Ronnie James Dio was a renowned American heavy metal singer recognized for his powerful voice and distinctive style. He started his music career in 1957 and became well-known as the lead singer of bands like Rainbow and Black Sabbath.
Later, he formed his own band called Dio, which produced many popular heavy metal songs. The band is also famous for popularizing the devil horns hand gesture in metal culture, inspired by a gesture his Italian grandmother used.
Throughout his career, he was admired for his strong vocals and medieval-themed lyrics. Sadly, he passed away in 2010 due to stomach cancer, but he remains one of the greatest heavy metal vocalists ever.
About the Song
Holy Diver tells the story of a Christ-like hero from another world who sacrifices himself to save his people. However, when he attempts to help others, his own people selfishly try to prevent him from leaving.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | May 25, 1983 |
| Album | Dream Evil (1987) |
| Writers | Ronnie James Dio |
| Producers | Ronnie James Dio |
History and Meaning of the Song Holy Diver
Holy Diver was released in 1983 as the lead single from Dio’s debut album. Ronnie James Dio actually wrote the song while he was still a member of Black Sabbath, and it was originally meant to be a Black Sabbath song.
After leaving the band, Dio used it to launch his own group, which helped make the song famous and establish his solo career.
The song was inspired by Dio’s interest in fantasy and religious themes. The story and imagery in the song convey ideas of sacrifice, purity, and the battle between good and evil.
Dio’s personal experiences, such as leaving Black Sabbath and starting anew, also impacted the song, making it both a fantasy story and a message about moving forward and believing in oneself.
Lyrics of Holy Diver by Dio
Intro
Mhhh-hm-hmm
Yeah, yeah
Verse 1
Holy Diver
You’ve been down too long in the midnight sea
Oh, what’s becoming of me?
Ride the tiger
You can see his stripes but you know he’s clean
Oh, don’t you see what I mean?
Chorus
Gotta get away
Holy Diver, yeah
Verse 2
Got!
Shiny diamonds
Like the eyes of a cat in the black and blue
Something is coming for you
Look out!
Race for the morning
You can hide in the sun ’til you see the light
Oh, we will pray it’s all right
Chorus
Gotta get away, get away
Bridge
Between the velvet lies
There’s a truth that’s hard as steel, yeah
The vision never dies
Life’s a never-ending wheel, say
Verse 3
Holy Diver
You’re the star of the masquerade
No need to look so afraid
Jump, jump; jump on the tiger
You can feel his heart but you know he’s mean
Some light can never be seen, yeah!
Guitar Solo
Verse 1
Holy Diver
You’ve been down too long in the midnight sea
Oh, what’s becoming of me? No! No!
Ride the tiger
You can see his stripes but you know he’s clean
Oh, don’t you see what I mean?
Chorus
Gotta get away, get away
Gotta get away, get away, yeah
Outro
Holy Diver, sole survivor
You’re the one who’s clean
Holy Diver, Holy Diver
Yeah, the cats in the blue coming after you, Holy Diver
Oh, Holy Diver
Yeah, alright
Get away, get away, get away
Holy Diver, Holy Diver
Oh, Holy Diver
Mhhh-hmmm-hmmm
Similar Songs Like Holy Diver
These songs share similarities with Holy Diver, including messages of empowerment, overcoming adversity, and epic, dramatic delivery:
- Rainbow In the Dark: A powerful anthem, dealing with overcoming obstacles, using personal struggle as a metaphor for empowerment.
- The Last In Line: This is a high-energy track about standing out and pushing forward against adversity, much like the rebellious spirit in Holy Diver.
- We Rock: A song about confrontation and strength, with a message of fighting against the odds.
- Stand Up and Shout: This song channels the same intensity and call to action as “Holy Diver,” urging listeners to rise above their challenges.
- King of Rock and Roll: It discusses the themes of strength and empowerment, and it shares a similar epic tone and lyrical intensity to Holy Diver.
Similar Artists Like Dio
If you’re into Dio’s blend of hard rock and fantasy-inspired lyrics, here are some similar artists:
- Black Sabbath
Genres: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Top Albums: Paranoid (1970), Master of Reality (1971), Heaven and Hell (1980) - Judas Priest
Genres: Heavy Metal
Top Albums: British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), Painkiller (1990) - Iron Maiden
Genres: Heavy Metal
Top Albums: The Number of the Beast (1982), Powerslave (1984), Brave New World (2000) - Ozzy Osbourne
Genres: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Top Albums: Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981), No More Tears (1991) - Rainbow
Genres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Top Albums: Rising (1976), Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (1978), Down to Earth (1979)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Played Guitar on Holy Diver?
Vivian Campbell was the guitarist on Holy Diver. It was his first high-profile recording, and he joined Dio after being recommended by bassist Jimmy Bain.
Is Holy Diver Considered a Religious Song?
Although the title and lyrics mention Holy Diver, the song is not explicitly religious, but it uses religious imagery to convey themes of struggle and redemption.
Did Holy Diver Receive Any Awards or Certifications?
Yes, Holy Diver was critically acclaimed and became Dio’s most successful album. It was certified gold in 1984 and platinum in 1989 in the US, and also received a Silver certification in the UK.
