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)
Don't Even Think About Changing
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's cause they're jealous of you
They shouldn't make you frown
You know as well as I do
It's cause I love you
For the things you do for me
One day they'll realize
One thing I know for sure
We both get satisfaction
That's why they're mad at us
Cause they ain't got what we got
It's 'cos I'm happy
For the things you do for me
One day they'll realize
And wish that they were me
Don't even think about changing
You've got a life of your own
Don't even think about changing
You've got a life of your own
Why don't they understand
Our feelings are sincere
One day they'll be surprised
Because we are so near
To all the things they tried
To be when they were young
That's why they don't agree
And take it out on us
It's cause I'm happy
For the things you do for me
One day they'll realize
And wish that they were me
It's cause I'm happy
For the things you do for me
The Hollies’ song Don't Even Think About Changing is a heartfelt tribute to a loved one. The lyrics convey the message that when someone puts you down or tries to change you, it is often because they are jealous of you. The singer reassures the loved one that they should not let the negativity get to them, but rather focus on their own happiness and the satisfaction they bring to each other. The chorus, “Don't even think about changing, you've got a life of your own,” emphasizes this point and reinforces the importance of staying true to oneself.
The verse, “It's cause I love you for the things you do for me,” indicates that the singer values their partner for the positive impact they have on their life. The lines, “One day they'll realize and wish that they were me,” speak to the idea that those who put others down are often envious of what they have. The bridge, “Why don't they understand our feelings are sincere,” shows that the singer is aware that the negative feelings of others towards them often stem from a lack of understanding, and that their own love is indeed sincere.
Overall, the song carries an uplifting and empowering message about staying true to oneself despite the negativity of others. It also recognizes the importance of valuing the positive impact loved ones can have in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
When people put you down
When people criticize or belittle you
It's cause they're jealous of you
It's because they envy you
They shouldn't make you frown
Their negativity shouldn't affect you
You know as well as I do
You're just as aware as I am
It's cause I love you
The reason I stand up for you is because I care for you
For the things you do for me
I appreciate what you bring to our relationship
One day they'll realize
Eventually they'll come to understand
And wish that they were me
And wish they had what I have
One thing I know for sure
I'm certain about one thing
We both get satisfaction
We both derive pleasure
That's why they're mad at us
That's why they're angry with us
Cause they ain't got what we got
Because they don't possess what we do
Why don't they understand
Why can't they comprehend
Our feelings are sincere
Our emotions are genuine
One day they'll be surprised
One day they'll be shocked
Because we are so near
Because we are so close
To all the things they tried
To all the things they attempted
To be when they were young
To be when they were younger
That's why they don't agree
That's why they don't approve
And take it out on us
And direct their frustration at us
Don't even think about changing
Don't even consider changing yourself
You've got a life of your own
You have your own unique life to live
It's 'cos I'm happy
The reason I defend you is because I'm happy
For the things you do for me
Because I value what you do for me
One day they'll realize
At some point, they'll come to understand
And wish that they were me
And wish they were in my position
It's cause I'm happy
The reason I stand by you is because it brings me joy
For the things you do for me
For the things you bring to my life
Lyrics © 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.