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)
Look Thorugh Any Window
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What do you see
Smilin' faces all around
Rushin' through the busy town
(Where do they go)
Movin' on their way
Walkin' down the highways and the by ways
Movin' on their way
People with their shy ways and their sly ways
Oh, you can see the little children
All around
Oh, you can see the little ladies
In their gowns when you
Look through any window, yeah
Any time of day
See the drivers on the roads
Pullin' down their heavy loads
(Where do they go)
Movin' on their way
Drivin' down highways and the by ways
(Where do they go)
Movin' on their way
Drivers with their shy ways and their sly ways
Oh, you can see the little children
All around
Oh, you can see the little ladies
In their gowns when you
Look through any window, yeah
What do you see
Smiling faces all around
Rushin' through the busy town
(Where do they go)
Movin' on their way
Movin' on their way
Movin' on their way
"Look Through Any Window" by The Hollies is a feel-good song that delves into the complexities of life as seen by people moving about in a busy town. The song invites listeners to look beyond the surface, past the cars on the road, and the busy pedestrians on the sidewalks, and really see what lies beneath. When the lyrics implore listeners to "look through any window," they are essentially asking us to see past the superficial aspects of life and see the real people in our midst.
The songs' repeated questioning of "Where do they go?" speaks to the underlying sense of curiosity and wonder the songwriter feels about life. Despite the frenetic pace of the busy town, there is a sense that there is much more going on beneath the surface, and the song is an invitation to explore that. The reference to "people with their shy ways and their sly ways" speaks to the fact that people are complex beings with attributes that may not always be immediately apparent.
Ultimately, "Look Through Any Window" is a song that encourages us to pay closer attention to the world around us and maybe even take the time to get to know the strangers we see every day. By doing so, we may be able to gain a deeper appreciation for life and possibly even unlock some of the mysteries that often go unnoticed.
Line by Line Meaning
Look through any window, yeah
Observing the world around.
What do you see
Questioning what the world holds.
Smilin' faces all around
Encountering people happy and content.
Rushin' through the busy town
Living a fast-paced life.
(Where do they go)
Wondering the destination of people.
Movin' on their way
Continuing their journey through life.
Walkin' down the highways and the by ways
Traversing busy and quiet paths.
(Where do they go)
Reiterating the question of people's destination.
People with their shy ways and their sly ways
Encountering both introverted and cunning individuals.
Oh, you can see the little children
Noticing the innocence and purity of kids.
All around
Everywhere.
Oh, you can see the little ladies
Spotting the grace and beauty of women.
In their gowns when you
Dressed elegantly.
Any time of day
At any moment.
See the drivers on the roads
Recognizing the hardworking drivers on the streets.
Pullin' down their heavy loads
Carrying a significant weight through their job.
Drivers with their shy ways and their sly ways
Acknowledging the reserved and crafty drivers.
Movin' on their way
Continuing their work and journey through life.
Movin' on their way
Repeating the idea of people continuing on their path.
Movin' on their way
Affirming the idea of people continuously moving through their journey.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES SILVERMAN, GRAHAM GOULDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janeweisner8364
The Hollies one of the most underrated bands of the 1960’s. The harmonies are great.
@robertfox8271
This song is freakin' beyond amazing! For the longest time, all I knew about The Hollies was their later hit "The Air That I Breathe"! Their '60s music is pure gold!
@pumi63
Part of the British Invasion, so much quality music from across the pond to the USA in the 60s and 70s the best of times.
@lorenzogasbarrini5036
Don't miss Bus Stop.
@68blues
Oh yes! You got that right.✌🏻
@rickzak5890
Same with The Bee Gees!
@stephenbruiners5101
The Hollies!! No words to describe their harmonizing. I follow them since 1964.
@elfowl6873
Loved it as a 19 yr. old and love it now as a 72 yr. old. Thanks for the post!!!!!
@Robert_Manners
It's definitely a unique song and was - 9 years when it was released as I didn't arrive until June 1974.
@68blues
Elf…cool