About the song
Background
- Inspiration: “Holly Holy” was written in 1969 after Neil Diamond experienced a creative and spiritual awakening. He was deeply influenced by gospel music at the time and desired to write something with a more spiritual undertone. The song’s title, while giving a sense of something sacred, doesn’t have a literal meaning.
- Success: Released in October of 1969, it quickly climbed the charts, reaching #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Diamond’s signature songs.
Lyrics
The lyrics to “Holly Holy” are evocative and open to interpretation. Here’s a sample:
Holly Holy eyes like the sky Holly Holy place in my time Holly Holy love, touched by grace Holly Holy song makes me whole
Themes
- Spirituality and Transcendence: The song has a clear emphasis on a feeling of spiritual fulfillment and connection to something larger than oneself. The word “holy” is repeated for emphasis, and the lyrics suggest a transformative experience.
- Joy and Celebration: The music, with its orchestral arrangement and powerful vocals, creates a sense of joy and exuberance. Holly Holy is like a musical hymn celebrating life and a sense of uplift.
- Universal Connection: While the song has spiritual overtones, it doesn’t adhere to a specific religion. The lyrics could be interpreted as finding fulfillment in love, nature, or simply a feeling of inner peace.
Why “Holly Holy” Remains Popular
- Emotional Resonance: The song’s lyrics are universal enough that listeners can find their own meaning within them. Whether it’s love, belief, or simply a moment of joy, the song connects on a deeply emotional level.
- Anthemic quality: The powerful melody and Diamond’s iconic vocals make the song a rousing and uplifting sing-along experience.
- Nostalgic factor: Holly Holy holds a significant place of pop culture nostalgia, instantly recognizable from its opening notes.
Interesting Side Note: Neil Diamond has stated that “Holly Holy” is his favorite song out of all the ones he’s written.
Video
Lyrics
Holly holy eyesDream of only meWhere I am, what I amWhat I believe inHolly holyHolly holy dreamWanting only youAnd she comesAnd I run just like the wind willHolly holy
sing a song(Sing) sing a song of songs(Sing) sing it outSing it strong (sing, sing, sing, sing)YeahYeah
Call the sun in the dead of the nightAnd the sun’s gonna rise in the skyTouch a man who can’t walk uprightAnd that lame man, he’s gonna flyAnd I flyAnd I fly
Holly holy loveTake the lonely childAnd the seedLet it be filled with tomorrowHolly holy
Sing it strong (sing, sing, sing, sing)YeahYeah
Call the sun in the dead of the nightAnd the sun’s gonna rise in the skyTouch a man who can’t walk uprightAnd that lame man, he’s gonna flyAnd I fly, yeahAnd I fly
Holly holy dreamDream of only youHolly holy sunHolly holy rainHolly holy love