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)
Reach Out
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because all of your hope is gone,
And your life is filled with much confusion
Until happiness is just an illusion,
And your world around is crumblin' down;
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach on out for me)
Reach out (reach out for me.)
I'll be there, with a love that will shelter you.
I'll be there to always see you through.
When you feel lost and about to give up
'Cause your best just ain't good enough
And you feel the world has grown cold,
And you're drifting out all on your own,
And you need a hand to hold:
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me)
Reach out (reach out for me.)
I'll be there, to love and comfort you,
And I'll be there, to cherish and care for you.
I'll be there to love and comfort you.
I can tell the way you hang your head,
You're without love and now you're afraid
And through your tears you look around,
But there's no peace of mind to be found.
I know what you're thinkin',
You're alone now, no love of your own,
But darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me)
Reach out (reach out for me.)
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there, to give you all the love you need,
And I'll be there, you can always depend on me.
The lyrics of The Hollies's song "Reach out I'll be there" convey a message of hope, love, and companionship. The singer addresses someone who is feeling lost, hopeless, and confused, and encourages them to reach out for help. The lyrics repeatedly use the phrase "reach out for me," emphasizing the importance of seeking support from others during difficult times.
The song's opening lines paint a picture of someone who is completely overwhelmed by life's challenges and has lost all hope. The person's world is crumbling, and they feel like happiness is just an illusion. Nonetheless, the singer urges them to reach out, promising to be there for them with love and shelter.
The second verse reflects the feeling of inadequacy and failure that often accompanies difficult times. The person feels that they are not good enough, and that the world has turned against them. Once again, the singer encourages them to reach out, promising to provide love, comfort, and care.
The final verse is the most personal, with the singer acknowledging that they can see the pain and fear in the other person's eyes. Nonetheless, they assure the person that they are not alone and that they will always be there to provide love and support. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the suggestion that the person should look over their shoulder to see the singer there, waiting with open arms.
Overall, "Reach out I'll be there" is a song about the importance of reaching out for support during difficult times. The lyrics are full of empathy and understanding, with the singer promising to be a constant source of love and companionship for the person in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Now if you feel that you can't go on
If you are feeling hopeless and unable to continue on
Because all of your hope is gone,
If you have lost all hope
And your life is filled with much confusion
If you are experiencing confusion and uncertainty in your life
Until happiness is just an illusion,
If happiness seems impossible to attain
And your world around is crumblin' down;
If everything around you feels like it's falling apart
Darling, reach out (come on girl, reach on out for me)
So reach out for help, don't be afraid to ask for it
Reach out (reach out for me.)
Ask for help and support
I'll be there, with a love that will shelter you.
I will be there to protect and care for you
I'll be there, with a love that will see you through.
I will be there to support you through tough times
I'll be there to always see you through.
I will always be there for you when you need me
When you feel lost and about to give up
If you feel lost and like you're about to quit
'Cause your best just ain't good enough
Because your best efforts aren't enough
And you feel the world has grown cold,
If the world feels unloving and uncaring
And you're drifting out all on your own,
If you feel alone and unsupported
And you need a hand to hold:
If you need support and someone to lean on
I'll be there, to love and comfort you,
I will be there to provide love and comfort
And I'll be there, to cherish and care for you.
I will be there to provide care and support
I'll be there to love and comfort you.
I will always be there to provide love and comfort
I can tell the way you hang your head,
I can see the sadness and despair in your body language
You're without love and now you're afraid
If you are feeling unloved and scared
And through your tears you look around,
If you are crying and searching for help
But there's no peace of mind to be found.
If you are unable to find peace or comfort
I know what you're thinkin',
I understand what you're going through
You're alone now, no love of your own,
If you feel alone and unloved
But darling, reach out (come on girl, reach out for me)
Don't hesitate to ask for help and support
Reach out (reach out for me.)
Ask for help and support
Just look over your shoulder
Take a moment to see that someone is there for you
I'll be there, to give you all the love you need,
I will be there to provide all the love and support you need
And I'll be there, you can always depend on me.
You can always count on me to be there for you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL VINCENT COLLINS, LAMONT DOZIER, BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD JR. HOLLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevepotocin9501
THIS, is how you cover a Motown track. Drumming as good as the original, Allan kicking ass and Graham doing stellar work with Tony on backing. fantastic!
@RaulMartinez-fi1sj
One of the greatest bands EVER!!!!
@dianataylor8758
Wow! Just got done listening to "signs that will never change" and you would never guess it was the same voice! Allan has a vocal range and style that is utterly amazing. Addictive voice, perfect pack
@sapphiretaurus
The Hollies rocked this song!
@pwb0511
Wow, love this tune, never heard them do it. Fantastic!
@Poopaloo55
What a performance! Phenomenal live sound!!
@brendanaschinski-bp9dj
Love this version
@Harrisonianne
😍 hermoso trabajo <3
@brendanaschinski-bp9dj
Love it
@hollies65
Great live band!