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)
Promised Land
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where where is the promised land
It can`t be found in Viet Nam
It can`t be where the eagle has landed
If we want peace for every man
We`ve gotta make the world demand it
Now I see the flag is flying
We must bring back the soldier boys
We mustn`t let them die for nothing
War`s a better game when played with toys
Let`s change the game and let`s start loving
Soldiers never fight alone
There`s just as much fighting going on at home
Protests, violence, marches
It`s all going on at home
Bring them all back home (repeat)
The Hollies's song Promised Land, although released in 1974, captures the sentiments of war and peace that are still relevant to this day. The song poses the question, "where is the promised land?" The lyrics suggest that it cannot be found in war-torn Vietnam, and it is not in the place where the eagle has landed, possibly referring to America, the land of the free. The song takes a stand against the war and calls for peace for all mankind. The message is clear, we must demand peace from the world, and it is our responsibility to make it happen.
The song acknowledges the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. The mention of the flag flying symbolises their bravery and commitment to their country. However, the lyrics argue that it is not fair to let them die in vain. The line "War's a better game when played with toys" implies that war, as an instrument of death and destruction, has lost its glamour and is not a solution to world problems. The song implores listeners to change the game by replacing violence and war with love and compassion.
Line by Line Meaning
Where where is the promised land
Where can we find a place free from conflict and suffering?
It can`t be found in Viet Nam
The war in Vietnam is not the answer to our problems
It can`t be where the eagle has landed
Success in war does not guarantee the promised land
If we want peace for every man
To achieve peace, it must be for all people, not just one group
We`ve gotta make the world demand it
We must work together as a global community to demand peace
Now I see the flag is flying
We must support our country, but not at the cost of others' lives
We`ve got to help them stop the dying
We need to find a way to end the senseless violence in war
We must bring back the soldier boys
We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our soldiers
We mustn`t let them die for nothing
We must honor and value the sacrifices our soldiers make
War`s a better game when played with toys
The glorification of war and violence is misguided
Let`s change the game and let`s start loving
We should focus on love and compassion, rather than violence
Soldiers never fight alone
The impact of war affects more than just soldiers on the front lines
There`s just as much fighting going on at home
There is conflict and unrest happening within our own communities
Protests, violence, marches
These are some of the ways people are fighting for change
It`s all going on at home
The fight for justice and peace is not limited to foreign wars
Bring them all back home (repeat)
The song's plea for ending war and bringing soldiers home is emphasized
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: KENNY LYNCH, TONY HICKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Curtis II
Great tune
Harrisonianne
Hollies' peak period, w Allan Clarke
Otto Aguilar
la encontre en un 45 rpm usado todo viejo como lado B....el lado A era nada menos que Long Cool Woman...y esta en sonido monofonico...lo guardo como reliquia, ya no lo toco porque tiene un pedacito quebrado en la orilla y cuesta mucho colocarlo en la tornamesa
Andy Tucker
So good. Maybe graham should have gone back 😂
Lobo Solitario 29
geat song and was good times.