in the hollies' native united kingdom, the song was only a modest success for the band, peaking at number 32 on the charts. however, it was a smash hit in the united states, peaking at number 2 for two weeks behind gilbert o'sullivan’s "alone again (naturally)". it was their highest charting single in that country. it also topped the charts in south africa and peaked at number 2 in new zealand and australia. by this time, clarke had already left the band, but he feels that "it wasn't unfortunate", since he had co-written the song. clarke rejoined the hollies in the summer of 1973, partly due to the success of this song.