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)
Candy Man
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me take you by the hand
Oh now come on sugar
Let me take you by the hand, woh now
You're for me
Woh let me be, ah you're own candy, candy, candy man
Now come on baby
Yeah now come on sweetie
I love your honey lovin' ways
Yeah come to me
Oh let me be, ah your own candy, candy, candy man
Break
Now hey there woman
Gonna treat you right
Give you candy kisses
Every single night
Candy man
Candy man
Candy man (candy man)
Candy man (candy man)
You're for me
Oh let me be, ah your own candy, candy, candy man
Yeah you're for me
Woh let me be your candy man
The Hollies's song Candy Man is a playful and flirtatious tune about a man who is captivated by a woman's sweet and loving nature. The lyrics describe how he wants to take her hand and be her own "candy man" - a term that can be interpreted in different ways, but most likely refers to being sweet and satisfying like candy. He compliments her "honey lovin' ways" and promises to treat her right by giving her "candy kisses" every night. Overall, the song is a catchy, lighthearted love letter that celebrates the joy of being with someone who brings sweetness into your life.
One interesting fact about Candy Man is that it was written by the legendary songwriting duo of Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Goffin and King were responsible for penning many of the biggest hits of the 1960s, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "One Fine Day," and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Candy Man was one of the first songs they wrote together and helped establish their reputation as a formidable songwriting team.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh come on baby
The singer is asking the woman to join him.
Let me take you by the hand
The singer wants to hold the woman's hand and lead her.
Oh now come on sugar
The singer is using a term of endearment to ask the woman to follow him.
You're for me
The singer believes the woman belongs to him or is meant to be with him.
Woh let me be, ah you're own candy, candy, candy man
The singer wants to be the woman's own sweet and desirable "candy man."
I love your honey lovin', honey lovin' ways
The singer is attracted to the woman's affectionate and sweet behavior.
Yeah come to me
The singer wants the woman to come closer to him.
Oh let me be, ah your own candy, candy, candy man
The singer repeats his desire to be the woman's candy man and sweet companion.
Gonna treat you right
The singer promises to treat the woman well.
Give you candy kisses
The singer plans to give the woman sweet, affectionate kisses.
Every single night
The singer plans to give the woman kisses every night.
Candy man
The singer repeats the phrase "candy man" as a descriptor for himself.
You're for me
The singer repeats his belief that the woman belongs with him.
Woh let me be your candy man
The singer repeats his desire to be the woman's candy man and asks for her permission or acceptance.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Beverly Ross, Neil Fredricks
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.