The Hollies are a well-respected British beat and pop band that formed in t… Read Full Bio ↴The Hollies are a well-respected British beat and pop band that formed in the early 60s. Initially they had a squeaky-clean image and were famous for their rich vocal harmonies, rivaling those of The Beach Boys. Between 1964 and 1969, only two Hollies songs failed to reach the UK Top 10. Their most famous member was Graham Nash, who left in 1968 to form the folk supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash. Two of the core members, drummer Bobby Elliott and lead guitarist Tony Hicks, still perform with The Hollies into the new millennium.

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)

Out On The Road
The Hollies Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I wasn't there (I wasn't there)
When I was needed (I wasn't there)
I was out on the road
Playing with my rock and roll band (I wasn't there)
I should have been right by her side
Like a good man ought to be
But this rock'n'roll music sure gotta hold on me

I wasn't there (I wasn't there)
When my shack was burning (I wasn't there)
I was out on the road playing with my rock'n'roll band (I wasn't there)
While someone else put out the fire
I was wailing my guitar
Somehow this rock'n'roll music sure got a hold on me

Somewhere I know, I sold my soul
Sold it to the devil or the king of rock'n'roll
Once I found out, what the music was all about
Picked up my baggage
And I joined in a big rock show
I knew that I had to go

I wasn't there (I wasn't there)
There for my wedding (I wasn't there)
I was back on the road
Playing with my rock and roll band (I wasn't there)
But when I came off stage that night
I found her waiting patiently, good girl
She knows that rock'n'roll music sure got a hold

Rock'n'roll music sure got a hold
She knows that rock'n'roll music sure got a hold on me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Hollies' song Out On The Road explore the life and struggles of a musician who is deeply passionate about his craft. The song describes his absence during times of need for his loved ones, including missing his wedding and not being there when his shack was burning. He acknowledges that he should have been there for them but was instead out on the road, playing with his rock and roll band. However, he also admits that the lure of the music industry and the grip it has on him prevented him from being there for them. The musician ultimately realizes that he has sold his soul to the music world, and that it's hard for him to give it up. Despite this, he acknowledges that rock and roll music has a hold on him, even as he recognizes the toll it has taken on his personal relationships.

The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the lifestyle and choices of musicians in the industry. It highlights the sacrifices that they make in order to pursue their dreams and the toll it takes on their personal relationships. The musician in the song understands that his passion for music is at odds with his obligations to his family and loved ones, but he is unable to reconcile the two. He feels like he has sold his soul to the music, and that he can't escape its grip. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of regret and longing, as the musician realizes that he has missed important milestones in his life and finds himself struggling to balance his passion with his responsibilities.

Line by Line Meaning

I wasn't there
I wasn't present

When I was needed
When I was required to help someone

I was out on the road Playing with my rock and roll band
I was performing music while traveling

I should have been right by her side Like a good man ought to be But this rock'n'roll music sure gotta hold on me
I should have been a supportive partner, but my love for rock'n'roll music was too strong

When my shack was burning
When my house was on fire

While someone else put out the fire I was wailing my guitar
While someone else saved my property, I was playing my instrument

Somewhere I know, I sold my soul Sold it to the devil or the king of rock'n'roll
I believe I sacrificed my morality for fame, fortune or success in music

Once I found out, what the music was all about Picked up my baggage And I joined in a big rock show I knew that I had to go
Once I discovered my passion for music, I pursued it wholeheartedly and with determination

There for my wedding
There to attend my own marriage ceremony

But when I came off stage that night I found her waiting patiently, good girl She knows that rock'n'roll music sure got a hold Rock'n'roll music sure got a hold She knows that rock'n'roll music sure got a hold on me
After my performance, my partner was understanding and supportive of my love for music, even though I missed important moments with her

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KENNY LYNCH, TONY HICKS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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