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)
Rockin' Robin
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
Every little swallow, every chick-a-dee
Every little bird in the old oak tree
Wise old owl, big black crow
Put out their wings singing go bird go
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
"Rockin' Robin" is a song by The Hollies that describes a lively robin who rocks in the treetops all day long, hopping and bopping while singing his song. Every little bird and bee loves to hear him go "tweet-tweet-tweet." The robin is so talented that he even out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole after learning some moves from the chief bird at the birdbath stand.
The song is a celebration of joy and energy, with the rockin' robin embodying the spirit of carefree fun. Its catchy chorus of "rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee" is an invitation to join in the fun and let loose. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, making them easy to sing and remember.
Line by Line Meaning
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
A playful and upbeat musical introduction to the song.
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
The robin is a lively and energetic bird, constantly moving and singing.
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
The robin's movement is characterized by playful hopping and bopping, while also singing its song.
Every little bird, every little bee
All the creatures in the natural world are drawn to the robin's infectious energy and sound.
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
The robin's signature sound, tweeting repeatedly, is beloved by all other animals.
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee
A catchy refrain that captures the song's essence and celebrates the robin's rock-and-roll spirit.
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The robin's energy and enthusiasm are building to a peak, and tonight's performance is going to be especially thrilling.
Every little swallow, every chick-a-dee
Other birds are also drawn to the robin's sound and style, and are inspired by its incessant energy.
Every little bird in the old oak tree
The robin's influence extends throughout the entire natural world, and its spirit inspires all creatures great and small.
Wise old owl, big black crow
Even the more venerable and experienced members of the animal kingdom are moved by the robin's sound and style.
Put out their wings singing go bird go
These other animals can't help but be uplifted by the robin's energy and enthusiasm, and want to join in the celebration.
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
The robin's influence extends even beyond its avian peers, and there is a sense of hierarchy and respect among birds.
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
The more experienced birds take it upon themselves to teach younger birds like the robin, and there is a sense of community and togetherness in the natural world.
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
The robin is growing and developing, steadily improving and becoming a more vibrant and energetic bird.
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
The robin's energy and style is unmatched, even among other birds known for their movement and sound.
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee
A playful and upbeat musical ending to the song.
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
The robin's signature sound, tweeting repeatedly, closes out the song with a sense of joy and energy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Jimmie Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
n00se
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee [3x]
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
Every little swallow, every chick-a-dee
Every little bird in the old oak tree
Wise old owl, big black crow
Put out their wings singing go bird go
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee [3x]
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
Rhonda Rees
This is so great - and always amazing !! What a wonderful song and sound!!
Thew Enik
Good song. Thanks for this, Hollies.
n00se
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee [3x]
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
Every little swallow, every chick-a-dee
Every little bird in the old oak tree
Wise old owl, big black crow
Put out their wings singing go bird go
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
The chief bird standing at the birdbath stand
Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand
Start goin' steady and bless my soul,
He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
He rocks in the treetops all the day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singing this song
Every little bird, every little bee
Loves to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin' robin, tweet, twiddley dee [2x]
Yeah go rockin' robin, really gonna rock tonight
Twiddley dee, twiddley diddley dee [3x]
Tweet, tweet, twiddley de
J A
I must admit I find Allan Clarkes vocals quite piercing sometimes.
rafael vallejo conejero
Great song I like
Koert VAN DRIEL
Early Hollies' records always lacked rhythm guitar, to my taste - especially on their first LP
Bryan Palmer
according to member Bobby Elliott this was intentional-on early Hollies (63-66)only drums,6 string Bass and rhythmic lead guitar were used in order to keep the backing track compact and sparse-Graham Nash played(on tv shows pretended to play) rhythm guitar on stage but in the recording studio he never "plugged in"
Walter Bower
Got Me Dancin'
Kim Diaz
Bobby day can't be beat
John Shreve
He was the lead singer for the Hollywood Flames also.