About the song
“Hollyann” is a song by the rock band Boston, featured on their 1986 album “Third Stage”. Here’s some background and themes explored in the song:
Background
- There’s no confirmation on the real-life inspiration behind the character Hollyann.
- The songwriter, Tom Scholz, might have used the name for its poetic feel.
Themes
- Nostalgia and idealism: The lyrics talk about past dreams and a time of youthful rebellion (“In my mind I can see reminders of a past decay / So far behind”). The narrator remembers a time when they and Hollyann believed they could change the world.
- Love and freedom: The song portrays a strong connection between the narrator and Hollyann (“The nights you came to me / A bluejean lady so eager to be free”). They seem to share a love for freedom and a desire to challenge the status quo.
- Social change: References to “a million hands gave the sign” and “We held the line” hint at a time of social movements and fighting for a cause.
- Enduring hope: Despite the nostalgic tone, the song ends with a hopeful image: “And I still hear guitars in the air as we sat in the sand. Oh, Hollyann”. The narrator seems to hold onto the memory of their shared ideals.
Video
Lyrics
In my mindI can see reminders of a past decadeSo far behindLike the shadows linger at the close of day
And we could seeWe were timeless dreamers of another dayAnd we were freeIn a dawning age we had so much to say
The nights you came to meA blue jean lady so eager to be freeAnd the wind in your long hair blowingAs we stood for the bandOh, Hollyann
HollyannWe made the dark into the lightWe saw the wrong and the rightWe were for life and we would never concede it
HollyannWe left the world behindA million hands gave the signWe held the lineCan you believe it?HollyannHollyann
We could liveJust to turn the world onto our fantasyAnd we could giveAquarius was really ment to be
You and I, we were there to see the dawnSide by side we had love to carry onAnd I still hear guitars in the air as we sat in the sandOh, Hollyann
HollyannWe made the dark into the lightWe saw the wrong and the rightWe were for life and we would never concede it
HollyannWe left the world behindA million hands gave the signWe held the lineCan you believe it?Hollyann