“Hi Ho Silver Lining” by Jeff Beck
“Hi Ho Silver Lining” is bit of a complicated song to try to explain. But what has been ascertained is that the first verse specifically stands as a criticism of hippyism, i.e. the intended addressee being a lady who is down with said movement, which was at its peak around the time this song was dropped. And the logical implication is that she is the addressee throughout.
“Hi Ho Silver Lining”
The title is a play of words of a phrase made popular by a movie character known as The Lone Ranger, being his equivalent of ‘giddy up’ as relayed to his horse, Silver. And likewise, the vocalist appears to be encouraging the addressee to make some type of move or verbally supporting those she has already made. But to reiterate, he is doing so sarcastically.
All lyrics considered, the “silver lining” mentioned is a metaphor for her ideology. And it is the addressee’s belief system that keeps her moving about. But from Beck’s perspective, she is doing so in vain. In other words, the dreams that she’s chasing don’t match up with the palpable results of her actions. Or put otherwise the addressee may feel as if she’s adhering to some type of worthy cause, but the way the vocalist sees it, she’s wasting time and basically destroying her life in the process.
So we will conclude by postulating that this hippie is someone who the vocalist had some type of relationship with or personal feelings for. Or it may be that she is a personification of hippyism in general. In any event, it can be ascertained that Jeff wasn’t too fond of said movement, fundamentally perceiving it as nothing youthful, and its adherents being disillusioned and out of touch with hard reality.
Release Date of “Hi Ho Silver Lining”
“Hi Ho Silver Lining” was released as a single on 10th March, 1967. It was later added on the 2006 reissue of Beck’s debut album, “Truth”.
Credits
The track was originally written by American songwriters Scott English and Larry Weiss, and produced by Mark Wildey.
Beck’s version was produced by English record producer Mickie Most.
Chart Performance
Beck’s cover charted at #4 in New Zealand, and #14 on UK Singles in 1967.
Notable Usage
2009 British comedy movie, “The Boat That Rocked”, used “Hi Ho Silver Linings” as their soundtrack. Other tracks included “All Day and All of the Night” by The Kinks, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys, and “I Can See for Miles” by The Who.
Cover Versions
“Hi Ho Silver Lining” has been covered by a number of acts, including:
- American rock band The Giant Crab for their debut album, “A Giant Crab Comes Forth” in 1968.
- British pop band Black Lace in their 1984 album, “Party Party”.
- Avid All Stars in their 2008 album “Ultimate Party Classics”.
