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)
Wings
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now that you're here, I'm beginnin' to smile
Why do they want us to walk when we can fly?
Why is it somethin' that we have to hide?
Why do they want us to walk when we can fly?
We'll always feel the same
If they break us up
We'll only have ourselves to blame
But we know they're playin' games
What affairs to show?
We can make it go
If they only had wings
Then they'd be sharing in all of our things
Why do they want to walk when they can fly?
What affairs to show?
We can make it go
If they only had wings
Then they'd be sharing in all of our things
Why do they want to walk when they can?
Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly
The Hollies’ “Wings” is a song about the power of love and the challenges that come with it. The lyrics speak about how love comes rarely but once it does, it brings a smile to our faces. However, society imposes restrictions on love that should be free and open. Love should be allowed to soar, but instead, we are forced to walk, often hiding our feelings to conform with societal expectations. The lyrics question these expectations, pointing out that there is a burning desire inside that should be expressed openly rather than kept hidden.
The song is also about the challenges that come with love. The lyrics speak of the fear of being broken up by others, and the idea that only ourselves can be blamed if love is lost. However, despite the difficulties, the lyrics remain optimistic, suggesting that we can make it work even when others try to interfere. The song’s chorus repeats the idea that if only they had wings, they would be able to soar and share in all of the things that love has to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
Love comes but once in a while
Love is a rare occurrence
Now that you're here, I'm beginnin' to smile
The presence of the loved one brings happiness
Why do they want us to walk when we can fly?
Questioning societal norms that limit our potential
Our love is burning inside
Passionate love that can't be contained
Why is it somethin' that we have to hide?
Society's pressure to keep love secret
We'll always feel the same
The love will remain constant
If they break us up
If others interfere with our relationship
We'll only have ourselves to blame
We hold responsibility for the outcome of our relationship
But we know they're playin' games
Recognizing manipulative behavior of others
What affairs to show?
Why should we display our private life for others to judge?
We can make it go
We have control over our relationship's direction
If they only had wings
If others had greater perspective or freedom
Then they'd be sharing in all of our things
They would understand our relationship better
Why do they want to walk when they can fly?
Reiterating society's restrictive expectations
Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly
Encouragement to embrace freedom and individuality
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@myleftfinger666
what a wonderful song and only released on an charity album and on a rarity album. for me it is a number one chart hit!!!
@vickiprouty91
I love this beautiful song.
@lindapatino1591
This is song is beautiful. But it gives me the Goosebumps.
@margaretstorey6934
One of my favourites, brings tears to the eyes ,lovely
@donnafairburn6691
I absolutely adore this song as it makes me think of the love of my life who I love very much
@randalldalton5475
Fantastic song and harmony!
@suziekg77
A very underrated song this.
@tessflores785
Simply beautiful.
@wilmanew4830
Lovely song.
@billylilly
Beautiful hidden gem