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)
No Rules
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got plenty of my own
Everyday you come around here
Giving me your own set of moans
I don't want a situation
going nowhere I ain't planned
So you better listen here
while I try and make you understand
No rules no ties
No rules no lies
Take me as you see me
take me any way I am
I'm no victim man
I'll just come and see you if I can
I don't want no long term ties
Fantasise two-faced lies no way
So you better listen here
while I try to make you understand
No rules no ties
No rules no lies
The lyrics to The Hollies's song No Rules are straightforward and express a sense of freedom and independence. The singer confronts someone who always comes to him with problems and complaints, and he makes it clear that he doesn't want to get involved in a situation that will lead nowhere. He emphasises his desire to have no long-term ties, no fantasised or two-faced lies. He wants his relationships to be based on honesty and simplicity, without any rules or lies.
The song is about being true to oneself and not allowing anyone to manipulate or change one's way of life. The lyrics encourage the listener to be open and honest in all their relationships, without being tied down or feeling obligated. The song is relatable and timeless, as everyone can understand the need for freedom and honesty in their lives. The Hollies's delivery of the song is energetic and uplifting, making it a feel-good anthem for anyone who wants to live life on their terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't give me your problems
I don't want to deal with your issues
I got plenty of my own
I have enough problems to deal with already
Everyday you come around here
You keep showing up here every day
Giving me your own set of moans
Complaining to me about your own problems
I don't want a situation
I don't want to be in a problematic situation
going nowhere I ain't planned
I want things to go as I planned
So you better listen here
Pay attention to what I'm saying
while I try and make you understand
I'm trying to make you comprehend my point of view
Take me as you see me
Accept me for who I am
take me any way I am
Don't try to change me
I'm no victim man
I won't be taken advantage of
I'll just come and see you if I can
I'll visit you whenever I have time
I don't want no long term ties
I don't want to be in a committed relationship
Fantasise two-faced lies no way
I won't accept any deceitful or untruthful behavior
No rules no ties
I want freedom and independence
No rules no lies
I want honesty and transparency
Contributed by Charlie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@wilfredpickles1617
Great vidio even greater song The Hollies at there best.....
@brendanaschinski-bp9dj
Live the way Allan Clarke uses his voice in this song
@AJ-ix3wd
thumbs up
@michellelambert8729
The Hollies and Anime, yeah! You can't go wrong there, not with me. Love this song, which I haven't heard before. Allan Clarke would say that those that pissed him off could "go blow", LoL. I got that off the inner sleeve of his Sideshow:Solo Recordings 1973-1976. And it's well worth the price, gorgeous music.
@ne007ne
Where is Michelle from, thanks for comment :)
@michellelambert8729
ne007ne Hi there😊 I'm from ATL, Georgia 🤘.
@michellelambert8729
ne007ne I love what you did with this song it's great🤘🤘🤘😊
@ne007ne
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@dianataylor8758
Lordy, this is just a sexy, sexy song. Mmmmm.....that voice!!
@dissydiss5612
As fine a high tenor as Graham Nash was, the Hollies perfect vocal intonation and balance suffered not a bit with his exit.
Terry Sylvester could cover any rock and roll style. His Swinging Blue Jeans take on "Hippy Hippy Shake" outpaced Paul McCartney's.