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)
My Back Pages
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rolling high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flamin' roads
Usin' ideas as my maps
Proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older than
I'm younger than that now
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
Rip down all hate I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundation deep somehow
Ah, but I was so much older than
I'm younger than that now
Girls faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizin' politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older than
I'm younger than that now
Ah, but I was so much older than
I'm younger than that now
My guard stood hard
When abstract threats too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinkin'
I had somethin' to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older than
I'm younger than that now
I'm younger than that now
I'm younger than that now
I'm younger than that now
I'm younger than that now
The Hollies' song "My Back Pages" reflects on the naive and self-righteous mindset of a younger version of the singer. The first verse speaks about the singer's past, where he was once guided by his own ideas and determination, feeling proud of himself. However, he realizes that he was mistaken to think he knew everything, and that he was "so much older" in his thinking. The second verse talks about the singer's desire to tear down prejudice and hate in the world, as he dreamed of "romantic facts of musketeers," but he realizes that the world is not so black and white. In the third verse, he talks about how he used to judge others based on superficial things such as their faces, but now he sees the error in his ways. The final lines of the song reinforce the singer's realization that he has grown and learned from his past mistakes, and he is now "younger than that now."
The song is a reflection on the journey of growing up and maturing, acknowledging the mistakes made along the way, and moving forward with a newfound wisdom. The lyrics showcase the concept of shedding one's past prejudices and biases to become a more open-minded and compassionate individual. It is a hopeful and positive message about personal growth and development.
Line by Line Meaning
Crimson flames tied through my ears
My mind is burning with passion and intensity.
Rolling high and mighty traps
I'm faced with obstacles and challenges, some of which are imposing and difficult to overcome.
Pounced with fire on flamin' roads
I'm charging ahead with enthusiasm and intensity, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
Usin' ideas as my maps
I rely on my creativity and originality, rather than following conventional wisdom, to guide my journey.
We'll meet on edges soon said I
I know that I will encounter new, uncharted territories and challenges, and I face them with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Proud 'neath heated brow
I am determined, confident, and unafraid to assert myself and pursue my goals, even in the face of adversity.
Ah, but I was so much older than
Looking back on my past experiences, I realize that I was more mature and experienced than I thought I was at the time.
I'm younger than that now
Despite my past experiences, I feel youthful, inspired, and open to new possibilities and adventures.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
I was once prone to biases and stereotypes that clouded my judgment and limited my understanding of the world.
Rip down all hate I screamed
I reject toxic and divisive attitudes, and I strive to promote peace, equality, and respect for all.
Lies that life is black and white
I recognize that the complexities of life cannot be reduced to simplistic dichotomies of right and wrong, good and evil, or us and them.
Spoke from my skull I dreamed
I was once naive and idealistic, prone to fantasies and illusions that left me disconnected from reality.
Romantic facts of musketeers
I once clung to idealized notions of chivalry, heroism, and adventure, inspired by stories of romantic heroes like the musketeers.
Foundation deep somehow
Despite the flaws and limitations of my youthful idealism, I recognize that it helped to shape my values and beliefs, and laid the groundwork for my current perspective.
Girls faces formed the forward path
I am inspired by the diversity and resilience of women, and believe that their leadership and creativity are essential for creating a better world.
From phony jealousy
I reject destructive and petty attitudes of jealousy and envy, and strive to celebrate others' successes and learn from their achievements.
To memorizin' politics
I am informed and engaged in political issues, and recognize the importance of using my voice to advocate for justice, equality, and progress.
Of ancient history
I recognize the legacy of historical oppression, and strive to learn from the mistakes of the past in order to build a more just and equitable future.
Flung down by corpse evangelists
I reject the dogmatic and oppressive attitudes of religious fundamentalism, and refuse to be swayed by anyone who seeks to exploit my fears or manipulate my beliefs.
Unthought of, though, somehow
Despite the challenges and obstacles that may arise, I remain hopeful and committed to building a better world, using my creativity, passion, and critical thinking to find new solutions and opportunities.
My guard stood hard
I am strong and determined, and I refuse to be intimidated or overwhelmed by threats or obstacles that may come my way.
When abstract threats too noble to neglect
I recognize the urgency and importance of addressing complex and abstract issues that have far-reaching consequences for our society and future.
Deceived me into thinkin'
I have been misled and deceived by forces that seek to maintain the status quo, but I refuse to be complacent or apathetic in the face of injustice or oppression.
I had somethin' to protect
I am committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of all people, and will fight to ensure that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to thrive.
Good and bad, I define these terms
I recognize that moral judgments are often subjective and complex, but I am committed to developing a thoughtful, compassionate, and nuanced approach to ethical questions, grounded in empathy and reason.
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Despite the challenges and ambiguities of ethical issues, I remain clear-headed and focused, and continue to seek understanding and insight into the complex issues that define our lives.
I'm younger than that now
Despite my past experiences and challenges, I remain youthful, inspired, and open-minded, embracing the opportunities and possibilities that each new day brings.
I'm younger than that now
With each passing moment, I renew my commitment to living with passion, purpose, and authenticity, recognizing that I have much to learn, discover, and achieve.
I'm younger than that now
I embrace my youthfulness as a source of strength and vitality, recognizing that my enthusiasm, creativity, and optimism can help to create positive change in the world.
I'm younger than that now
Despite the passage of time, I remain young at heart, refusing to let cynicism, apathy, or despair stifle my spirit or quell my joy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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.