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)
Do The Best You Can
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The guy who thinks he's boss
Yet never knows the reason why
He won't let you pass
Won't answer things you ask
He's got his orders, do or die
[Chorus]
If you tip the doorman heavily
His doors will open wide for you
Goes to show what money can do
Win again, lose again
Don't feel sad when things go bad
You just do the best you can
Do the best you can
Please be kind to those
Who fail to comprehend
And in time, who knows
You'll maybe make a friend
If you leave your car
And you're not going far
Remember what time to be back
If it slips your mind
I'm sure in time you'll find
A Rita waiting in a mac
[Chorus]
Win again, lose again
Don't feel sad when things go bad
You just do the best you can
Do the best you can
Do the best you can
The lyrics of The Hollies' song "Do The Best You Can" offer sage advice for navigating through life's challenges. The first verse refers to encountering someone who thinks they are in charge but doesn't seem to have a good reason for their power trip. The chorus encourages perseverance and reminds the listener that tipping generously can go a long way in getting people on your side. The second verse urges kindness towards those who may not understand or seem difficult to deal with. The final lines of the chorus reiterate the importance of doing one's best, no matter the outcome.
The song has a timeless quality, as its message remains relevant today. The Hollies were known for their catchy pop tunes and tight harmonies, and "Do The Best You Can" is no exception. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a feel-good anthem that is enjoyable to sing along to. The song was released in 1972 and was written by band members Allan Clarke, Tony Hicks, and Terry Sylvester.
Line by Line Meaning
When you come across
Encountering someone who believes they are in charge, but not knowing what justifies their authority.
The guy who thinks he's boss
Referring to someone who holds a sense of power over others, without good reason.
Yet never knows the reason why
Despite their perceived authority, there is no clear justification for their behavior.
He won't let you pass
The person in question is blocking progress forward.
Won't answer things you ask
They are not responsive to attempts at dialogue or questions.
He's got his orders, do or die
This person is following orders they have received, whatever the potential consequences may be.
Someone said to me
Introducing an idea that came from another source.
If you tip the doorman heavily
Offering a generous tip to the individual monitoring the entrance/exit.
His doors will open wide for you
The doorman will go out of their way to ensure that you can enter or exit easily.
Goes to show what money can do
The power of money in influencing others' behavior or attitudes.
Please be kind to those
Encouraging compassion towards individuals who may not understand a situation or may be struggling.
Who fail to comprehend
Those who don't fully understand or grasp what is happening.
And in time, who knows
Suggesting that patience and time may lead to better understanding and more positive outcomes.
You'll maybe make a friend
It's possible that as understanding grows, friendships may form.
If you leave your car
Referring to parking a vehicle and leaving it in a designated spot for a time.
And you're not going far
Leaving a car for only a short period of time.
Remember what time to be back
Making sure to be aware of how long the car can be parked, and returning it within that time frame.
If it slips your mind
In the event that one forgets the timeframe for parking limitations.
I'm sure in time you'll find
Indicating that there is a likelihood a solution will present itself in time.
A Rita waiting in a mac
Referring to a woman in a raincoat, waiting and hoping to take the parking spot once it is available.
[Chorus]
The repeated refrain of the song urging listeners to persevere and do their best, even when faced with difficulty.
Win again, lose again
Ups and downs are a natural part of life's journey.
Don't feel sad when things go bad
Discouraging despondency and resignation when things don't go as planned.
You just do the best you can
Encouraging listeners to stay positive and focused on doing their best, even in challenging situations.
Do the best you can
Reiterating the central message of the song.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN CLARKE, GRAHAM NASH, TONY HICKS
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.