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 You Love Me
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You didn't even want me around.
And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down.
Do you love me?
(I can really move, )
Do you love me?
(I'm in the groove.)
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Watch me, now.
(Work, work)
Ah,work it out baby.
(work, work)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
(work, work)
With just a little bit of soul, now
(work!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Tell me,
(Tell me,)
Tell me.
Do you love me?
(I can really move, )
Do you love me?
(I'm in the groove.)
Now do you love me?
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
Watch me, now.
(Work, work)
Ah,work it out baby.
(work, work)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
(work, work)
With just a little bit of soul, now
(work!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Tell me,
(Tell me,)
The Hollies's song "Do You Love Me" tells the story of a man who was rejected by a girl because he couldn't dance. He later returns to show her that he can dance and asks if she loves him now. The lyrics contain a lot of energy and a fast tempo, perfectly reflecting the mood of the song. The song, therefore, is an upbeat and lively tune about love, dance, and redemption.
The lyrics are a classic example of how music can speak volumes about the human experience. The song speaks to the idea that happiness and love can come from the simple expression of dance, and how it can help soothe any heartbreak. The message of the song is clear, that one can change or transform themselves, as the singer did when he learned to dance, and be loved for who they are.
Line by Line Meaning
You broke my heart 'cause I couldn't dance,
You caused me emotional pain because I was unable to dance to your liking.
You didn't even want me around.
You had no interest in being near me.
And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down.
I've returned to prove that I am now capable of dancing to your standards.
Do you love me?
Do you have feelings for me?
(I can really move, )
(I am now skilled at dancing, )
Do you love me?
Do you have feelings for me?
(I'm in the groove.)
(I am now comfortable and confident with my dancing abilities.)
Now do you love me?
Now that I am able to dance, do you have feelings for me?
(Do you love me now that I can dance?)
(Do you still have feelings for me now that I can meet your dance expectations?)
Watch me, now.
Observe my dancing abilities.
(Work, work)
(Put in effort and work hard.)
Ah,work it out baby.
Come on, put in effort and work hard, my dear.
(work, work)
(Put in effort and work hard.)
Well, you're drivin' me crazy.
Your actions are causing me great frustration and angst.
(work, work)
(Put in effort and work hard.)
With just a little bit of soul, now
By just adding a small bit of soul to my movements, I can greatly enhance my dance abilities.
(work!)
(Keep working hard!)
Now I can mash potatoes, I can do the twist,
I am now capable of performing these popular dances.
Tell me, baby, do you like it like this?
Do you find my dancing enjoyable and satisfying?
Tell me,
Please inform me,
(Tell me,)
(Please inform me,)
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Berry Gordy Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dale Mac
Not my favourite version of this song. But Allan Clarkes vocals are super!
Robin Wilson
Great version by Deep Feeling
Олег Кашлаков
Dave Clark Five's version is better...
Robin Wilson
I prefer the DC5 version
mohammed abdur raheem iqbal
Dale Mac
Eva89117
I was prepared to not like this as much as the original. But The Hollies pay homage yet still make it their own. They never fail to amaze me with their versatility. I LOVE YOU HOLLIES!
Christine Fediuk
I always heard The Contours's version of this song. The Hollies's version is awesome!!!!! Thanks for posting this video. I really liked the pics in this video. Where did you find these pics at?
jasann54
Wow, that was really fun! Loved it.
Mary Ben-McD
Love The Hollies💖
Lynn Granata
What a great version, these guys were great, at least they are mostly still around, they're even better than the Beatles. The Beatles burned themselves out, and J. Lennon shouldn't have been living in NYC because he was too vociferous about some policies at the time which were controversial. I really believe he was murdered because he was easy to get at. But the members of the Hollies stayed out of trouble, and lived happier and more productive lives, Graham Nash is my favorite.