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)
Down On The Run
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's late, and the week-end's near
You could say I can't wait
Till the gang gets here
Eight, and the angels are roaring
Shining those dips
Straight line for the strip
Fake a black out
At my night on the chicken run
Need some moonshine
Doctor goodtime
Keeping my nerves in line
Down on the run
Cy, the pack leader's wild
Even preaches to ride
In a brando style
Fast, two shadows are closing
Passing like knives
Short cut on our lives
If I back out
Fake a black out
At my night on the chicken run
Needs some moonshine
Doctor goodtime
Keeping my nerves in line
Down on the run
When the boys are called together
To hand me out a feather, I'm through
Sweating in my leather so I guess it's now or never
Something I've gotta do, just gotta do
What I gotta do
It's late, and the week-end's near
You could say I can't wait
Till the gang gets here
Eight, and the angels are roaring
Shining those dips
Straight line for the strip
Shining those dips
Straight line for the strip
Passing like knives
Short cut on our lives
Shining those dips
Straight line for the strip
The Hollies's song "Down On The Run" is about the singer feeling nervous and anxious as he and his gang prepare to participate in a dangerous and illegal street race, also known as the "chicken run". The lyrics set the scene, mentioning that it's late and the weekend is near, foreshadowing the impending race. The singer is eager for his gang to arrive, knowing that their presence will help calm his nerves. However, as the gang gets ready for the race, tensions are high and the danger is evident. The pack leader is wild and even preaches a reckless riding style. The lyrics also suggest that the singer has reservations about the race, as he contemplates faking a black out to avoid participating. He seeks out moonshine and a "doctor goodtime" to calm his nerves as he prepares for the race. The lyrics describe the race as a "short cut on our lives," emphasizing the serious danger involved.
The last verse of the song suggests that the singer is at a crossroads. He mentions sweating in his leather and feeling like he has something he's "gotta do." It's unclear what this is, but it's a pivotal moment for him. The repetition of the phrase "just gotta do what I gotta do" suggests that he's made up his mind to take some kind of action, although what this action is remains a mystery.
Overall, "Down On The Run" is an intense and fast-paced song that captures the excitement and danger of street racing. The lyrics convey a sense of nervous energy and apprehension that builds as the song progresses. It's a great example of the Hollies' ability to tell a compelling story through their music.
Line by Line Meaning
It's late, and the week-end's near
The weekend is close and I am excited.
You could say I can't wait
I am really looking forward to the weekend.
Till the gang gets here
I can't wait to hang out with my friends.
Eight, and the angels are roaring
It's eight o'clock and the engines are revving.
Shining those dips
The headlights are shining brightly.
Straight line for the strip
We are headed straight for the road.
If I back out
If I chicken out.
Fake a black out
Pretend to pass out.
At my night on the chicken run
When I wimp out on the race.
Need some moonshine
I need some alcohol.
Doctor goodtime
Someone who helps me relax.
Keeping my nerves in line
Helping me stay calm.
Down on the run
Racing around.
Cy, the pack leader's wild
Cy is leading the group and he's reckless.
Even preaches to ride
He tries to encourage us to ride dangerously too.
In a brando style
Like Marlon Brando in 'The Wild One.'
Fast, two shadows are closing
Two other cars are quickly approaching.
Passing like knives
They pass by us quickly and dangerously.
Short cut on our lives
Racing is dangerous and could shorten our lives.
When the boys are called together
When the group gets together.
To hand me out a feather, I'm through
To give me a hard time, I'm done with it.
Sweating in my leather so I guess it's now or never
Getting nervous, I know I have to do it now or never.
Something I've gotta do, just gotta do
Something that I really need to do.
It's late, and the week-end's near
The weekend is close and I am excited.
You could say I can't wait
I am really looking forward to the weekend.
Till the gang gets here
I can't wait to hang out with my friends.
Eight, and the angels are roaring
It's eight o'clock and the engines are revving.
Shining those dips
The headlights are shining brightly.
Straight line for the strip
We are headed straight for the road.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JENNINGS HORTON, 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.