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)
Courage of Your Convictions
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when the others are wrong
it's hard to sit and take it
They treat you like you've lost your senses
Call you troublemaker
I'm not trying to cause you trouble
I don't wanna fight
and do what's right
Just have the courage of
the courage of your convictions
People tell you do what's right
and set and good example
Sometimes right means who to hate
Listen to the people
I'm not trying to mess your mind up
but it's plain to see
People pulling from both sides
it's agitating me
So have the courage of
the courage of your convictions
People teaming up on sides
hating one another
Know your heart before you join
a team to hurt your brother
If there's a way to lead us from this
like in troubled times
it won't be found through blood and hate
but through courageous minds
chorus
The lyrics of The Hollies's song Courage of Your Convictions talks about standing up for what is right, even when it is not the popular opinion. The singer acknowledges that it is difficult to take the criticism and backlash that comes with going against the norm, but it is important to have the courage of one's convictions. He urges listeners to listen to their conscience and not blindly follow others, especially when it comes to issues of hate and discrimination.
The song's message is still relevant today, as we grapple with issues of inequality, bigotry, and political polarization. It teaches us to think critically and independently and act according to our principles, even if it means facing opposition. The song serves as a reminder to stand up for what we believe in, and not to compromise on our values, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
If you know you're right
If you feel strongly about your beliefs
when the others are wrong
When the opinion of others doesn't match yours
it's hard to sit and take it
It's difficult to listen to opinions you don't agree with
They treat you like you've lost your senses
They think you're irrational or crazy
Call you troublemaker
Label you as a problem or difficult person
I'm not trying to cause you trouble
I don't mean to inconvenience or upset you
I don't wanna fight
I don't want to argue or quarrel
Someone's got to stand up sometime
Someone needs to take a stand
and do what's right
And do what they believe is right
Just have the courage of
Be brave and hold onto
the courage of your convictions
The belief in your principles and values
People tell you do what's right
People advise you to act in accordance with your values
and set and good example
To model admirable behavior for others to follow
Sometimes right means who to hate
Sometimes what is considered right is to hate someone
Listen to the people
Take what people say into account
I'm not trying to mess your mind up
I don't mean to confuse or disturb you
but it's plain to see
It's evident and undeniable
People pulling from both sides
People pushing opposing agendas
it's agitating me
It's disturbing or unsettling for me
So have the courage of
Therefore hold onto
the courage of your convictions
Your unshakable belief in your values
People teaming up on sides
Individuals joining groups with opposing perspectives
hating one another
Holding ill will or animosity towards each other
Know your heart before you join
Examine your own values before aligning with a group
a team to hurt your brother
A group with the intent to harm others
If there's a way to lead us from this
If there's a solution to guide us away from this problem
like in troubled times
As in previous difficult situations
it won't be found through blood and hate
Violence and animosity are not the answer
but through courageous minds
But rather through brave individuals who stand up for their values
chorus
Refrain
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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.