Frequent releases during the mid-60s included many cover versions of popular songs, as well as a few group-penned hits and many songs written especially for them by professional songwriters.
The Hollies were formed in 1962 in Lancashire, England. By 1965,the group had been established as one of Britain's pre-eminent singles bands. As part of the British Invasion, they enjoyed huge chart success in many countries in the mid-Sixties, releasing a string of classic harmony-pop hits including Bus Stop I'm Alive, a UK No. 1, I Can't Let Go, Stop Stop Stop, Carrie Anne, On A Carousel, Look Through Any Window, and Jennifer Eccles.
In 1972, the hit Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress reached #2 in the US. Their last mega hit was He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, hitting #1 in the UK in 1988 (albeit 19 years after its first release).
The band are noted for their longevity, with their 2006 tour chalking up 45 years. Despite numerous changes in line-up, Tony Hicks & Bobby Elliott have been with the band almost from its inception.
Lead singer Allan Clarke left The Hollies in 1971, though he rejoined the band at later times. He was eventually replaced by Carl Wayne, ex lead singer of The Move, who passed away in 2004. Wayne was replaced by Peter Howarth. The 2007 line up is, Ian Parker on keyboards, Ray Stiles (Ex Mud, remember 'Tiger Feet') on bass guitar and Alan Coates on guitar and vocals by Steve Lauri.
Original bass player Eric Haydock died in January 2018.
The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 15, 2010.
Allan Clarke (vocals, 1962-71, 1973-99), Graham Nash (guitar, vocals, 1962-68, 1983), Eric Haydock (bass, 1962-66), Vick Farrell (guitar, 1962), Don Rathbone (drums, 1962-63), Tony Hicks (guitar, banjo, mandolin, electric sitar, vocals, 1963-present), Bobby Elliott (drums, percussion, 1963-present), Bernie Calvert (bass, 1966-81), Terry Sylvester (guitar, vocals, 1969-81), Mikael Rickfors (vocals, 1971-73), Denis Haines (bass, 1981-86), Alan Coates (guitar, 1981-2004), Ray Stiles (bass, vocals, 1986-present), Ian Parker (keyboards, vocals, 1991-present), Carl Wayne (vocals, 2000-04), Peter Howarth (vocals, acoustic guitar, 2004-present), Steve Lauri (guitar, vocals, 2004-present)
48 Hour Parole
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To somewhere where it's warmer
First come will be first served
You'd better put in your order
Been out in the cold far too long
Gonna set the town on fire (fire)
If you're not with me you better step aside
Oh, forty eight hour parole
But I got to be a good boy
Oh, forty eight hour parole
Toein' the line ain't my style
And I ain't looking for trouble
I wasn't born, I was carved out of stone
So don't try bustin' my bubble
Oh, forty eight hour parole
But I got to be a good boy
Oh, forty eight hour parole
I'm gettin' out and steppin' in
To somewhere where it's warmer
First come will be first served
You'd better put in your order
Been out in the cold far too long
Gonna set the town on fire (fire)
If you're not with me you better step aside
This boy's out for the kill kickin' higher
Oh, forty eight hour parole
But I got to be a good boy
Oh, forty eight hour parole
Oh, forty eight hour parole
But I got to be a good boy
Oh, forty eight hour parole
Oh, forty eight hour parole
But I got to be a good boy
Oh, forty eight hour parole
The Hollies's song "48 Hour Parole" is a catchy and upbeat tune that tells the story of a man who has just been released from prison on a 48-hour parole. He is eager to enjoy his newfound freedom and make the most of his limited time outside of prison. The lyrics convey a sense of determination and a desire to have fun and live life to the fullest, while acknowledging the need to stay out of trouble in order to avoid going back to jail.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, as the singer proclaims that he is "gettin' out and steppin' in, to somewhere where it's warmer." This could refer to a literal place with better weather, or it could represent a metaphorical desire to leave behind the "cold" and bleak prison atmosphere and experience the warmth of freedom. The line "First come will be first served, you'd better put in your order" suggests that the man is ready to party and expects others to join him.
In the chorus, the man acknowledges that he has to be on his best behavior in order to avoid getting into trouble and possibly having his parole revoked. He repeats the phrase "Forty eight hour parole" several times, emphasizing how brief his freedom is and the need to make the most of it. The repeated emphasis on being a "good boy" reinforces the idea that the man wants to have fun, but not at the expense of being sent back to jail.
Overall, "48 Hour Parole" is a fun and lively song that captures the excitement and sense of freedom that comes with being released from prison, while also acknowledging the need for caution and self-restraint.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gettin out and steppin' in
Leaving current situation and moving on to somewhere new and better.
To somewhere where it's warmer
Looking for a comfortable and desirable situation.
First come will be first served
Opportunities are limited, so it's important to act quickly and seize them before others do.
You'd better put in your order
Take advantage of the opportunity now or risk missing out on it completely.
Been out in the cold far too long
Been in a difficult, uncomfortable situation for an extended period of time.
Gonna set the town on fire (fire)
Going to make a big impact and shake things up.
If you're not with me you better step aside
Get on board with my plan or get out of the way and let me do my thing.
This boy's out for the kill kickin' higher
This person is determined to succeed and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
Oh, forty eight hour parole
Temporary freedom from a restrictive situation.
But I got to be a good boy
Must behave responsibly during this period of temporary freedom.
Toein' the line ain't my style
Following the rules and conforming to expectations is not something this person enjoys or is interested in doing.
And I ain't looking for trouble
Not intentionally seeking conflict or problems, but will stand up for themselves if necessary.
I wasn't born, I was carved out of stone
This person is tough, resilient, and unbreakable.
So don't try bustin' my bubble
Don't try to burst this person's positive and determined spirit.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN CLARKE, TONY HICKS, TERRY SYLVESTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jose Gomez
Tremendous song!
heymaryann1
They're good boys alright!! Nice job, Maddi.
Brenda Naschinski
Wonderful song by Allan Clarke
Mickey G
thanks for the upload! can you add 'thanks for the memories' if you get a free minute? i love that song and it's hard to find online
Lone Ranger
HOLLIES the best
Brenda Naschinski
Carrying a torch for Mr. Allan Clarke
Sander Freeman
thx real hard to find another hard side of the hollies
Femai Ben Rigiel
Tony... My retro crush still burning
Jose Gomez
Femai Ben Rigiel He was the man.
Femai Ben Rigiel
Mmmm... For me he still is.