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)
Peculiar situation
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When it's cold I hold you close to me
When we dine you help me choose the wine
It's these things that mean so much to me
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
We're lovers but we don't make love
But when these things mean so much to us
Well, that's all right
I don't think your father is too rich
And I know your mother has good taste
And it's not because you're beautiful
When you're busy you find time for me
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
We're lovers but we don't make love
But when these things mean so much to us
Well, that's all right
But when these things mean so much to us
Well, that's all right
You do well at things that interest you
When asked out you never turn away
If you're wrong you don't mind saying so
Not too proud to phone me when you're down
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
We're lovers but we don't make love
But when these things mean so much to us
Well, that's all right, right
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
The Hollies's song "Peculiar Situation" is a reflective and celebratory song about a relationship that is built on the foundation of seemingly simple and mundane aspects of life. The lyrics describe how the couple takes walks in storms on rainy nights, how they hold each other close in the cold, how they choose wine together when they dine, and how they find time for each other even when they are busy. These things may seem trivial to some, but for the couple in the song, they are what make their relationship so special and fulfilling. Despite the fact that they are lovers who do not make love, they are content with their unique situation because they have each other and what they share means so much to them.
The overall message of the song is that there is no one right way to be in a loving relationship. What works for one couple may not work for another, and that is perfectly fine. The peculiar situation that the couple finds themselves in may not make sense to outsiders, but they are happy and fulfilled, which is all that matters. The song celebrates the small things in life that can bring two people together and make their relationship strong, even without physical intimacy.
Line by Line Meaning
We take walks in storms on rainy nights
We find comfort in each other’s company, even in difficult situations
When it's cold I hold you close to me
I'll protect you and keep you warm
When we dine you help me choose the wine
I value your opinion and we make decisions together
It's these things that mean so much to me
It's the simple moments that create a strong and meaningful relationship
Ain't this a peculiar situation?
It's an unusual circumstance, but it works for us
We're lovers but we don't make love
Our love is not defined by physical intimacy
But when these things mean so much to us
Our emotional connection is the foundation of our relationship
Well, that's all right
We're happy with our unique situation
I don't think your father is too rich
I don't care about your family's wealth
And I know your mother has good taste
I appreciate your family's values
And it's not because you're beautiful
I love you for who you are, not just your appearance
When you're busy you find time for me
You prioritize our relationship even when you have a lot going on
You do well at things that interest you
I admire your skills and passions
When asked out you never turn away
You're open to new experiences and opportunities
If you're wrong you don't mind saying so
You're honest and accountable
Not too proud to phone me when you're down
You're not afraid to ask for help or support
Well, that's all right, right
We're content with our non-traditional relationship dynamic
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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.