Catherine Mullins - Holy Lyrics

Holy

Holy Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Catherine Mullins' song "Holy," released with an accompanying video on October 6, 2020, is a profound expression of worship centered on the holiness and presence of God. The song articulates a deep yearning to move beyond superficial experience into the very core of God's reality, symbolized by phrases like living "past the curtain" and "beyond the veil." These images evoke the inner sanctuary of the biblical temple, representing the closest possible access to the divine presence. It is a prayer and a declaration of desire for intimate knowledge of God in His "high places" where His Glory resides.

The lyrics draw heavily on powerful eschatological imagery found in the book of Revelation, particularly the scene around God's throne. The desire to see God's "eyes of fire," hear His "voice like the waters," and witness the "flashes of lightning" directly reflects descriptions of the divine presence and power. Central to this vision is the continuous worship offered by heavenly beings, where "everyone crying Holy, Holy" sets the stage for the song's central theme.

The chorus explicitly references figures from Revelation 4: the "24 Elders" and "4 living creatures," who are depicted surrounding the throne and perpetually declaring God's holiness. This scene is the archetype of eternal worship, where all creation acknowledges God's absolute purity and power. The song places the singer and listener within this vision, expressing a longing to join this eternal chorus of "Holy, Holy."

Verse 2 continues the theme of seeking profound intimacy, focusing on the "presence of Jesus" and His "dwelling place." It speaks of partaking in communion with Him, referencing the "banqueting table," and contemplating the sacrifice of "Him who was slain," acknowledging Christ's redemptive work. The desire to "know the perfection of love" and "see the resurrected Son" highlights the personal, relational aspect of this pursuit of God's presence and glory. The culmination of this longing is seeing God in "all of your Glory" and joining the universal declaration of "Holy Holy."

The bridge serves as a direct and powerful invocation, quoting the eternal declaration found in Revelation 4:8: "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come." This statement affirms God's eternal nature, His sovereignty over time, and His ultimate holiness. It anchors the personal longing expressed in the verses within the unshakeable reality of God's identity and the ultimate worship scene described in scripture. The song serves as an invitation to step into this perspective, focusing hearts on the awe-inspiring holiness of God and the anticipation of joining the heavenly host in worship.