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)
Boys In The Band
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta go with the man in the band
He'll be your guide
Singing la la la la
But what makes Mr Politic
A lot of words another trick
Turn peace into war
Singing ha ha ha ha
Ooh it's not the way we want it
Not the way at all
Not the way to change our minds
Our backs up against the wall
The boys in the band all live in harmony
For life's a poem
And we can make it rhyme
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Let's get it together before we
Go down, down, down
I don't want to theorise it
Just hope people realise
The simple melody can free your soul
And let you be man what you are
And fly la la la
But every back street slum where
Pushers push and hookers hook
Just won't set you free with ha ha ha ha
Oooh it's not the way we want it
Not the way at all
Not the way to change our minds
Our backs up against the wall
The boys in the band all live in harmony
For life's a poem
And we can make it rhyme
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Let's get it together before we
Go down, down, down
Break
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Oooh it's not the way we want it
Not the way at all
Not the way to change our minds
Our backs up against the wall
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The Hollies's song Boys In The Band is a rallying cry for social harmony and understanding, with a focus on the power of music to unite people. The lyrics reference a number of musical icons, including Mr Soul and King Creole, suggesting that these figures have the ability to guide us through life's ups and downs. The singer emphasizes the importance of sticking together, even in the face of adversity, as a means of overcoming the challenges we face.
The song also touches on political themes, with references to Mr Politic and the way in which words and rhetoric can be used to turn peace into war. The image of the boys in the band living in harmony is presented as a counterpoint to this, suggesting that music has the power to transcend political divisions and bring people together.
Overall, Boys in the Band is an uplifting and positive song that celebrates the ability of music to help us connect with each other.
Line by Line Meaning
With Mr Soul or King Creole
No matter the leader, you'll follow the band's ruling
You gotta go with the man in the band
Following the band's rules is a must
He'll be your guide
The leader gives direction to those who follow
Singing la la la la
The music distracts us from the harsh reality
But what makes Mr Politic
Those in power can be manipulative
A lot of words another trick
Politicians often deceive with their words
Turn peace into war
The political decisions can create conflicts
Singing ha ha ha ha
The leaders mock our helplessness
Ooh it's not the way we want it
The current situation is not ideal
Not the way at all
Things need to change for the better
Not the way to change our minds
Our dissatisfaction needs to be voiced and acted upon
Our backs up against the wall
We're facing a crisis and have limited options
The boys in the band all live in harmony
The band members work together and respect each other
For life's a poem
Life is beautiful and meaningful
And we can make it rhyme
We have the power to make life even better
Let's get it together before we Go down, down, down
We need to unite and act quickly before things get worse
I don't want to theorise it
I don't want to speculate or overthink
Just hope people realise
I hope people understand the importance of simplicity
The simple melody can free your soul
The music can uplift and inspire us
And let you be man what you are
The music allows us to express ourselves authentically
And fly la la la
The music can transport us to another world
But every back street slum where
The impoverished neighborhoods where
Pushers push and hookers hook
Drug dealers and sex workers exist
Just won't set you free with ha ha ha ha
These problems cannot be solved by ignoring them or laughing them off
Break
Instrumental section
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Repeating that the band members work well together
Oooh it's not the way we want it
Repeating that the current situation is not ideal
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Repeating that the band members collaborate well
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Repeating that the band members are in sync
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Repeating that the band members have good relationships
The boys in the band all live in harmony
Repeating that the band members function well as a group
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Carrie Anne
A nice and catchy song by The Hollies.
Philip Kassabian
on Bus Stop
Yet another great Hollies song.
Philip Kassabian
on Stop Stop Stop
One of the best bands from the 60's no doubt.