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)
Louise
The Hollies Lyrics
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Coming on strong'
Can't be too long, gotta get what my body needs
It needs Louise
Louise
Gonna break my heart, gotta make a start
Gotta get it together with Louise
Queen in blue jeans boppin' at the hop
Alive with the jive rollin' with the rock
Louise
Baby, gonna move like lightning
Don't blink your eye, the speed I'm gonna do is frightening
Everybody move on over
I'm electrified, the speed's comin' through like a nova
Louise
Coming on strong'
Can't be too long, gotta get what my body needs
It needs Louise
Louise
Gonna break my heart, gotta make a start
Gotta get it together with Louise
Ooh, Louise
Queen in blue jeans boppin' at the hop
Alive with the jive rollin' with the rock
Louise
Sparks are gonna fly igniting
Mr. Dynamite, I'm burnin' up the night to light you
Get ready for the big explosion
Call in the reserves, there's gonna be a chain reaction
Louise
Coming on strong'
Can't be too long, gotta get what my body needs
It needs Louise
Louise
Gonna break my heart, gotta make a start
Gotta get it together with Louise
Ooh, Louise
The lyrics to The Hollies' song "Louise" tell a story of desire and passion. The singer, referred to as Louise, represents a strong and irresistible force that the singer cannot resist. The repetition of "coming on strong" suggests that Louise is assertive and confident in her pursuit. The singer acknowledges the urgency and necessity of fulfilling their physical needs, describing it as something their body requires. Louise is portrayed as the embodiment of this desire, the one who can provide what the singer craves.
The lyrics also suggest that being with Louise comes with risks and challenges. The line "gonna break my heart, gotta make a start" implies that there might be emotional consequences to pursuing this passionate connection. Despite this, the singer feels compelled to "get it together with Louise." It seems that the burning desire they have for Louise outweighs any potential heartbreak or obstacles that may arise.
The verse "Queen in blue jeans boppin' at the hop, alive with the jive rollin' with the rock" describes Louise in vibrant and energetic terms. It portrays her as an irresistible figure, full of life and excitement. The imagery evokes a sense of movement and rhythm, capturing the allure and charisma of Louise.
The lyrics also imply that being with Louise is electrifying and intense. The lines "baby, gonna move like lightning, don't blink your eye, the speed I'm gonna do is frightening" suggest a passionate and fast-paced connection. The singer feels a sense of acceleration and exhilaration in being with Louise. The references to sparks flying and igniting, as well as a big explosion and chain reaction, further emphasize this intensity.
Overall, the lyrics of "Louise" depict a desire for a passionate and intense connection with an enigmatic figure. It explores the excitement and risks that come with pursuing such a relationship, highlighting the power and allure of Louise. The song captures the exhilarating and all-consuming nature of desire and the longing to satisfy one's physical and emotional needs.
Line by Line Meaning
Louise
Referring to a woman named Louise who is the subject of the song
Coming on strong'
Louise is approaching with great intensity and determination
Can't be too long, gotta get what my body needs
There is a sense of urgency to satisfy physical desires and cravings
It needs Louise
The artist's body specifically desires the presence of Louise
Gonna break my heart, gotta make a start
Getting involved with Louise may have emotional consequences, but it's necessary to begin
Gotta get it together with Louise
The singer needs to establish a connection or relationship with Louise
Ooh, Louise
Expressing excitement or anticipation towards Louise
Queen in blue jeans boppin' at the hop
Louise is depicted as a confident and stylish woman who enjoys popular dances
Alive with the jive rollin' with the rock
Louise is characterized as being energetic and enthusiastic, particularly regarding music and dance
Baby, gonna move like lightning
The artist intends to act swiftly and with great speed
Don't blink your eye, the speed I'm gonna do is frightening
The singer's actions will be so fast and impressive that it may astonish or intimidate others
Everybody move on over
Others should make way or give space for the artist's presence
I'm electrified, the speed's comin' through like a nova
The singer feels electrified and powerful as their speed and energy are compared to a supernova
Sparks are gonna fly igniting
There will be a strong and energetic attraction or reaction
Mr. Dynamite, I'm burnin' up the night to light you
The singer is likened to an explosive force, passionately illuminating the night with their presence
Get ready for the big explosion
Prepare for a significant and intense event or outcome
Call in the reserves, there's gonna be a chain reaction
Extra assistance or support is needed because the consequences of the artist's actions will have a domino effect
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN CLARKE, TERRY SYLVESTER, TONY HICKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Harrisonianne
Allan really digged that name.
In "Please Let Me Please" also "Louise" is involved all through the song