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)
Elevated Observations
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Diggin' the country for miles around
Watchin' the people like ants on a hillside
Running around, running around
So far below me I see the confusion
Small-minded men with their small-minded wives
If they could see themselves where I am standing
And I'm so high up I touch the sky
And I'm so high up I touch the sky
Climb up here, jump up here
Skip up, or run up
Get up here somehow ''cause you'll find your head
Finally finding the level you're after
Ego is dead, ego is dead
And I'm so high up I touch the sky
And I'm so high up I touch the sky
Wish they'd start using the path of tomorrow
There's only way up and one way down
Decide for yourself on the path you'll be taking
When you look down, down and around
And I'm so high up I touch the sky...
The song "Elevated Observations" by The Hollies describes the experience of being on top of a hill and observing the world from a higher perspective. The singer marvels at the beauty of the surrounding countryside and watches people moving around like tiny insects on the hillside. From this vantage point, the singer also sees the confusion and narrow-mindedness of some individuals and wishes that they could see things from a higher perspective like they are doing.
The lyrics also suggest that being elevated offers a clearer understanding of oneself and the world around. The singer encourages others to climb up to this higher vantage point and experience a shift in their perspective. The chorus repeats the phrase "And I'm so high up I touch the sky," emphasizing the freedom and clarity that comes with being elevated.
Overall, this song offers a message of hope and introspection, encouraging listeners to embrace the path of tomorrow and to seek a higher understanding of their own lives and the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
On top of a hill is a nice place to be at
Being on top provides a sense of satisfaction and perspective.
Diggin' the country for miles around
Surveying the land around you reveals new wonders.
Watchin' the people like ants on a hillside
Looking down on people from afar can make them seem insignificant.
Running around, running around
People are always busy, going about their lives.
So far below me I see the confusion
From a high vantage point, it's easier to see issues or problems faced by people.
Small-minded men with their small-minded wives
Individuals can be narrow-minded, unwilling to see beyond their own views and surroundings.
If they could see themselves where I am standing
Gaining perspective requires seeing things from every angle, including the opposing view.
They'd alter their lives, alter their lives
A change of perspective can help people understand different paths and give them the opportunity to take them.
And I'm so high up I touch the sky
The height of the hill or perspective can provide an overwhelming sense of freedom, wonder, and possibility.
Climb up here, jump up here
Encouragement to others to seek out the perspective gained from being on top, instead of staying below.
Skip up, or run up
Again, encouraging the audience to move and seek the higher perspective.
Get up here somehow 'cause you'll find your head
Gaining perspective will help clear the mind, making it easier to make good decisions.
Finally finding the level you're after
The perspective gained from being on top allows one to see what they need to fully understand any issue, and achieve their objective.
Ego is dead, ego is dead
Gaining perspective helps reduce the ego, making a person see themselves and others differently.
Wish they'd start using the path of tomorrow
Encouragement to use forward-thinking and leave old ideas behind.
There's only way up and one way down
There are two directions - up towards improvement and down towards complacency, apathy, and stagnation.
Decide for yourself on the path you'll be taking
The choice is personal on whether to go up or down, be complacent, or improve.
When you look down, down and around
Looking beyond our perceptions, beliefs, and viewpoints is the best way to understand differences and similarities - and ultimately build a better world.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN CLARKE, GRAHAM NASH, TONY HICKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
n00se
On top of a hill is a nice place to be at,
Diggin' the country for miles around.
Watchin' the people like ants on a hillside,
Running around, running around.
So far below me I see the confusion,
Small-minded men with their small-minded wives.
If they could see themselves where I am standing,
They'd alter their lives, alter their lives.
And I'm so high up I touch the sky.
And I'm so high up I touch the sky.
Climb up here, jump up here,
Skip up, or run up.
Get up here somehow 'cos you'll find your head.
Finally finding the level you're after.
Ego is dead. Ego is dead.
And I'm so high up I touch the sky.
And I'm so high up I touch the sky.
Wish they'd start using the path of tomorrow.
There's only way up and one way down.
Decide for yourself on the path you'll be taking
When you look down, down and around.
And I'm so high up I touch the sky...
High & Rooted Rock
The last "in-crescendo dimensional" seconds are so impressive, I mean, these guys were in the highest level, there with the Beatles and Beach Boys...
Marvellous Hollies for ever.
Warren Mackay
Love the 12 string intro on the track. A great B side to one of The Hollies singles. The Hollies are timeless.
Pogol Swood
I have always been a big fan of the Hollies and always thought them slightly psychedelic with tracks like Stop and King Midas in Reverse and some others, but nobody else seemed to notice.
Divina Joana
Dimais amei como amo todas de the Hollies e Allan Clarke
PsychedelicGuy
Agreed! The Hollies knew how to make an amazing record!
Georgina Lara Booth
PsychedelicGuy you do have a great talent. This is very well presented...much thought put into this. A great entertainment package. Beautiful people here all stars. loved this cheeers love and light to all CDm M
Craig The Panda
Psychedelicguy not make this song, it's by the hollies
Anita Shelby
What a wonderful psychedelic trip song & spiritual also!...5*s..love The Hollies!..
alicia stef
love the hollies !!!!
Linda Patino
Great song