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)
Narida
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Na, na, na, na, na, Narida
Sweet Narida backstreeta, no one can beat her at her own game
Joe Minnesota owed her, didn't pay
Ended up on a different plane
So don't mess around with sweet Narida
'Cause you know no one's gonna beat her, Narida
Sweet Narida backstreeta, queen of the avenue girls
Climbed the ladder of success
Doing what she knew best
Have you seen her?
Walking down the street in her hoochie-koochie sway
All heads turn, eyes seeing, can't believe it
Knowing what the guys would like to say
But no chance, Narida
Na, na, na, na, na, Narida
Na, na, na, na, na, Narida
Hard-headed woman, business-minded, very strong
Self-administrator, didn't take her very long
And I can't blame her turning out the way she did
I can't blame her turning out the way she did, Narida
Sweet Narida backstreeta is just gonna carry on
Listening to the whys and wherefores
Shepherdess to her flock
So don't mess around with sweet Narida
'Cause you know no one can beat her, Narida
Na, na, na, na, na, Narida
Na, na, na, na, na, Narida
The Hollies' "Narida" tells the story of a woman named Narida living in the backstreet, who through her business acumen and street smarts, has risen to become the queen of the avenue girls. The song warns against trying to beat her at her own game as it is impossible. The lyrics pay homage to Narida's strong personality and drive, and acknowledge that her tough exterior is a product of the circumstances she has faced in life.
The song is a commentary on the situation faced by women in society at the time, where women were faced with limited options and had to resort to questionable means to get ahead, often being judged and ostracized for it. It presents the idea that women like Narida were simply making the best of a bad situation, and that they should be respected and admired for their strength and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Na, na, na, na, na, Narida
The repetitive use of Narida's name signifies her dominance and strong presence among the backstreets and avenues.
Sweet Narida backstreeta, no one can beat her at her own game
Narida is unmatched in her game, and nobody can beat her at it.
Joe Minnesota owed her, didn't pay
Joe Minnesota owed Narida but failed to pay her.
Ended up on a different plane
Joe Minnesota either died or left that line of business after failing to pay Narida.
So don't mess around with sweet Narida
One should avoid getting into a confrontation or any unfavorable business with Narida.
'Cause you know no one's gonna beat her, Narida
Narida is powerful and unbeatable, and nobody can successfully outwit or defeat her.
Sweet Narida backstreeta, queen of the avenue girls
Narida is a queen among the girls that work in the avenues and backstreets.
Climbed the ladder of success
Narida achieved significant success incrementally through time and effort.
Doing what she knew best
Narida succeeded by doing what she was great at.
Have you seen her?
Everyone knows Narida and how successful she is.
Walking down the street in her hoochie-koochie sway
As Narida walks down the street, she sashays in a seductive manner that catches the attention of others.
All heads turn, eyes seeing, can't believe it
Narida is a stunning sight to behold, and all eyes are on her.
Knowing what the guys would like to say
Her male admirers are struck speechless by her beauty.
But no chance, Narida
Despite their admiration, Narida remains unattainable to her male admirers.
Hard-headed woman, business-minded, very strong
Narida is tough, focused on her business, and very strong-willed.
Self-administrator, didn't take her very long
Narida is independent, and she quickly learned how to run her own business.
And I can't blame her turning out the way she did
Narida's tough and independent personality is understandable, given that she came from a difficult background.
Sweet Narida backstreeta is just gonna carry on
Narida will continue to run her business and strive for success regardless of any obstacles.
Listening to the whys and wherefores, Shepherdess to her flock
Narida is attentive to detail and cares for her interests and employees, just like a shepherd cares for their flock.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALLAN CLARKE, TERRY SYLVESTER, TONY HICKS
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.