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)
Prove Me Wrong
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did you care, when I said I'd walk out the door
Now is it me, or are things not how they used to be
'Cos deep in side, I'm feeling so unsure
Now I could run away and hide
But I'm still here by your side
But every time I try to say goodbye, you find a way to make me change my mind
I don't want to make the same mistake, there's only so much pain a heart can take
But every time I tell myself I can't go on, you prove me wrong
When you dream, am I still the one in your fantasy
When we touch, does it feel the same as before
'Cos all I know is I can't give up so easily
There are times when I'm feeling insecure
Now I could run away tonight
But I'm still here by your side
But every time I try to say goodbye, you find a way to make me change my mind
Tell me how can I be sure your love is strong
I don't want to make the same mistake, there is only so much pain a heart can take
But every time I tell myself I can't go on, you prove me wrong
Prove me wrong, prove me wrong,
Prove me wrong, prove me wrong
Now I could run away tonight
But I'm still here by your side
Every time I try to say goodbye, you find a way to make me change my mind
Tell me how can I be sure your love is strong
I don't want to make the same mistakes, there is only so much pain a heart can take
But every time I tell myself I can't go on, you prove me wrong
Prove me wrong
You know I can't go on
You know I can't go on
You prove me wrong
How can I tell myself, you prove me wrong
The lyrics to The Hollies' song "Prove Me Wrong" is a confession of a vulnerable and uncertain lover. The singer is questioning whether their partner is truly committed to the relationship, if they care about them at all, and if their feelings are mutual. They are torn between staying by their partner's side and leaving them due to the constant pain and doubts they are experiencing.
The singer's doubts are highlighted in the lines "Did you lie, when you said you'd always be there for me / Did you care, when I said I'd walk out the door." The singer is wondering if their partner was truthful in their promises or if they even cared enough to fight for the relationship. The chorus reveals the singer's conflicting emotions as they try to leave the relationship but find themselves drawn back in by their partner's actions.
The line "Every time I tell myself I can't go on, you prove me wrong" shows that despite the pain and doubts, the singer still loves their partner and wants to believe in their love. However, they need their partner to prove that their love is true and strong enough to keep the relationship alive.
Overall, the song is a reflection of the inner turmoil and vulnerability that comes with being in a complicated relationship. It depicts the struggle between wanting to leave a relationship but also wanting to believe in the love that once existed.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you lie, when you said you'd always be there for me
Are your promises true or mere lip service?
Did you care, when I said I'd walk out the door
Did my choices ever matter to you?
Now is it me, or are things not how they used to be
Has something changed or is it just my perception?
'Cos deep in side, I'm feeling so unsure
I'm overwhelmed with doubt and confusion
Now I could run away and hide
I contemplate escape as a coping mechanism
But I'm still here by your side
Despite my misgivings, I persist in this relationship
But every time I try to say goodbye, you find a way to make me change my mind
Your persuasiveness undermines my resolve to end things
Tell me how can I be sure your love is strong
I'm uncertain if your affection for me is genuine and enduring
I don't want to make the same mistake, there's only so much pain a heart can take
I fear the emotional toll of repeating past errors
When you dream, am I still the one in your fantasy
Do you hold me in the same esteem and passion as before?
When we touch, does it feel the same as before
Do physical intimacy and connection still exist between us?
'Cos all I know is I can't give up so easily
I value our relationship and am not ready to quit yet
There are times when I'm feeling insecure
My confidence in myself and our relationship is sometimes diminished
Prove me wrong, prove me wrong, Prove me wrong, prove me wrong
I challenge you to demonstrate my doubts are unfounded
You know I can't go on
I've reached a point where I can't continue like this
How can I tell myself, you prove me wrong
I want to believe our love can endure, but need evidence to do so
Contributed by Carson B. 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.