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)
Live It Up
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That''s not my only crime
I've been stealing all your cigarettes
To save another dime
In case you haven't noticed I just gave them all away
TELL ME WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ME NOW
THAT I'VE TRADED ALL MY ARMOR FOR A CROWN
THAT I'VE TAKEN DOWN THE MIRROR ON THE WALL
AND THE SWEET RAIN IS READY TO FALL
GIVING IT UP FOR YOU
Well I take a lot of medicine
I don't really need
I was drinking at eleven
Getting high at seventeen
So now I don't appreciate the taste of expensive bitter wine
TELL ME WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ME NOW
THAT I'VE TRADED ALL MY ARMOR FOR A CROWN
COME ON WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ME NOW
THAT I'VE TAKEN DOWN THE MIRROR ON THE WALL
AND THE SWEET RAIN IS READY TO FALL
GIVING IT UP FOR YOU
Take your aim like Artemis
And kill another dove
But when your heart becomes a hunter
You may wound your chance to love
The song "Live It Up" by The Hollies is a reflection on youth and its woes. The singer shares their personal experiences of being young and cynical, stealing cigarettes to save money, and taking medicine unnecessarily. The lyrics also talk about shedding one's armor for a crown and giving up all defenses for someone they care about.
The verse, "Though I'm young and cynical, That's not my only crime," indicates that the singer is dealing with more than just cynicism but also other insecurities, a sense of betrayal, and trying desperately to hold on to a sense of control. Through the lyrics, the singer is saying that they are willing to give up everything for someone they love, from taking down the mirror on the wall to let the rain pour down to the act of self-sacrifice.
Apart from the personal connection, the lyrics also offer a commentary on youth culture and the various issues that young people face - from substance abuse to the pressure to look a certain way. The Hollies have beautifully captured the uncertainty, desperation, and intensity of youthful experiences through "Live It Up."
Line by Line Meaning
Though I'm young and cynical
Despite my youth, I am skeptical and distrusting.
That''s not my only crime
I have done other things that may be considered wrong.
I've been stealing all your cigarettes
I've taken your cigarettes without asking.
To save another dime
To save a small amount of money.
In case you haven't noticed I just gave them all away
I just gave your cigarettes away without your knowledge.
TELL ME WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ME NOW
What is your opinion of me now?
THAT I'VE TRADED ALL MY ARMOR FOR A CROWN
That I've given up my defenses for something else, possibly power.
COME ON WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ME NOW
What will you do with me now that I've made this change?
THAT I'VE TAKEN DOWN THE MIRROR ON THE WALL
I have removed the reflection of myself, possibly symbolizing self-awareness.
AND THE SWEET RAIN IS READY TO FALL
Something good is about to happen.
GIVING IT UP FOR YOU
I am making a sacrifice or giving something to you.
Well I take a lot of medicine
I consume a significant amount of medication.
I don't really need
It may not be necessary for my health.
I was drinking at eleven
I began consuming alcohol at a young age.
Getting high at seventeen
I started using drugs at 17 years old.
So now I don't appreciate the taste of expensive bitter wine
Due to my past experiences, I cannot enjoy or recognize the quality of a costly but unpleasant wine.
Take your aim like Artemis
Like the Greek goddess of the hunt, take aim.
And kill another dove
You may harm or destroy something innocent or vulnerable.
But when your heart becomes a hunter
When you become consumed with the desire to pursue and capture something.
You may wound your chance to love
You may damage your opportunity to experience love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JON INGOLDSBY, HOLLY BROOK
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.