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)
Shine Silently
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just another town
Same old crazy people hanging around
Still you shine silently
Staring into space
Comin' down alone
Feel like packin' all my bags and running home
Shine, shine silently
I don't need no light in the darkness
Shine silently
No, I won't get lost while your loves shines
Shines on me, shines on me
People at the door
People on the phone
Same old story, no time on my own
Still shine silently
Nothing left to say
Nothing left to prove
When it's said and done
There's nothing left but you, babe
Shine silently
Shine, shine silently
I don't need no light in the darkness
Shine silently
No, I won't get lost while your loves shines
Shines on me, shines on me
Shine, shine silently
I don't need no light in the darkness
Shine silently
No, I won't get lost while your loves shines
Shine, shine silently (silently)
I don't need no light in the darkness
The Hollies’ song "Shine Silently" tells the story of a person who is feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and negativity of their surroundings. They feel like packing up and leaving, but they find comfort and strength in the silent presence of an important person in their life who shines their love on them. Despite the noise and distractions of the world, the person's love acts as a constant source of light in the darkness that keeps them grounded and helps them find their way.
The lyrics speak to the idea that sometimes, the most powerful and meaningful experiences in life are the ones that can’t be expressed in words. "Shine Silently" suggests that there is something unexplainable and mysterious about the love and support of an important person that shines through in quiet moments of reflection. The song’s message is one of hope and perseverance, suggesting that even when things seem bleak, we can find meaning and purpose in the love that surrounds us.
Line by Line Meaning
Just another room
This is just an ordinary place, nothing special about it
Just another town
This is an ordinary town where nothing much happens
Same old crazy people hanging around
The people here are all common and crazy in their own unique ways
Still you shine silently
Despite nothing standing out about this place, you still shine silently
Staring into space
I'm lost in my thoughts, distracted by my surroundings
Comin' down alone
I feel lonely and isolated, with no one to talk to
Feel like packin' all my bags and running home
I feel like leaving everything behind and going back home
Shine silently
But even in this moment of weakness, you still shine silently
Shine, shine silently
You shine in a quiet and subtle way
I don't need no light in the darkness
I don't need any help finding my way, your light shines bright enough for me
No, I won't get lost while your loves shines
As long as your love is shining on me, I won't lose my way
Shines on me, shines on me
Your love is so strong that it shines on me and envelops me
People at the door
People are knocking on my door, trying to get in
People on the phone
People are calling me, trying to reach me
Same old story, no time on my own
It's the same old story, no time for myself. I'm constantly busy with no break
Still shine silently
Despite the constant interruptions and noise, you still shine silently
Nothing left to say
There's nothing more to talk about or argue over
Nothing left to prove
I don't need to prove anything to anyone anymore
When it's said and done
At the end of the day, when everything is finished and settled
There's nothing left but you, babe
All that is left is you, my love
Shine, shine silently
You still shine in a quiet and subtle way
No, I won't get lost while your loves shines
As long as your love is shining on me, I won't lose my way
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: NILS LOFGREN, DICK WAGNER
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.