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)
Amnesty
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Floats like a cloud between the sky and sea
I'll give it to you
Could you please give it to me
Love is the sweetest amnesty
Given by the powers then let us be
I'll give it to you
'Cause I need you
We can talk
We can see
If we disagree, we do it honestly
Let our lovin' be the sweetest amnesty
Between you and me
There's bound to be
Some conscientious objection
Our spirits dressed in mystery
Speak solely through affection
Between you and me
There's bound to be
Some conscientious objection
Our spirits dressed in mystery
Speak solely through affection
Love is the sweetest amnesty
Floats like a cloud between the sky and sea
I'll give it to you
Could you please give it to me?
'Cause I need you (need you)
We can talk
We can see
If we disagree, we do it honestly
Let our lovin' be the sweetest amnesty
Let our lovin' be the sweetest amnesty
The Hollies' song Amnesty expresses the idea that love is the ultimate amnesty, the ultimate forgiveness. The lyrics suggest that love can bridge the gap between two people who may not agree on everything and may have differing views and opinions. The song emphasizes the importance of honest communication and the power of love to overcome barriers and bring people together.
The lyrics use metaphorical language, referring to love as something that "floats like a cloud between the sky and sea" and "given by the powers then let us be." The repetition of the line "I'll give it to you, could you please give it to me?" emphasizes the idea of love as a reciprocal exchange that requires both parties to participate fully.
The song also acknowledges that disagreements and differences of opinion may inevitably arise between two people, but emphasizes the importance of communicating honestly and respectfully. The lines "we can talk, we can see, if we disagree, we do it honestly" suggest that mature conversation is crucial for a healthy relationship.
Overall, The Hollies' song Amnesty emphasizes the importance of love, communication, and forgiveness in building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is the sweetest amnesty
Love is a powerful tool that can bring about forgiveness and understanding.
Floats like a cloud between the sky and sea
Love is a transcendent force that can lift us up and carry us above our troubles.
I'll give it to you
I am willing to offer my love to you.
Could you please give it to me
Can you reciprocate my love?
Given by the powers then let us be
Love is a gift from a higher power and we should cherish it.
'Cause I need you
I am expressing my desire and dependence on you.
We can talk
We can communicate with each other.
We can see
We can understand each other's perspective.
If we disagree, we do it honestly
If we have a disagreement, we will be truthful and respectful to each other.
Let our lovin' be the sweetest amnesty
Let our love be the force that brings us closer and helps us to reconcile our differences.
Between you and me
Referring to the relationship between two individuals.
There's bound to be
There will most likely be.
Some conscientious objection
There may be some moral or ethical disagreements.
Our spirits dressed in mystery
The essence of our being is enigmatic and inscrutable.
Speak solely through affection
We communicate our feelings and emotions through our actions and interactions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Danny Douma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Holly Golightly
Allan Clarke's voice is SO soulful and sensual--with the rest of the Hollies harmonizing with him, the synergy is SUPERB! Thank you for sharing this clip.
Jacqueline Davies
Beautiful song, all the different voices harmonizing, none like it in the world, absolutely stunning!
eduardrosar
I think this is one of The Hollies' most underrated songs.
Michelle Lambert
This is really such a lovely song that lifts my spirits and makes me smile....thank you Hollies!
Ysa Loasil
This is only one of many beautiful songs of my favorite Hollies lineup.
Roselyn West
Such beautiful harmony by the Hollies. Excellent video. Thanks so much for sharing!
klára erdélyi
Super! How complete harmony in their vocal!!
Jayne Beech
Beautiful song and good harmony thank you for sharing
Petr Slivinski
When we think of guitarists we talk about the Jeff Becks, Jimmy Pages, and the Eric Claptons. However, listening to Tony Hicks short guitar riff on the song he's right up there with those other popular guitarists. Except Hicks has been overshadowed for so long.
Petr Slivinski
@Bruce15485
You raised a good point!
Stagger or no stagger his guitar style has been overlooked for decades.