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Holly Holy
Holly Holy
Holly Holy
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"Holly Holy"
Single by Neil Diamond
from the album Touching You, Touching Me
B-side"Hurtin' You Don't Come Easy"
ReleasedOctober 13, 1969
GenrePop, soft rock
Length4:27 (single version)
4:40 (album version)
LabelUni
SongwriterNeil Diamond
ProducersTom Catalano, Tommy Cogbill
Neil Diamond singles chronology
"Sweet Caroline"
(1969) 		"Holly Holy"
(1969) 		"Shilo"
(1970)

"Holly Holy" is a song written and recorded by Neil Diamond with instrumental backing provided by the American Sound Studio house band in Memphis. Released as a single on October 13, 1969,[1] it was a successful follow up to "Sweet Caroline", reaching #6 on the U.S. pop singles chart by December.[2][3] The song also reached #5 on the Easy Listening chart.[4] It became a gold record and then eventually a platinum record.[1]

While it is a love song, it also has a spiritual focus.[5] Its storyline and style were influenced by gospel music.[1] The first lyrics are sung by Diamond alone. But in the second verse, a gospel choir is accompanying him as the song builds in intensity. Later lyrics echo a Bible story: "Touch a man who can't walk upright and that lame man, he's gonna fly."[6]

Record World predicted the song "will be as famous as its author and constant hitmaker."[7] It was Diamond's favorite of the songs he had written to that point.[3]

"Holly Holy" was later included on Diamond's November 1969 album Touching You, Touching Me.[1] It has been included in live versions on Diamond's Hot August Night (from 1972) and Greatest Hits: 1966–1992 (from 1992) as well as various compilations.

Chart history

[edit]

Other versions

[edit]

Produced by Clancy Eccles in 1970, the song was an instant success for Jamaican reggae group the Fabulous Flames, almost crossing into the UK's popular music chart.[17]

The song was covered by UB40 on their album Labour of Love III in 1998.

The song was covered by Nancy Sinatra and released on her album Shifting Gears in 2013.[18]

[edit]

The song plays during opening credits of the 1999 Kate Winslet–Harvey Keitel film Holy Smoke!. Additionally, it was played live in concert at the end of the 2001 film Saving Silverman during the end credits scene by Neil Diamond (as himself) and the main cast members (in character). It was also featured in the 2012 Kevin James film Here Comes the Boom as James's character's entrance song in mixed martial arts (MMA). The song was also featured in the 2015 mini series “The astronauts wives club” in episode 10. The song was also featured in the 2017 TV series Mr. Mercedes Season 3, episode 4. The song was used in Mike Flanagan's 2021 Netflix miniseries Midnight Mass during a montage in the third episode.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Holly Holy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Holly Holy" is a written and recorded by American Neil , released as a single on October 13, 1969, by . It appears on his fifth studio album, , issued later that November. The track, characterized by its gospel-inspired arrangement featuring strings and choral backing vocals, peaked at number six on the chart, marking Diamond's second top-ten hit of the year following "." Diamond described "Holly Holy" as a "" composition, emphasizing emotional feeling over literal . In a interview, he explained its intent: "What I tried to do was create a religious experience between a man and a woman, as opposed to a man and . But it's a fine line." Recorded at in , the song was produced by Tom Catalano and , with arrangements by , blending pop balladry with spiritual themes of , redemption, and unity. Its evocative , such as "Holly holy eyes, dream of only me" and calls to "touch a man who can't walk upright," evoke a sense of transcendent connection and healing. The single achieved international success, reaching number two in and entering the top ten in , , and , though it did not chart in the . "Holly Holy" has been covered by artists including Jr. Walker & the All Stars, , and , and remains one of Diamond's personal favorites, often performed live to highlight its uplifting, anthemic quality. Certified in the United States in November 1994, the song endures as a hallmark of Diamond's early career, bridging secular romance with sacred imagery.

Background and recording

Development

"Holly Holy" originated from Neil Diamond's desire to craft a spiritual love song that fused romantic intimacy with gospel-like fervor, portraying love as a sacred bond. In a 1971 BBC interview, Diamond articulated his intent: "What I tried to do was create a religious experience between a man and a woman, as opposed to a man and a god." This concept emerged during a pivotal phase in his personal and artistic evolution, where he sought to elevate everyday emotions to transcendent levels. Composed in mid-1969, the song reflected Diamond's burgeoning exploration of deeper, more emotive themes as he transitioned from New York to , a move that broadened his creative horizons and distanced him from the songwriting scene. This relocation coincided with his rising stardom after the success of "," prompting a shift toward , that delved into themes of identity and connection amid the pressures of fame. Diamond later described "Holly Holy" as a "" composition, penned in a single sitting to capture raw emotional flow rather than structured lyrics. In a 1971 live introduction, he called it a "magical ," emphasizing the conveyance of feeling over literal words. This spontaneous approach underscored his evolving style during this period of personal reinvention.

Production

The recording sessions for "Holly Holy" took place in 1969 at in . The track was produced by Tom Catalano and , who oversaw the basic tracks cut with the studio's renowned house band, the Memphis Boys. Key personnel included on , Gene Chrisman on , and Bobby Wood on and keyboards, providing the song's rhythmic foundation and soulful texture. To heighten the dramatic effect, a choir was introduced starting in the second verse, with the vocal overdubs recorded under co-producer Catalano's direction. The orchestral arrangement, crafted by Lee Holdridge, prominently featured strings and horns to amplify the -inspired swell and emotional depth. The single version, edited for radio, clocks in at 4:27, while the full album rendition on extends to 4:40, allowing more room for the choir and orchestral buildup.

Composition

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Holly Holy" intertwine romantic devotion with sacred imagery, elevating a personal love affair to the realm of spiritual transcendence, where the beloved is depicted as a divine, almost ethereal presence. crafted the song as a metaphorical for modern romance, aiming to evoke a "religious experience between a man and a woman" rather than one involving traditional divinity. This duality is evident in lines like "Holly holy eyes, dream of only me / Where I am, what I am / What I believe in," which fuse intimate yearning with a sense of profound, faith-like commitment. The employs a verse-chorus structure, characterized by repetitive invocations of "Holly holy" that function as a chant-like , building an incantatory rhythm reminiscent of liturgical repetition. It progresses from individual longing—expressed in visions of the lover's approach and the singer's instinctive flight "just like the wind"—to a broader communal celebration, as seen in the exhortation to "take the / And the seed / Let it be full with tomorrow." This evolution underscores themes of redemption and renewal through , transforming private desire into a hopeful, shared vision. Key phrases such as "Holly holy, dream, dream, dream" symbolize an escapist, transcendent desire that borders on ecstasy, while the overall text sidesteps overt religious in favor of a personal, . The mantra-like chorus reinforces this, inviting listeners to interpret "Holly holy" as a poetic emblem of purity and connection, free from institutional . Diamond described the composition as a stream-of-consciousness piece, where words like these emerge organically to capture emotional essence over literal narrative. Biblical echoes appear subtly through gospel-inspired motifs, such as the notion of miraculous healing and in lines evoking escape from affliction—"And I run just like the wind will"—alluding to liberation akin to restoring the or afflicted in scriptural tales.

Music and arrangement

"Holly Holy" is characterized by its pop and foundations infused with elements, manifesting as a mid-tempo that evokes a spiritual and emotional . The track's emphasizes a gently building dynamic, starting subdued and escalating to create a sense of uplift and majesty. The song adheres to a classic structure of intro, verses, choruses, bridge, and outro, with the intensity heightening notably in the second verse through the introduction of a choir that employs call-and-response patterns to amplify the sacred atmosphere. This progression draws listeners into an immersive, hymn-like experience, blending rhythmic verses with expansive choruses. Instrumentation centers on soulful bass lines and swelling strings that provide a lush backdrop, complemented by church-like backing vocals from the for added depth and . Subtle horn accents punctuate key moments, enhancing the overall emotional swell without overpowering the core . delivers the lead vocals in his signature emotive , layering harmonies in the choruses to heighten the song's intimate yet communal feel, as the responds to reinforce themes of connection and reverence.

Release

Single release

"Holly Holy" was released as a standalone single on October 13, 1969, by Uni Records. The track appeared on a 7-inch vinyl single with "Hurtin' You Don't Come Easy" as the B-side. The single served as a follow-up to Neil Diamond's breakthrough hit "Sweet Caroline," leveraging his rising popularity in the wake of that song's success earlier in 1969. Uni Records promoted it aggressively, naming it Single of the Week in Record World and distributing a four-color promotional newspaper at record stores to highlight its gospel-inspired emotional depth and inspirational tone. Radio campaigns emphasized the song's uplifting, spiritual qualities, positioning it to capitalize on holiday season listener interest. The release preceded Diamond's album by about a month.

Album inclusion

"Holly Holy" appears on Neil Diamond's fifth studio album, , released in November 1969 by . The track is positioned as the fourth song on the original LP, following covers of "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Mr. Bojangles" alongside Diamond's original "Smokey Lady." Originally issued as a standalone single earlier that year, the song was integrated into the album shortly after the single's release. Within , "Holly Holy" functions as a centerpiece, aligning with the album's overarching theme of intimate and reflective pop infused with spiritual undertones. Diamond aimed to evoke a religious-like experience between through the track's elements, blending personal longing with choral backing vocals and swelling to create an emotional core amid the record's mix of originals and covers. The version features a stereo mix tailored for the LP format, emphasizing the layered strings and to enhance the song's dramatic build. This production adjustment distinguished it from the single, allowing the orchestral components to shine in a fuller sonic space. The track's inclusion significantly contributed to the 's commercial performance, marking it as Diamond's strongest-selling release to date.

Commercial performance

Chart history

"Holly Holy" debuted on the in the United States during the week ending November 1, 1969, entering at number 71. The single steadily climbed the chart, reaching its peak position of number 6 during the week ending December 27, 1969, and remained on the for a total of 14 weeks. This performance followed closely on the heels of Neil Diamond's earlier hit "," which had peaked at number 4 earlier in 1969 and was still charting concurrently, highlighting Diamond's rising popularity during the period. The song ranked number 70 on Billboard's year-end chart for 1969. On the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart (then known as Easy Listening), "Holly Holy" peaked at number 5, reflecting its appeal to a broader adult audience. Internationally, the single achieved strong results, peaking at number 2 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada, number 6 on the Kent Music Report in Australia, number 6 in New Zealand (Listener), and number 2 on the Springbok Radio chart in South Africa. However, it did not achieve significant success in the United Kingdom, failing to enter the UK Singles Chart.
Chart (1969–1970)Peak Position
Australia (Kent Music Report)6
Canada Top Singles (RPM)2
New Zealand (Listener)6
South Africa (Springbok Radio)2
US Billboard Hot 1006
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)5

Certifications

"Holly Holy" was certified Gold by the RIAA on December 11, 1969, for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States. The single later achieved status from the RIAA in November 1994, reflecting combined sales and streaming equivalents of 1,000,000 units. The song's inclusion on Neil Diamond's 1969 studio album contributed to its RIAA certification in 1970 for 500,000 units shipped. No major international certifications were awarded for "Holly Holy," though estimated global sales surpass 1 million units based on historical chart performance and market data. Compilations featuring "Holly Holy," such as The Essential Neil Diamond (2001), have received Platinum certification from the RIAA as of January 2005, with updates incorporating streaming equivalents in subsequent years.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in October 1969, "Holly Holy" garnered positive notices from key music trade publications for its emotional intensity and gospel-infused production. Record World selected the song as Single of the Week, stating “Now it will be as famous as its author and constant hitmaker” due to its profound emotional depth. Similarly, the British weekly Record Mirror described it as building “from a subdued slow opening... into a chix-backed typical Diamond beater.” The track's innovative incorporation of a gospel choir and swelling orchestral elements was highlighted in initial press coverage as a fresh evolution in Diamond's sound, blending spiritual fervor with pop accessibility. Reviews often emphasized the song's spiritual resonance within a mainstream pop framework, portraying it as a transcendent expression of devotion and ecstasy. "Holly Holy" saw swift adoption on adult contemporary radio outlets, reaching number 5 on the U.S. chart by December 1969. Diamond's energetic live renditions, including a prominent appearance on on November 30, 1969, further boosted its reception among fans and amplified critical praise for the song's uplifting, choir-backed climax.

Retrospective commentary

In later reflections, has frequently cited "Holly Holy" as one of his personal favorites among his compositions, emphasizing its ethereal and intuitive essence. During a 1971 live performance in the UK, he introduced the song as a "magical " piece, highlighting how it emerged spontaneously without overanalysis. In a 1976 interview with , Diamond elaborated that the track defies intellectual dissection, stating, "It's not the kind of thing you're supposed to think about... one line, or one word, sets off another," underscoring its emotional flow as a portrayal of transcendent . He has also noted the song's roots as a key influence, describing it as a favorite up to that point in his career for blending spiritual fervor with personal intimacy. Twenty-first-century critical analyses have lauded "Holly Holy" for its innovative fusion of pop accessibility and spiritual depth, positioning it as a forward-thinking work in Diamond's oeuvre. Retrospective articles, such as a piece on uDiscover Music, commend its gospel-infused arrangement—with choir-like backing vocals and building orchestration—as ahead of its time, blending commercial pop with soulful uplift that anticipated broader trends in emotionally resonant music. The track frequently appears in retrospective "best of" compilations, including Diamond's official All-Time Greatest Hits (2014) and ranked lists like a 2023 Yahoo selection of his top 20 songs, where it is celebrated for its enduring emotional power and genre-blending innovation.

Other versions

Cover versions

The Fabulous Flames, a Jamaican group, released an upbeat adaptation of "Holly Holy" in 1970 as a single on Clan Disc, backed by Lord Creator's "Kingston Town." This version transformed the original's gospel-inspired structure into a rhythmic, ska-influenced track driven by organ and horns, capturing the island's vibrant music scene at the time. In 1998, British reggae band included a laid-back, reggae-infused rendition on their covers album Labour of Love III, emphasizing skanking guitar rhythms and harmonious vocals that echoed the song's spiritual undertones while infusing it with their signature dub elements. The track highlighted UB40's ability to reinterpret pop ballads through a lens, contributing to the album's commercial success. Nancy Sinatra offered a more intimate, jazz-tinged reinterpretation on her 2013 covers album Shifting Gears, slowing the tempo to a sultry lounge style with subtle orchestration and her signature breathy delivery, drawing out the song's emotional vulnerability. This version paid homage to the original's gospel roots while aligning with Sinatra's later exploratory phase in American songbook material. Other notable covers include soulful takes by Jr. Walker & the All Stars in 1970, which peaked at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a Motown-flavored arrangement, and an orchestral version by James Last in 1972 that amplified the song's dramatic swells for easy-listening audiences. Indie and live renditions, such as those by Shivering Timbers in a psychedelic folk style, have also appeared sporadically, often emphasizing the track's anthemic chorus in smaller venues.

Re-recordings and live performances

"Holly Holy" received notable re-recordings by , beginning with a live rendition captured during his August 1972 performances at the Greek Theatre in , which was released on the album Hot August Night. This version extends to 6:18, incorporating an elaborate introductory monologue that builds dramatic tension before the song's opening notes. The same live take was repurposed for the 1974 , where it served as the definitive recording of the track amid studio versions of his other hits. The song debuted in Diamond's live repertoire shortly after its October 1969 single release, with an early television performance on on November 30, 1969, showcasing its gospel-inflected energy in a studio setting. It quickly became a staple throughout the , featured in the majority of his tours and often extended with audience sing-alongs during the soaring chorus, as evidenced by recordings from that era. A prominent early live rendition occurred during a 1971 , highlighting the song's raw emotional delivery without the full production of later shows. By the 1990s, "Holly Holy" remained a setlist regular, appearing on the double album Live in America (1994), which documented his 1991–1993 "In the Round" tour; the Chicago Stadium version clocks in at 3:53, emphasizing a more streamlined arrangement compared to the expansive 1972 take. Variations emerged in subsequent decades, including a symphonic re-recording with the London Symphony Orchestra on Classic Diamonds (1992), adding lush orchestral layers to the original's spiritual core. In the 2000s, live performances during his Las Vegas residencies incorporated fuller band arrangements, as heard in a 2002 show released on Stages: Performances 1970–2002. The track was revived for Diamond's 50th Anniversary World Tour in 2017, with fan-recorded clips from concerts like St. Louis capturing its enduring crowd engagement.

Cultural impact

Use in media

"Holly Holy" has been featured in several films, often underscoring themes of , emotion, or triumph. In the 1999 film Holy Smoke!, directed by , the song appears in the opening credits, providing a layer of thematic irony given the movie's exploration of deprogramming and spiritual awakening. The track is also used in the 2001 Saving Silverman, where it plays during a humorous scene and in the ending credits, enhancing the film's lighthearted tone. Additionally, it features in the 2012 sports Here Comes the Boom, accompanying a motivational montage that highlights perseverance and community spirit. The song has found prominent use in television series, leveraging its uplifting and introspective qualities. In the 2017 Audience Network series Mr. Mercedes, based on Stephen King's novels, "Holly Holy" underscores an emotional moment in season 3, episode 4 ("Trial and Terror"), amplifying the scene's tension and introspection. It appears in the 2021 Netflix miniseries Midnight Mass, created by Mike Flanagan, where it opens season 1, episode 3 ("Book III: Proverbs"), tying into the show's themes of faith and supernatural horror. Due to its inspirational and spiritual resonance, "Holly Holy" has been licensed for synchronization in various media, including documentaries focused on Neil Diamond's career.

Legacy and influence

"Holly Holy" marked a pivotal moment in Neil Diamond's career, signaling his evolution from upbeat pop hits like "" to more introspective and spiritually infused ballads that defined his mature style as a pop balladeer. Released in late 1969, the song's gospel-tinged arrangement and emotional depth influenced subsequent works such as "I Am... I Said" in 1971, which similarly explored personal identity and longing. It has remained a staple throughout Diamond's live performances, featured prominently in setlists from the through his 2017 retirement tour, often eliciting strong audience participation due to its soaring chorus and orchestral build. The track contributed to the emerging gospel-pop trend of the early by blending rock balladry with sacred music elements, drawing on influences that Diamond incorporated into his songwriting. Recorded at in Memphis with the house band's rhythmic drive and choral backing, "Holly Holy" exemplified this fusion, paving the way for similar emotionally orchestrated pieces in the genre during the decade. Its structure—starting with acoustic intimacy and crescendoing to a triumphant, faith-evoking climax—highlighted Diamond's skill in evoking transcendence through music. As a symbol of late-1960s spirituality entering the mainstream, "Holly Holy" captured themes of , , and spiritual yearning amid the era's search for meaning beyond . Diamond has referenced it as a stream-of-consciousness expression of profound personal connection, making it one of his favorite compositions up to that point in his career. and retrospectives often cite its role in bridging pop accessibility with deeper existential resonance, reflecting the cultural shift toward introspective artistry. In the modern era, "Holly Holy" has experienced renewed popularity through streaming platforms in the 2020s, bolstered by its inclusion on Diamond's official All-Time Greatest Hits compilation and various "best of" playlists. The song continues to resonate in live theater, featured in the Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical (2022–present).

References

  1. https://genius.com/Neil-diamond-holly-holy-lyrics
  2. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/neil-diamond-holly-holy-song/
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/neil-diamond/holly-holy
  4. https://www.neildiamondcentral.com/neil-diamond-through-the-decades
  5. https://www.biography.com/musicians/neil-diamond
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ero_zy_O3fA
  7. https://music.apple.com/us/song/holly-holy/1445667710
  8. https://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Neil-Diamond/dp/B005URRDAI
  9. https://www.discogs.com/master/145591-Neil-Diamond-Touching-You-Touching-Me
  10. https://www.discogs.com/master/145586-Neil-Diamond-Holly-Holy
  11. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pdq4/
  12. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-importance-of-being-neil-diamond-244407/
  13. https://genius.com/Neil-diamond-holly-holy-lyrics/q/release-date
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/4982165-Neil-Diamond-Holly-Holy
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/album/touching-you-touching-me-mw0000696303
  16. https://www.facebook.com/neildiamond/posts/this-week-in-1969-neil-released-his-fifth-studio-album-touching-you-touching-me-/899493938214424/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/1837873-Neil-Diamond-Touching-You-Touching-Me
  18. https://bullfrogspond.com/whitburn/1969wye.htm
  19. https://top40weekly.com/single/neil-diamond-holly-holy/
  20. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=5703
  21. https://www.charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Neil+Diamond&titel=Holly+Holy&cat=s
  22. https://sacharts.wordpress.com/2023/05/23/holly-holy-neil-diamond/
  23. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1969-12-27/
  24. https://honormusicawards.com/neil-diamonds-1969-single-holly-holy-riaa-white-matte-1970-album-touching-you-touching-me-riaa-white-matte/
  25. https://tsort.info/music/sc6f5p.htm
  26. https://chartmasters.org/neil-diamond-albums-and-songs-sales/
  27. https://tsort.info/music/w88ykn.htm
  28. https://www.neildiamond.com/releases/time-greatest-hits/
  29. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/top-20-neil-diamond-songs-134534519.html
  30. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/264303
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/4807526-The-Fabulous-Flames-Lord-Creator-Holly-Holy-Kingston-Town
  32. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/50188
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/314607-UB40-Holly-Holy
  34. https://www.discogs.com/release/14161164-Nancy-Sinatra-Shifting-Gears
  35. https://www.whosampled.com/Neil-Diamond/Holly-Holy/covered/
  36. https://open.spotify.com/track/3H3kcZPFGOnfbS247arP7R
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnrTzd5RjgI
  38. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/neil-diamond/events/8126/song/holly-holy
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPg_n4HVkg0
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o3Va808oY0
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep9zcHwdX2s
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nMq_Kd-uVs
  43. https://www.soundtrackinfo.com/OST/holysmoke/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1648179/soundtrack/
  45. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Video-WatchNick-Fradiani-Sing-Holly-Holy-in-A-BEAUTIFUL-NOISE-THE-NEIL-DIAMOND-MUSICAL-20240117
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