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)
Little Bitty Pretty One
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, little, bitty, pretty one I'll never let you go
Well, lovey-dovey, dovey one, come and talk to me
Well, little, bitty, pretty one, I'll never let you be free
Well, lovey-dovey, dovey one, sit down on my knee
Well, little, bitty, pretty one, I'll never let you be free
Gonna tell you a story, yeah, about long time ago
Well, little, bitty, pretty one, you know I'll never let you go
The Hollies's song Little Bitty Pretty One is a catchy love song that promises steadfast loyalty from the singer to their beloved. The repetition of the phrase "little, bitty, pretty one" reinforces the idea that the singer's love interest is tiny and delicate, perhaps even vulnerable. The lyrics suggest that the singer will always be there to protect them and keep them close, using endearing terms like "lovey-dovey" and requesting that they "sit down on my knee."
However, there is also a possessive element to the lyrics. The singer declares that they will "never let [their love interest] be free," which could be interpreted as a warning that the relationship will not be allowed to end. The line "gonna tell you a story, yeah, about long time ago" hints at a past experience that has shaped the singer's desire to hold onto their love interest so tightly.
Overall, the song paints a picture of a loving but potentially controlling relationship, with the singer pledging undying affection and a desire for constant closeness.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, little, bitty, pretty one I love you so
I adore you deeply, my sweet, petite darling
Yeah, little, bitty, pretty one I'll never let you go
I'll hold onto you forever, my tiny, beautiful love
Well, lovey-dovey, dovey one, come and talk to me
My affectionate partner, please convey your thoughts to me
Well, little, bitty, pretty one, I'll never let you be free
My dear, diminutive love, you'll always belong to me
Well, lovey-dovey, dovey one, sit down on my knee
My devoted sweetheart, take a seat beside me
Well, little, bitty, pretty one, I'll never let you be free
My precious, petite darling, you'll forever be with me
Gonna tell you a story, yeah, about long time ago
Let me share a tale with you, my love, from a distant past
Well, little, bitty, pretty one, you know I'll never let you go
My small, charming love, you're aware I'll never leave you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Robert Byrd
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.