Hollyann by Boston

Album: Third Stage (1986)

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This song took over six years to write, record and finish. After releasing Boston's second album, Don't Look Back, in 1978, group leader Tom Scholz got in a spat with his label, Epic Records, and ended up leaving for MCA. In the meantime, he kept working on the Third Stage album; after a while he stopped charting the weeks or months and started measuring by light bulbs that burned out - he counted 175. When the album finally appeared in 1986, it was with a new lineup, with only Scholz and vocalist Brad Delp left from the original group. Replacing Sib Hashian on drums was Jim Masdea, who played on Scholz' demo recordings in the '70s that landed him a record deal.
The first track on the Third Stage album is the joyful love song "Amanda." Closing out the album is "Hollyann," which is about another girl who seems like marriage material. Tom Scholz chose the girls' names for his song titles based on how well they sang - he didn't want to make Brad Delp sing about Lenore or Agnes.
This song recalls fond memories from the '60s. In the Third Stage liner notes, Tom Scholz wrote: "Looks back to a brief moment in history of real human beauty: 'We stood for life and we would never concede it.' A tribute to those who remember it and live by it."

Comments: 8

Holly Ann from WaThis is of course my favorite Boston song, it also reminds me of a special time in my life...
Hollie Anne from Henderson. TnA Hollie Anne born the year of this album's release. I see I'm not alone.
Hollyann from PennsylvaniaI was named after this song and I've always loved it. And recently looking up the meaning behind the song and the stories of why it was written I've fallen even more
Hollyann from CaliforniaMy mother named me hollyann. I was born in 1988. I don't know too much about Boston, except for- 'more than a feeling" and "amanda" and of course hollyann, however i really have only heard my song a couple times because i haven't really been able to get into it too much....
But its nice to see that other people love it so much.
Hollie from Danvers MassMy mother when I was a little girl work ed as the house cleaner for the drummer of this band boston I remember going with her to his house to clean when the band would be there in the mid 70s I loved listen ing to them then and always enjoy going back and listening to the music still today and proud to say my name is Hollie ann
Mark from Nashville,tn.Still up into this year 2020 this is still my favorite BOSTON song. Have played it every week since 1986, 34 yrs!! Just make me feel so good. Thanks Tom!
Len from Columbus, Gabrad delp so dang smooth...........
Mary from Chandler, AzOne of the many beautiful Boston songs! So smooth, and Brad Delp, as usual pulls it off perfectly!

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