Hi Ho Silver Lining
"Hi Ho Silver Lining" is a rock song written by American songwriters Scott English and Larry Weiss, first released as a single by the British band The Attack in March 1967.[1] The track gained widespread recognition through English guitarist Jeff Beck's cover, also issued in March 1967 as his debut solo single, which features his distinctive guitar riff and lead vocals.[2] Produced by Mickie Most and backed by future Jeff Beck Group members, the song's upbeat, optimistic lyrics and melody propelled it to commercial success, peaking at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart in 1967 and re-entering at number 17 in 1972 following renewed interest.[2][3] Despite its popularity, Beck later expressed mixed feelings about the recording, describing it as "embarrassing" and overly commercial, though he acknowledged it as a "great song" in retrospect.[3] The single's B-side, "Beck's Bolero," showcased Beck's instrumental prowess and has since become a classic in its own right.[2] Originally penned in a pop-rock style, the song's simple structure and catchy chorus lent it to various adaptations, including an international version in German shortly after its debut.[1] Over the decades, "Hi Ho Silver Lining" has been covered more than 20 times by artists ranging from Slade in 1985 to modern interpreters, solidifying its enduring appeal in rock music.[1] In the United Kingdom, it holds particular cultural significance as an anthem for football clubs, serving as the official song for Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. with adapted lyrics like "Hi Ho Wolverhampton," and similarly embraced by supporters of Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.[2] Its association with sports events, weddings, and terrace chants has transformed the track from a 1960s hit into a timeless staple of British popular culture.[4]Background
Songwriting
"Hi Ho Silver Lining" was written by American songwriters Scott English and Larry Weiss in 1966.[2] The pair formed a productive songwriting partnership during this period, crafting the track as an upbeat rock song intended to capture a sense of optimism amid everyday challenges.[5] The song's chorus draws direct inspiration from the catchphrase "Hi-ho, Silver! Away!" popularized by the radio and television series The Lone Ranger, evoking a spirit of adventure and resilience.[6] Weiss initiated the chorus based on this reference, while English contributed the verses, infusing lyrics that highlight positivity and perseverance in the face of adversity.[6] Exemplary lines include "You're everywhere and nowhere, baby / That's where you're at / Goin' down a bumpy hillside / In your hippy hat," which blend whimsical imagery with an encouraging tone.[2] Musically, the composition employs a straightforward verse-chorus form, characterized by a prominent guitar riff that underscores its lively, feel-good essence.[3]Original release by The Attack
"Hi Ho Silver Lining" was first released as a single by the British psychedelic rock band The Attack in March 1967. Issued by Decca Records in the UK under catalog number F 12578, the record featured the song on the A-side backed by "Any More Than I Do" on the B-side.[7] Written by Scott English and Larry Weiss, the track was produced by Mark Wildey.[8][9] The recording took place in London and showcased a psychedelic rock arrangement characterized by distorted guitars and layered vocal harmonies, aligning with the band's evolving sound during this period.[10] The lineup for the session included lead vocalist Richard Shirman, lead guitarist David O’List, Hammond organist Bob Hodges, bassist Gerry Henderson, and drummer Peter “Barney” Barnfield.[11] Despite its release, the single achieved limited commercial success, failing to enter the UK Singles Chart and receiving minimal radio airplay amid a crowded market of emerging rock hits in early 1967.[3]Jeff Beck version
Recording
The Jeff Beck version of "Hi Ho Silver Lining" was recorded in early 1967 at De Lane Lea Studios in London, with production handled by Mickie Most.[4][2] Beck's arrangement transformed the original song—written by Scott English and Larry Weiss—into a brighter pop-rock track, opening with an acoustic guitar riff before shifting to an electric guitar-driven riff and incorporating backing vocals for a more upbeat feel.[2][6] The session was completed quickly as part of Beck's early solo efforts under Most, though Beck himself was initially reluctant, viewing the track as overly commercial and later expressing embarrassment over its pop-oriented style despite injecting personal flair through his improvisational guitar solo.[12][6] Beck handled lead guitar duties using a Fender Stratocaster, employing wah-wah effects during the solo, while the intro featured acoustic guitar; the overall tempo clocks in at approximately 132 beats per minute.[2][13]Release and formats
"Hi Ho Silver Lining" was released as a single by Jeff Beck in March 1967, produced by Mickie Most. In the United Kingdom, Columbia Records issued it with catalog number DB 8151, featuring the vocal track "Hi Ho Silver Lining" (runtime 3:06) on the A-side and the instrumental "Beck's Bolero" on the B-side. In the United States, Epic Records released the single under catalog number 5-10157, maintaining the same A-side and B-side configuration. The single saw various international variants; for example, in Australia, Columbia released it as DO-4783 with "Beck's Bolero" as the B-side.[14] Later reissues included its appearance on Beck's debut album Truth in 1968, where it served as a key track. In the 1990s, CD single formats emerged, often incorporating remixed versions of the original recording alongside bonus material from the era.Chart performance
"Hi Ho Silver Lining" marked Jeff Beck's debut solo single and achieved moderate commercial success upon its initial release in 1967. In the United Kingdom, it entered the Official Singles Chart on 29 March 1967, peaking at number 14 and spending 14 weeks in total on the chart through 28 June 1967.[15] The song's performance was bolstered by extensive radio airplay, capitalizing on Beck's recent prominence as the lead guitarist of the Yardbirds, which helped establish his solo career despite his ambivalence toward the track's pop-oriented style.[6] Internationally, the single saw limited but notable traction. In the United States, it debuted on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at number 123 on 20 May 1967 but did not enter the main Hot 100.[16] In Australia, according to the Go-Set National Top 40, it reached a peak of number 25 in June 1967, reflecting regional interest in Beck's post-Yardbirds output.[17] The track experienced a resurgence in 1972 when it was re-released by RAK Records, re-entering the UK Singles Chart on 4 November 1972 and peaking at number 17 while charting for 11 weeks until 13 January 1973.[18] This second wave of popularity was likely tied to ongoing promotion of Beck's earlier work, including his 1968 album Truth, which included a stereo mix of the song and solidified his reputation in the emerging heavy rock scene.[14][19]| Chart (1967) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company) | 14 | 14 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard) | 123 | 1 |
| Australia (Go-Set National Top 40) | 25 | 8 |
| Chart (1972) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company) | 17 | 11 |
Personnel
The personnel for Jeff Beck's recording of "Hi Ho Silver Lining," tracked at De Lane Lea Studios in London, included the following musicians and production credits.[4]- Jeff Beck – lead guitar, lead vocals[6]
- John Paul Jones – bass guitar[2]
- Nicky Hopkins – piano
- Clem Cattini – drums[2]
- Rod Stewart – backing vocals[6]
- Mickie Most – producer, backing vocals on chorus[2]