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)
I Got What I Want
The Hollies Lyrics
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'Cause there's no prettier face could take your place
No amount of rivalry, nobody but you gets to me
I'm way past falling in love with you
I got what I want
Nobody can take it away
I'll keep what I got
I got what I want
No friendly persuasion could ever change my mind
Like water off a duck's back
It's wasted time
I got what I want
Nobody can take it away
I'll keep what I got
I'm never gonna lose it
I got what I want
Always knew what I wanted
So I've never been satisfied
I never settled for second best
And I wasn't denied
Nobody can take it away
I got what I want
Never gonna lose it
I got what I want
Nobody can take it away
I'll keep what I got
Never gonna lose it
I got what I want
Nobody can take it away
I'll keep what I got
In The Hollies' song "I Got What I Want," the lyrics express a sentiment of contentment and fulfillment in love. The singer declares that no amount of money or friendly persuasion could ever sway their affection, as they have found the person who embodies all that they could ask for in a partner. The lines "there's no prettier face, could take your place" and "nobody but you gets to me" serve as a reminder of the unique and special nature of the love shared between the two individuals. The chorus, "I got what I want, nobody can take it away," reinforces the idea that this love is something irreplaceable and treasured, and the singer proclaims they will never let it go.
Furthermore, the lyrics reveal a determination and refusal to settle for anything less than the best. The lines "always knew what I wanted, so I've never been satisfied" and "I never settled for second best and I wasn't denied" suggest that the singer had a clear idea of what they were looking for in a partner and refused to compromise on those standards. This makes the love they have found all the more precious.
In summary, The Hollies' "I Got What I Want" is a celebration of true, unconditional love and the joy and contentment it can bring. The lyrics emphasize the unique and irreplaceable nature of the relationship, as well as the determination and steadfastness required to find and maintain such a connection.
Line by Line Meaning
No amount of money
Money can't buy my love
Could ever buy my love
Love is not something that can be purchased with money
Cos there's no prettier face
Because there is no face more beautiful than yours
Could take your place
No one else can replace you
No amount of rivalry
No competition can match up to you
Nobody but you gets to me
You are the only person who has the power to affect me
I'm way past falling in love with you
I have moved past merely falling in love with you - my love for you is deeper now
I got what I want
I have obtained what I desired
Nobody can take it away
No one has the power to take away what I have
I'll keep what I got
I will hold onto what I have
I'm never gonna lose it
I will never let go of what I have
No friendly persuasion
No amount of persuasion from friends or others
Could ever change my mind
Will ever change my point of view
Like water off a duck's back
Will have no effect on me
Always knew what I wanted
I always had a clear idea of what I wanted
So I've never been satisfied
Because I have always aimed for more and never been content with what I have
I never settled for second best
I always aimed for the best
And I wasn't denied
And I achieved what I wanted
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Fintage House Publishing
Written by: STEPHEN KIPNER, PAUL BLISS
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.