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)
Naomi
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what I feel is where I have to go
And where I go is where you are
My love, my fear, my beating heart
My simple answer that I'll never know
And what I say is what I know
And what I know is what my senses say
That where I'm scared to go is bliss
And what I dare to take on, makes my day
And where I go is where you are
My love, my fear, my beating heart
My simple answer, that I'll never know
And what I say is what I know
And what I know is what my senses say
And what my senses say is this
That where I'm scared to go is bliss
And what I dare to take on, makes my day
The magic all around - was Naomi
The starlight in the sky - was Naomi
Knew you were leading me on
I follow I feel I belong
I'm falling I've lost control
You've taken my heart and my soul
Naomi
Naomi
Naomi
Naomi beggin' darlin' please
The Hollies' song "Naomi" is a declaration of love in which the singer finds ultimate satisfaction in being with their lover. The song is set in first person and reflects the innermost thoughts and feelings of the singer towards Naomi. The lyrics describe the singer's deepest emotions, fears, and desires. They indicate that the singer's emotions are what drives their actions, and their actions lead them to Naomi. The song illustrates that the singer does not always understand the motivations or rationale behind their emotions; they merely follow them. Even though the singer does not have all the answers, they know that being with Naomi is where they need to be, as she holds the key to their heart and soul.
The lyrics "And what I dare to take on, makes my day" conveys the sense of adventure and excitement the singer finds in their relationship with Naomi. They are willing to take whatever the future brings as long as they are together. The last stanza reveals the singer's vulnerability and desperate need for Naomi as they beg her to stay with them.
In summary, "Naomi" is a love song that emphasizes the importance of love and the role it plays in defining one's purpose and identity. The song's emotional honesty and raw vulnerability are what make it a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
And what I do is what I feel
I act based on my emotions.
And what I feel is where I have to go
My intuition guides me towards my path.
And where I go is where you are My love, my fear, my beating heart
You are always on my mind and in my heart, whether it brings me joy or fear.
My simple answer that I'll never know
I may never fully understand why I feel so drawn to you.
And what I say is what I know
I speak truthfully from my knowledge and experience.
And what I know is what my senses say
My senses inform my understanding of the world.
And what my senses say is this That where I'm scared to go is bliss
I know that venturing into new, scary territory brings me great happiness.
And what I dare to take on, makes my day
Challenging myself brings me great pride and fulfillment.
The magic all around - was Naomi
The sense of wonder in the world reminds me of you.
The starlight in the sky - was Naomi
Even the stars in the sky remind me of you.
Knew you were leading me on
I felt like you were guiding me towards something.
I follow I feel I belong
I feel like I fit in and belong when I follow your lead.
I'm falling I've lost control
I feel like I'm losing myself to you.
You've taken my heart and my soul
I feel like you've become a part of me, deeply ingrained in my being.
Naomi
Repeating your name is a way to express my deep attachment to you.
Naomi
Repeating your name is a way to express my deep attachment to you.
Naomi
Repeating your name is a way to express my deep attachment to you.
Naomi beggin' darlin' please
I am begging you, my love.
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Purcell
Thanks a lot. You've been very helpful. I do have the WEA years cd as it had several songs I couldn't find anywhere else. I'll check out your videos The whole 80's and 90's for the Hollies had so few recordings and it requires quite an effort to get them. I thought I'd never find 'Naomi'. They're not great songs but they're still part of the Hollies history.
David Purcell
I take it that EMI owns the rights and won't let them be played? Having been to Berlin and the Wall I think that it's wonderful that the country is united again and done without a war. Allan is the voice of the Hollies but they made some of their finest music with Mikael. One can appreciate both.
David Purcell
I was a soldier in Germany in the 70's and it was great buying each new Hollies single or album, stuff never released in the U.S at the time. Also went to one of their concerts then. As for 'Naomi' I found it on Amazon.uk. It's part of a 3 song cd. I think 'He Ain't Heavy' is the main song. My copy is buried away so I can't give you the details. I uploaded the song to my itunes so if your friend can't help I'll try. Mikael Rickfors I really like and I'm trying to find something of his.
David Purcell
Well, the caption I had said Belgian tv. Thanks for the correction. The song itself is so weird and then with the different musicians I wondered if the Hollies had another personnel change. Is the Coconut collection available on cd or vinyl? I purchased it on itunes when I couldn't find it anywhere else. Although you said that the personnel wasn't listed . I do like having a hard copy though. I have several of the 45's but not hard copies of the complete Coconut collection.
David Purcell
Does anyone know who the drummer and other guitarist are? I was shocked not to see Bobby Elliott! I've also not seen the other guy before. It's not Alan Coates. This performance is somewhat of a mystery. The song itself is pleasant enough though far from their best.
Max Leichtle
war das nicht der drummer von der band Münchner Freiheit