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)
Carrie Ann
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo-doo doo
Hey, Carrie Anne
Hey, Carrie Anne
When we were at school, our games were simple
I played the janitor, you played a monitor
Then you played with older boys and prefects
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
You were always something special to me
Quite independent, never caring
You lost your charm as you were aging
Where is your magic disappearing?
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
You're so, so like a woman to me (So like a woman to me)
So, so like a woman to me (So, so like a woman to me)
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
People live and learn but you're still learning
You use my mind and I'll be your teacher
When the lesson's over, you'll be with me
Then I'll hear the other people saying
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
Hey Carrie Anne
What's your game now, can anybody play?
Carrie Anne, Carrie Anne, Carrie Anne
The Hollies' song "Carrie Anne" is a wistful look back at a former classmate named Carrie Anne, who was once a free-spirited, independent girl but is now seemingly caught up in the allure of older boys and prefects. The song is brimming with questions about what has changed in Carrie Anne's life and what is at the root of her new behavior. The lyrics reveal a sense of longing and confusion as the singer struggles to understand what has become of this special person.
The repeated refrain of "What's your game now, can anybody play?" seems to suggest that the singer sees Carrie Anne's behavior as a game that he is unable to play, as if he is on the outside looking in. Despite this distance, he still feels drawn to Carrie Anne and sees her as a woman, not just a girl from his past. The final verse hints at the possibility of a romantic connection, with the singer offering to be Carrie Anne's teacher and promising that she will be with him after the lesson is over.
Overall, "Carrie Anne" is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of youth, aging, and the complexities of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Doo doo doo-doo doo doo doo-doo doo
Refrain, music interlude
Hey, Carrie Anne
Addressing someone named Carrie Anne
When we were at school, our games were simple
Recalling past memories
I played the janitor, you played a monitor
Description of roles played in the past
Then you played with older boys and prefects
Observation of changes in behavior
What's the attraction in what they're doing?
Questioning the appeal of new behavior
What's your game now, can anybody play?
Inquiring about current behavior and availability to participate
You were always something special to me
Expressing fondness for Carrie Anne
Quite independent, never caring
Describing Carrie Anne's past character traits
You lost your charm as you were aging
Noticing a change in Carrie Anne
Where is your magic disappearing?
Questioning a loss of something special or unique
You're so, so like a woman to me (So like a woman to me)
Acknowledging femininity or womanhood
People live and learn but you're still learning
Commenting on a perceived lack of growth or maturity
You use my mind and I'll be your teacher
Offering guidance or support
When the lesson's over, you'll be with me
Implying a romantic relationship
Then I'll hear the other people saying
Foreshadowing external opinions or criticism
Carrie Anne, Carrie Anne, Carrie Anne
Repeating the name for emphasis and effect
Contributed by Aaliyah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Poopaloo55
This is The Hollies...their song, their sound...their personality. A band this good in their own right didn't need to imitate anyone. Beatles were Beatles & Hollies were Hollies. It's all good!
@newhotman1001
This is truly one of the greatest bands from the 60's. The number of hits that they had rivals any group, Beatles included, from that era. Allan Clarke had a beautiful voice, Tony Hicks a terrific guitarist and Bobby Elliot was a very underrated, albeit great, drummer. How they are not in the RRHOF is a mystery and travesty.
@faeryquene
Why would anyone need to compare The Hollie-or any other band of the era-with The Beatles? For me they were great on their own merits. I enjoy all bands of that age and I don't need to go about 'comparing' them. To what purpose? It's not a popularity contest. It's music. Just enjoy it.
@kapacon
One of the best songs I've ever heard. And it's sung with an innocence that we'll never see again.
@Poopaloo55
Allan's voice defined the Hollies' sound totally. His 'shyness' is his charm. Great voice and stunning good looks...the whole package!
@CosmicFork
The Hollies more than any other British Band celebrated Rock & Roll as PURE FUN...That's why everybody still loves this group so much!!
@MotownMoJo64
I love the harmony vocal arrangements in this song..One of the BEST!!!
@Khultan
As much as I love The Beatles, I'm so glad there were MILLIONS of others that put their own signature sound and identity just the same!
@bufufubu
one of my faves! i love that the vocals somehow blend together in a very abrasive way. superb performance, that drummer rocks!
@davethecaveman
strong vocals and harmonies,well written song,awesome performance...i was born in 66 but can't get enough of the Hollies still...