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)
Everything Is Sunshine
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep on thinkin' about the things that make me die
But everythin' is sunshine when you hold my hand
People wouldn't wear frowns the way they do
'Cos everythin' is sunshine when you hold my hand
Oh no, how could it be?
You effect me
Just by holdin' my hand
By holdin' my hand
Oh no, how could it be?
You effect me
Just by holdin' my hand
By holdin' my hand
If everybody knew you the way I do
People wouldn't wear frowns the way they do
'Cos everythin' is sunshine
Everythin' is sunshine
Everythin' is sunshine
The Hollies's song "Everything Is Sunshine" is a beautiful love song that speaks to the transformative and healing power of love. The lyrics speak to the singer's inner turmoil and sadness despite the sunny exterior, but once they are in the presence of their beloved, everything brightens up. The verse that says, "I keep on thinkin' about the things that make me cry, I keep on thinkin' about the things that make me die, But everythin' is sunshine when you hold my hand," paints a vivid picture of the singer's state of mind before and after their beloved's arrival. The use of the word "sunshine" is a metaphor for love and positivity, which replaces the darkness in the singer's life.
Furthermore, the chorus emphasizes the importance of the beloved person by suggesting that if everyone knew them similarly, the world would be filled with happiness as everyone would hold hands and indulge in the sunshine. The use of the phrase, "You effect me, just by holding my hand" shows how essential the beloved is, and how just their mere presence brings joy and happiness to the singer's life.
Overall, "Everything Is Sunshine" is a touching ode to love and how it has the power to transform someone's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep on thinkin' about the things that make me cry
I often dwell on the unpleasant thoughts and situations that bring tears to my eyes
I keep on thinkin' about the things that make me die
I am consumed by thoughts of death and things that make me feel hopeless
But everythin' is sunshine when you hold my hand
Nevertheless, all my worries and sorrows disappear when you hold my hand
If everybody knew you the way I do
If only other people could understand how special you are to me
People wouldn't wear frowns the way they do
Everyone would be much happier and carefree like I am when I'm around you
'Cos everythin' is sunshine when you hold my hand
Because holding your hand has the power to brighten up everything in my life
Oh no, how could it be?
I'm bewildered at how holding your hand can have such a profound effect on me
You effect me
You have an impact on my emotions and mood
Just by holdin' my hand
Simply by holding my hand, you bring happiness and joy into my life
Everythin' is sunshine
Everything in my life feels bright and happy when I'm with you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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.