Meaning of Holy Holy by David Bowie

In David Bowie's timeless classic "Holy Holy," the enigmatic singer explores a plethora of themes that delve into the depths of spirituality, desire, and the duality of human nature. The song's overarching theme revolves around the struggle between our angelic and devilish tendencies, portraying the complexities of human existence and the constant battle between good and evil within us.As we dive into the lyrics of "Holy Holy," we encounter a multitude of standout lines that help develop these unique themes. The first verse, consisting of "Slowly, we get too good and too holy, Helping one another, just a righteous brother," challenges the conventional notion of righteousness and questions the fine line between selflessness and an inherent desire for personal satisfaction. Bowie highlights the potential hypocrisy that can arise when we strive to be overtly virtuous, raising the question of whether true goodness exists or if it is overshadowed by hidden motives.Moving further, the line "Night time, get me back in the night time, I don't want to be an angel, just a little bit evil, I feel the devil in me" encapsulates a particularly intriguing theme. Here, the artist explores the allure of darkness, reflecting on the inherent human fascination with indulging in sinful temptations. By rejecting the ideal of being an angel, Bowie delves into the complex human desire to experience a hint of wickedness, acknowledging that it is a part of our nature while also contemplating its consequences.One cannot ignore the repeated portrayal of the phrase "Holy, holy, hold on to anyone, let go of me." These words seem to speak to the internal struggle within a person yearning for companionship and connection while also desiring the freedom to explore one's inner desires. This introspective theme suggests that even in the pursuit of personal liberation, individuals often find themselves yearning for emotional intimacy, leaving us to ponder the delicate balance between personal growth and human connection.Bowie further explores these themes when he sings, "Listen Lady, let me lie low, lie low with you, To be a lie-high-high-high-high-high, my! Oh my!" Here, he taps into the necessity of escapism, searching for solace in another person's embrace. The juxtaposition of "lie low" and "lie high" hints at the artist's fascination with the dichotomy of escaping reality while simultaneously seeking spiritual elevation. This lyric furthers the notion that to fully understand ourselves, we must explore both our darkest depths and our highest aspirations.As we conclude our exploration of "Holy Holy," it becomes increasingly apparent that David Bowie masterfully weaves together various captivating themes. The song serves as a potent reminder that humans are not easily defined as solely good or evil, but rather an intricate blend of both. It encourages introspection and prompts us to question our own desires, motivations, and the role spirituality plays in our lives.Through unexpected and imaginative themes, "Holy Holy" invites us to embrace the complexities of our existence, urging us to find a harmonious balance between our angelic and devilish natures. In essence, Bowie's iconic composition reminds us that the journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment lies within the grasp of each and every one of us.