I Can't Let Go (The Hollies)

18 FEBRUARY 1966


The Hollies released their single ‘I Can’t Let Go’ on this day. It reached #2 on the UK charts, a return to form after the relative disappointment of their previous single ‘If I Needed Someone’.

This was driving guitar pop, high on the treble, that highlighted the greatest strength of the band, namely the harmonies of Clarke, Nash and Hicks. The song had been recorded in 1965 by Evie Sands and was a minor regional hit in the US, and while the Hollies' version was quite faithful to the original it had a lot more urgency.

This was the last Hollies single to be recorded with original bassist Eric Haydock, who was afterwards replaced with Bernie Calvert. While George Harrison had criticised their last single, this one was praised by Paul McCartney, who was particularly impressed by Nash's vocal work here.

B-side: 'Running Through the Night' (UK), 'I've Got A Way Of My Own' (US)
Recorded: 13 January 1966, Abbey Road Studios
Released: 18 February 1966
Highest chart position: #2 (UK), #42 (US)
Length: 2:26
Label: Parlophone R5409 (UK), Imperial 66158 (US)
Producer: Ron Richards

I Can't Let Go (The Hollies)

'Oh I try and I try but I can't say goodbye

Feel so bad, baby Oh, it hurts me
When I think of how you love and desert me
I'm the broken-hearted toy you play with, baby

[Chorus:]
You got me going I need you, baby
I can't let go, and I want you, baby
I gotta have you, you know, I can't let go

Though I'm just one of your lovers
And I know there are so many others
You do something strange to me, baby, baby

[Chorus]

Oh I try and I try but I can't say goodbye
Know that it's wrong and I should be so strong
But the thought of you gone makes me want to hold on

[Chorus 2x]

I can't let go
I can't let go
I can't let go
I can't let go'