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 on Me
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every road travelled says who we are
Like a tide, we rise and fall
We sail on, through the storm,
So many changes in my life
Every precious moment has a sacrifice
There were times when I stood alone
And when I thought the walls were closing in around me
Oh baby you were my fight
I was standing in the dark waiting for the light to shine on me
When you came into my life like a thousand angels watching over me
Well I have nowhere left to go
And I can't take it any more
You were right there in front of me
Now I'm holding out my heart, giving all I've got
'Cos you're part of me, let it shine on me
In a time where worlds collide
So many teardrops from a strangers eyes
There's an answer inside of you
Close your eyes, see the truth
Just when you think the walls are closing in around you
Oh baby I'll be your fight
I was standing in the dark waiting for the light to shine on me
When you came into my life like a thousand angels watching over me
Well I have nowhere left to go
And I can't take it any more
You were right there in front of me
Now I'm holding out my heart, giving all I've got
'Cos you're part of me, let it shine on me
You don't need to hide in the shadows alone
All you have to do is stand up, you're not on your own
Take a look around you babe
Well I have nowhere left to go
And I can't take it any more
You were right there in front of me
I was standing in the dark waiting for the light to shine on me
When you came into my life like a thousand angels watching over me
Let it shine on me
I was standing in the dark waiting for the light to shine on me
When you came into my life like a thousand angels watching over me
The first verse of The Hollies' song "Shine On Me" speaks of the journey that the singer and their partner have been on, and how every road they've taken has brought them to where they are now. The lines "Like a tide, we rise and fall / We sail on, through the storm" suggest that they have faced difficulties along the way, but have managed to overcome them together. The second verse focuses more on personal growth, with the singer acknowledging that every change in their life has come with a sacrifice. However, even in the toughest moments when they felt alone, they found the strength to carry on - thanks, in part, to their partner's support.
The chorus highlights the symbolism of light, with the singer saying that they were standing in the dark, waiting for something to guide them. That something turned out to be their partner, who came into their life like a beacon of hope. The bridge encourages the listener to look within themselves for answers, and to trust in their own inner strength. Finally, the ending of the song reiterates the idea that with love and support, anything is possible - and that together, the singer and their partner will weather any storm.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at us, we've come so far
We have achieved a lot as a team and overcome many challenges.
Every road travelled says who we are
Where we have been and what we have done shape who we are.
Like a tide, we rise and fall
We experience ups and downs in life, just like the ebb and flow of the ocean tide.
We sail on, through the storm
Despite the challenges we face, we persevere and continue moving forward.
So many changes in my life
Life is full of changes and transitions that can be difficult to navigate.
Every precious moment has a sacrifice
Sometimes we have to give something up in order to gain something else that is important to us.
There were times when I stood alone
There have been moments when I felt isolated and unsupported.
I found the strength to carry on
Despite difficult times, I was able to find the inner strength to keep going.
And when I thought the walls were closing in around me
There were moments when it felt like everything was closing in and becoming overwhelming.
Oh baby you were my fight
You were the one who gave me the courage and support I needed to keep fighting.
I was standing in the dark waiting for the light to shine on me
I was feeling lost and in need of guidance and support.
When you came into my life like a thousand angels watching over me
You brought light and hope into my life, like a host of guardian angels.
Well I have nowhere left to go
At times I felt like I had hit rock bottom and didn't know where to turn next.
And I can't take it any more
I felt like I had reached my limit and couldn't bear any more struggles.
You were right there in front of me
Even when I felt alone, you were always there to support me.
Now I'm holding out my heart, giving all I've got
I am opening myself up fully and giving everything I have to you.
'Cos you're part of me, let it shine on me
You are an integral part of my life, so let your light shine on me.
In a time where worlds collide
We live in a time where conflicts and differences are colliding.
So many teardrops from a strangers eyes
There are many people in the world who are hurting and in need of support.
There's an answer inside of you
You have the ability to find solutions and answers to the problems you face.
Close your eyes, see the truth
Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at things from a different perspective in order to see the truth.
You don't need to hide in the shadows alone
You don't have to face your struggles alone in the darkness.
All you have to do is stand up, you're not on your own
You have support and encouragement to help you stand up and face your challenges.
Contributed by Zachary Y. 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.