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)
Papa Rain
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is that a face behind the silly grin and buried chin?
I′d say I had that
Swapping something out
While taking something in
Hopes were rising
Hopes were rising
Papa Rain
Silently you just seem self
That the number one is odd
Leaning heavily
On faith he's built
Touch across the guard
Mama′s dying
Mama's dying
Papa go out
Hold the young child near
Let his young heart beat for two
Papa go out
Hold the young child near
Let his young eyes cry for two
Papa Rain
Papa Rain
By the fireside he's kneeling
A chance for looking back
Have you played it right
And payed it right?
Settle up for what you had
Hopes were rising
Papa Rain
Silently you just seem self
That the number one is odd
Leaning heavily
On faith he′s built
Touch across the guard
Mama′s dying
Mama's dying
The Hollies's song "Papa Rain" is a soulful and introspective ballad that tells the story of a father who is coming to terms with his own mortality and the impending death of his wife, as well as the responsibility he has towards his children. The lyrics are layered with imagery of hope, regret, love, and faith as the singer reflects on the choices he has made in life and the lessons he has learned. The use of nature metaphors, such as "Papa Rain," adds depth and complexity to the song, suggesting that life is a cycle, and even in the midst of drought, there is still the promise of renewal and growth.
The first verse begins by asking if there is more to the father's seemingly lighthearted demeanor. Although he may appear carefree and jovial, he is actually holding onto emotions that he can only express through his actions. This idea is reinforced in the chorus when the repeated line "hopes were rising" suggests that there is always a glimmer of optimism, even in the face of despair. The second verse introduces the theme of faith, which is a recurring motif throughout the song. The father leans heavily on his belief in a higher power to guide him through his struggles and provide a sense of comfort during his wife's illness.
Line by Line Meaning
Papa Rain
Addressing the person this song is directed towards
Is that a face behind the silly grin and buried chin?
Questioning the authenticity of the person's expression
I'd say I had that
Assuming that the singer can relate to the feeling of being insincere
Swapping something out while taking something in
Implying that the person is changing who they are while still holding onto something familiar
Hopes were rising
Feeling hopeful about something
Hopes were rising
Reiterating the feeling of hopefulness
Silently you just seem self
Suggesting that the person is selfish without obviously showing it
That the number one is odd
Possibly insinuating that there is something fundamentally wrong with the person's character
Leaning heavily on faith he's built
Implying that the person relies on their own self-made beliefs to get through tough times
Touch across the guard
Unclear but could mean that the person is going against societal norms
Mama's dying
Stating that the person's mother is dying
Papa go out, Hold the young child near, Let his young heart beat for two
Encouraging the person to spend time with their child to feel their love and support
Papa go out, Hold the young child near, Let his young eyes cry for two
Encouraging the person to cry with their child to show that it is okay to be vulnerable
By the fireside he's kneeling
Describing the person's posture
A chance for looking back
Implying that the person is reflecting on their past
Have you played it right, And payed it right?
Asking the person if they have done things correctly and with appropriate compensation
Settle up for what you had
Suggesting that the person repays something they owe
Hopes were rising
Ending the song with a reiteration of hope
Writer(s): Colin Horton Jennings
Contributed by Adam P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.