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)
Lizzy and the Rainman
The Hollies Lyrics
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A hot west Texas day
A fancy man in a painted wagon
Some fancy things to say
Looks like you folks'll need some water
Well water is my game
For the small price of a hundred dollars
So get away all non-believers or the rain'll never come
Someone start a fire burning, somebody beat the drum
Some may think I'm crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before the day is over your folks'll see some rain
They all just stood a staring trying to believe
But there was one named Lizzy Cooper said he was a lying cheat
She said you call yourself a rainman, well you oughta be ashamed
For starting all these people dreaming thinking you can make it rain
So get away all non-believers or the rain'll never come
Someone keep the fire burning, somebody beat the drum
Some may think I'm crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before the day is over your folks'll see some rain
Oh Lizzy, a man's gotta have a dream
And if you can walk on the inside with me
I'll meet you in between
Come with me Lizzy
And the stars'll write your name
And if you still think I'm lying to you
Look yonder here comes the rain
So get away all non-believers or the rain'll never come
Someone keep the fire burning, somebody beat the drum
Some may think I'm crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before the day is over your folks'll see some rain
So get away all non-believers or the rain'll never come
Someone keep the fire burning, somebody beat the drum
Some may think I'm crazy for making all these claims
But I swear before the day is over your folks'll see some rain
The Hollies's song "Lizzy and the Rainman" tells the story of a shady character who arrives in West Texas and claims to have the power to bring rain to the drought-stricken town. He offers to do so for a fee of a hundred dollars. Some of the locals are skeptical, but others are willing to give him a chance. They start a fire and beat a drum while he performs a rain dance. One woman, Lizzy Cooper, is particularly skeptical and accuses the man of being a liar and a cheat. He tries to convince her that he can make it rain, and eventually, he does.
The lyrics explore themes of faith, deception, and the power of dreams. The rainman is a symbol of hope and possibility for the people of the town who are suffering from a drought. Some are willing to believe in him, while others are skeptical. Lizzy represents the voice of reason and skepticism. She questions the rainman's claims and demands proof. However, she also represents the possibility for change and growth. She is willing to join the rainman and step outside of her comfort zone in order to experience something new.
Overall, "Lizzy and the Rainman" is a song about the human desire for renewal and rejuvenation. The rainman may be a fraud, but his presence inspires the people of the town to come together and hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
He came riding in on a sunrise
He showed up on a beautiful morning
A hot west Texas day
The day was oppressively hot in western Texas
A fancy man in a painted wagon
He was an impressive-looking man in a decorated wagon
Some fancy things to say
He had a way with words and spoke in a grandiose manner
Looks like you folks'll need some water
He recognized the need for water among the people
Well water is my game
He claimed to be an expert at making water appear
For the small price of a hundred dollars
He offered his services for a fee
I bet you I can make it rain
He promised to bring rain to the area
So get away all non-believers or the rain'll never come
He warned that those who didn't believe would prevent rain from happening
Someone start a fire burning, somebody beat the drum
He requested music and fire to set the mood for his performance
Some may think I'm crazy for making all these claims
He anticipated that some people might doubt his abilities and think he was crazy
But I swear before the day is over your folks'll see some rain
He promised that he would deliver rain by the end of the day
They all just stood a staring trying to believe
The people were skeptical but curious
But there was one named Lizzy Cooper said he was a lying cheat
One person accused him of being a dishonest fraud
She said you call yourself a rainman, well you oughta be ashamed
She rebuked him for claiming to be a rainmaker
For starting all these people dreaming thinking you can make it rain
She blamed him for giving the people false hope and making them believe they could control the weather
Oh Lizzy, a man's gotta have a dream
He tried to persuade her that it's okay to have a dream
And if you can walk on the inside with me
He invited her to join him and see things from his perspective
I'll meet you in between
He proposed that they find common ground and make peace
Come with me Lizzy
He encouraged her to take a chance and trust him
And the stars'll write your name
He promised her fame and recognition if she joined him
And if you still think I'm lying to you
He acknowledged that she might still doubt him
Look yonder here comes the rain
He pointed out that his promise had come true and rain was falling
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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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.