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)
Frightened Lady
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nobody knows what`s going on I`ve found
Even from Jerusalem to old Japan
Nobody seems to have a definite, definite plan
Must be a peaceful way for us to go
Even the simplest of man must know
The situation`s getting worse and worse
But don`t be frightened lady
We will never let them take your boy to war
No don`t be frightened lady
We will never ever go to war no more
Why don`t they finish it all
We are only people and we`re terribly small
Why don`t they finish it all
Do they think that people don`t mean nothing, nothing at all
[Chorus:]
Students are marching now in every land
They won`t be shifted just like grains of sand
If we don`t get together pretty soon
We`ll do the same thing on the moon
In Frightened Lady, The Hollies speak about the state of the world, where nobody has a definite plan, and the situation is getting worse, and the bubble is going to burst. The song speaks about war and the feeling of helplessness that people have when governments decide to go to war. The lyrics tell us that there must be a peaceful solution to war, and even the simplest of men must know that. The chorus tells a frightened lady not to worry as they will never let them take her boy to war, and they will never go to war again. The song ends with the students marching now in every land, and if we don't get together soon, we'll do the same thing on the moon.
The song was written and recorded in 1972 by The Hollies, and it was partly inspired by the Vietnam War. The band members were against the war, and the song is a call for peace. Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young co-wrote the song with Allan Clarke and Tony Hicks. The Hollies recorded the song in their home studio in England, and it was produced by Ron Richards.
Line by Line Meaning
Just like a top the world goes spinning round
The world is constantly in motion and is constantly moving in a circular motion.
Nobody knows what`s going on I`ve found
No one seems to know what is really happening in the world.
Even from Jerusalem to old Japan
This is a global problem affecting all parts of the world.
Nobody seems to have a definite, definite plan
No one has a solid plan to address the problem.
Must be a peaceful way for us to go
We need to find a peaceful way to address this issue.
Even the simplest of man must know
Even the most simple-minded person should understand this.
The situation`s getting worse and worse
The problem is worsening over time.
One day the bubble`s gonna burst
Eventually, the problem will reach a breaking point.
But don`t be frightened lady
Despite this, there is no need to be afraid.
We will never let them take your boy to war
We will make sure that young men won't be sent off to war.
No don`t be frightened lady
There's no reason to be scared.
We will never ever go to war no more
We will not engage in war anymore.
Why don`t they finish it all
Why don't they just end it all?
We are only people and we`re terribly small
We are only individuals and have little power.
Do they think that people don`t mean nothing, nothing at all
Do they believe that people are powerless and do not matter?
[Chorus:] Students are marching now in every land
Students are currently protesting and fighting against this issue in many different countries.
They won`t be shifted just like grains of sand
The students are determined and will not be easily swayed or controlled.
If we don`t get together pretty soon
If we don't unite quickly and work together, the problem will persist.
We`ll do the same thing on the moon
If we don't resolve this problem, we will eventually encounter similar issues on other planets and locations.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: 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.