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)
Crossfire
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They never got the money back because I never told
Well half of twenty five went by before they set me free
I know the game I know they play it they're gonna follow me
Newspaper men crawl around with me say they want the storyline
but I ain't gonna tell to them why I served the time
I know the boys are waiting in the cafe across the way
Oh caught in the middle of a crossfire
Gun on my left gun on my right Crossfire
Well I ain't going nowhere 'cos I kinda like this place
Until the heat cools down ain't gonna show my face
I tried to get some sleep someone's ringing on the phone
Why can't they all just go away and leave me alone
chorus
Just when I think I'm verging on the brink of freedom
someone from the past turns to me and asks
'Are you going somewhere If so then lead on'
I don't pay no rent it's on the house I still got friends I found
They'll all be on my good books when the time it comes around
Till then I'll sit here patiently and bide my time each day
and when I'm free and flying that'll be the time to pay
chorus
Crossfire
The lyrics to The Hollies' song "Crossfire" tell the story of a person who has been sentenced to life in prison for a crime they committed. The singer acknowledges their guilt by saying that they were a "stone," indicating their involvement in something illegal. However, they never revealed the whereabouts of the stolen money, causing them to serve their entire sentence. The singer is aware of the authorities' tactics and knows that they will continue to monitor and follow them even after their release.
The media is also intrigued by the singer's story and tries to persuade them to disclose the details, but the singer refuses to give in to their demands. They are well aware that their criminal associates are eagerly waiting for them to be free, as they want to know the location of the money that has been hidden. The singer finds themselves caught in the middle of a dangerous situation, with guns on both sides, emphasizing the constant threat they face.
Line by Line Meaning
The judge he put me down for life because I was a stone
I was sentenced to a lifetime imprisonment by the judge because of my unyielding and uncooperative nature.
They never got the money back because I never told
The authorities were unable to retrieve the money because I refused to disclose its whereabouts.
Well half of twenty five went by before they set me free
I had to endure twelve and a half years before finally being released from prison.
I know the game I know they play it they're gonna follow me
I am aware of the tactics and strategies they employ, and I am certain that they will continue to surveil and pursue me.
Newspaper men crawl around with me say they want the storyline
Journalists surround me, claiming they desire my story for their headlines.
but I ain't gonna tell to them why I served the time
However, I have no intention of revealing to them the reasons behind my incarceration.
I know the boys are waiting in the cafe across the way
I am fully aware that my acquaintances are patiently waiting for me at the nearby cafe.
They wanna know where the money Where it is it's gonna stay
They are eager to discover the current location of the money and where it will remain hidden.
Oh caught in the middle of a crossfire
I find myself trapped and surrounded, entangled in a relentless battle.
Gun on my left gun on my right Crossfire
I am besieged from both sides, with threats and dangers lurking on either side.
Well I ain't going nowhere 'cos I kinda like this place
I have no intention of leaving this place, as I have grown somewhat fond of it.
Until the heat cools down ain't gonna show my face
I will refrain from exposing myself until the intensity of the situation subsides.
I tried to get some sleep someone's ringing on the phone
Just as I attempt to rest, someone disturbs me by incessantly calling on the phone.
Why can't they all just go away and leave me alone
I yearn for everyone to simply vanish and grant me solitude.
Just when I think I'm verging on the brink of freedom
At the precise moment when I believe I am on the verge of attaining liberation.
someone from the past turns to me and asks
An individual from my past suddenly approaches and inquires.
'Are you going somewhere If so then lead on'
They inquire as to whether I am planning to depart, and if so, they request that I guide the way.
I don't pay no rent it's on the house I still got friends I found
Fortunately, I do not have to spend any money on accommodation as I have found a place to stay, and I still have loyal companions.
They'll all be on my good books when the time it comes around
When the opportune moment arrives, they will all be in my favor and supportive.
Till then I'll sit here patiently and bide my time each day
Until that point, I will remain here calmly, waiting and passing the time.
and when I'm free and flying that'll be the time to pay
Only when I am liberated and triumphant can I settle any debts or obligations.
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.