more to the song than Jeff's guitar solo did, in my view. I also love "Created By Clive", which The Syn covered.
ryles
I didn't even know Jeff Beck wasn't the first to record this till the other day. It's almost like a completely different song, not better or worse but just as good.
Heather Ferreira
A bit Kinksy! Just the kind of nasty second person commentary Ray Davies has become known for. I love it!
Roger Coleman
Always liked this ' forgotten ' version,remember it so well in March '67 as a much plugged turntable hit on Radio London's ' Fab Forty ' playlist. Remember exactly where I was, very Happy Memories, thanks very much for posting.
Italia Vamp
Best version by far.
nick gratton
thanks again to everyone taking an interest in this original version of hi ho silver lining
springbotham
I'd never heard this version before. I'm not sure I don't prefer it to Beck's. It's certainly got more wit to it.
Alf Hartigan
I prefer The Attack's version of "Created By Clive". That could also have been the original but I'm not sure. They were both released almost simultaneously.