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 Take What I Want
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, I`m a bad go-getter, yeah
Yes, I am
I`m never a loser
And I`m never a quitter, yeah
Oh, no
`Cos I take what I want
Yeah, baby, I want you
I've been a-watching you walk by
But I never said a word
Not one word
But now I`m `round to get you
And I`m gonna make you my girl
My loving girl now
`Cos I take what I want
Yeah, baby, I want you
Nobody but you, child
Gonna pick you up now
Carry you away, yes, I am
So you better pack up now, baby
Pack it up today
Here I come
Just a big, bad man
When you see me walk away, baby
You`ll be holding my hand
`Cos I take what I want
Oh, I`m a bad go-getter, yeah
Yes, I am
And now I`m `round to get you
And I`m gonna make you my girl
My loving girl now
`Cos I take what I want
Yeah, baby, I want you
Nobody but you child (listen to me)
Nobody but you, you, you
Nobody but you, child
Oh, listen to me
Got nobody but you now
The Hollies's song "Take what I want" portrays a message of dominance and confidence. The lyrics signify a powerful and assertive person who takes what they want, refusing to be a loser or a quitter. The song emphasizes the singer's desire for someone they have been observing from afar, who they are now determined to obtain. The lyrics "Gonna pick you up now, Carry you away, Yes, I am, So you better pack up now, baby, pack it up today, Here I come," shows the singer's strong intentions and ambition, indicating that they will do whatever it takes to win over the person they desire.
The song is characterized by a fast tempo and energetic melody, with the lyrics delivered in a powerful and fast-paced manner, matching the tone of the song. The band's use of the distinctive harmonies and vocal arrangements for which they became famous is also very noticeable in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, I take what I want
I am a confident and assertive person who goes after what I desire without hesitation.
Oh, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah
I am skilled and successful in obtaining what I set my sights on.
Yes, I am
I'm never a loser
I am always victorious and do not accept defeat.
And I'm never a quitter, yeah
Oh, no
I never give up and always persevere until I achieve my goals.
'Cos I take what I want
I am confident in my abilities and take ownership of my desires by pursuing them.
Yeah, baby, I want you
Nobody but you, child
I have my sights set on you and desire no one else but you.
I've been a-watching you walk by
But I never said a word
Not one word
I have been observing you from afar but have not made my intentions known until now.
But now I`m `round to get you
And I`m gonna make you my girl
My loving girl now
I have decided to pursue you and make you my romantic partner.
Gonna pick you up now
Carry you away, yes, I am
I intend to sweep you off your feet and take you away with me to be together.
So you better pack up now, baby
Pack it up today
Here I come
You should prepare yourself to leave with me as soon as possible because I am coming for you.
Just a big, bad man
When you see me walk away, baby
You`ll be holding my hand
I am a strong and confident man, and when we depart together, you will be with me and under my protection.
'Cos I take what I want
I am unafraid of pursuing my desires and do not let anything stand in my way.
Oh, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah
Yes, I am
I am a skilled and successful person who always achieves what I set out to obtain.
Got nobody but you now
Now that I have you, I desire no one else and am committed to you alone.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ISAAC HAYES, DAVID PORTER, MABON HODGES
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.