After the massive success of “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond was determined not to rest on his laurels. Instead, he followed up his first gold-selling single with another chart-topping hit: “Holly Holy.” Released in 1969, this gospel-inspired track became a fan favorite and a personal one for Diamond himself.

Much like “Sweet Caroline,” “Holly Holy” was recorded at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, but this time, Diamond brought a new sound to the table. The song featured building strings, church-like backing vocals, and a more spiritual flavor compared to its predecessor. Written by Diamond’s frequent collaborator Tom Catalano and bassist-producer Tommy Cogbill, with an arrangement by Charles Calello, the song had a more serene, uplifting atmosphere.

“Holly Holy” entered the Billboard Hot 100 in early November 1969, and soon became a hit, peaking at No. 6, matching the chart run of “Sweet Caroline.” Although it didn’t make much of an impact in the U.K., it was a success in other countries, including South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The song was part of Diamond’s album Touching You… Touching Me, which included other new original songs as well as covers of contemporary tracks like Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” and Fred Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin’.” Diamond’s versatility in following up “Sweet Caroline” with a more introspective, spiritual track showcased his ability to evolve as an artist while still capturing the essence of his growing audience.

Lyrics

Holly holy eyes
Dream of only me
Where I am, what I am
What I believe in
Holly holy
Holly holy dream
Wanting only you
And she comes
And I run just like the wind will
Holly holy
sing a song
(Sing) sing a song of songs
(Sing) sing it out
Sing it strong (sing, sing, sing, sing)
Yeah
Yeah
Call the sun in the dead of the night
And the sun’s gonna rise in the sky
Touch a man who can’t walk upright
And that lame man, he’s gonna fly
And I fly
And I fly
Holly holy love
Take the lonely child
And the seed
Let it be filled with tomorrow
Holly holy
Sing it strong (sing, sing, sing, sing)
Yeah
Yeah
Call the sun in the dead of the night
And the sun’s gonna rise in the sky
Touch a man who can’t walk upright
And that lame man, he’s gonna fly
And I fly, yeah
And I fly
Holly holy dream
Dream of only you
Holly holy sun
Holly holy rain
Holly holy love

Advertisement