About the song
Released in 1969, “Long Dark Road” is one of the standout tracks from The Hollies, a British rock band that became known for their harmonious, melodic pop and rock sound. The song appeared on their album “Hollies Sing Dylan”, an album that features the band’s unique renditions of Bob Dylan songs, marking a departure from their earlier pop-oriented works. “Long Dark Road” is one of the band’s more reflective pieces, a track that encapsulates the melancholic and introspective qualities of the late 1960s, both musically and lyrically.
The song’s tone is somber, with its lyrics speaking to themes of loneliness, loss, and emotional longing. This deep sense of melancholy is matched by the band’s musical approach: the track has a spacious, stripped-back quality that allows for the emotive vocal performance to take center stage. “Long Dark Road” uses a simple but effective chord progression that builds the emotional tension of the song. The lyrics describe a journey through hardship, a “long dark road” that seems impossible to navigate but is a necessary path toward personal growth and redemption. The imagery evokes a sense of spiritual searching and existential questioning, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional vulnerability of the songwriter.
Lyrically, “Long Dark Road” is not directly a Bob Dylan song—though the album is full of Dylan covers. It’s an original composition by band members Tony Hicks and Graham Nash. Both were central to the sound of The Hollies, and the song represents their ability to fuse personal emotion with a broader cultural backdrop. While the influence of Dylan’s poetic style is clear, “Long Dark Road” holds its own, carrying with it the optimism and struggle of the human condition, something that resonated deeply with listeners of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The track’s lyrics are a reflection on life’s difficulties, but they also leave room for hope, even if the road ahead remains unclear.
The song’s production is notable for its clear, open sound, with a gentle acoustic arrangement complemented by lush vocal harmonies. These harmonies were a hallmark of The Hollies’ style, and in “Long Dark Road,” they elevate the song’s emotional weight. The band’s vocal harmonies, led by Allan Clarke‘s soulful lead vocals, bring an almost heavenly quality to the track, making the listener feel as though they are on a journey alongside the singer. This use of harmonies to convey emotional depth was a signature move of the band, and it helped The Hollies carve out their unique place in the British Invasion wave of the 1960s.
“Long Dark Road” also showcases the band’s mastery of blending traditional folk and pop-rock elements, influenced by the era’s growing interest in introspective, acoustic-based music. The late 1960s saw the emergence of more introspective rock—think of albums like The Beatles’ Rubber Soul and Revolver—and The Hollies successfully incorporated elements of folk-rock and introspective lyricism into their sound. Their work bridged the gap between the folk movement, the British Invasion, and the pop-oriented music that had made them famous in the early years of their career.
Though “Long Dark Road” was not as commercially successful as some of their bigger hits, like “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” or “Bus Stop,” it has remained a fan favorite, often cited for its introspective qualities and emotional resonance. The song didn’t receive widespread radio play, but its presence in “Hollies Sing Dylan” helped solidify the band’s ability to take a step into more serious, personal, and emotionally-charged territory. Over time, “Long Dark Road” has been regarded as one of the hidden gems in the band’s discography, one that is admired for its emotional sincerity and musical sophistication.
From a social and cultural standpoint, “Long Dark Road” taps into the broader sentiments of the time—those of disillusionment, confusion, and longing that were felt globally in the late 1960s. This era was marked by social upheaval, political unrest, and widespread questioning of established norms. Many songs from this period reflect the uncertainties of the time, and “Long Dark Road” is no exception. The introspection found in this song mirrors the existential questioning that was pervasive among the youth, who were seeking meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, “Long Dark Road” is a poignant and introspective track that captures a moment in time when the world was changing, and people were seeking both solace and understanding. Its sparse production, emotional depth, and evocative lyrics make it one of the most compelling and overlooked tracks in The Hollies’ catalogue. While the band may be most famous for their earlier, more pop-oriented work, “Long Dark Road” demonstrates their range and their ability to tap into the collective mood of the era. It remains a testament to the band’s enduring musical legacy and their ability to express deep human emotions with simplicity and beauty.
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Lyrics
Long Dark RoadThe Hollies(Tony Hicks – Kenny Lynch)It’s over, well overIn my mind and in my heartIt’s over, well overBut then again, it didn’t have a good startYou’d tell me, try to sell meIt could have been all I askedIt’s over, well overYes, there it flows away a distant pastNow it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark roadAnd you know I loved youYes, you know I loved youNow it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark roadAnd you know I loved youYes, you know I loved youIt’s over, well overAnd we can’t revive what’s passedIt’s gone now, moved on now,But then again, it didn’t have a chance to last(No, no, no, a chance to last)Now it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark roadNow it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark roadNow it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark roadNow it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark roadNow it’s a long, dark roadYes, it’s a long, dark road