David Coverdales says, while the lyrics are surreal, they reference Glenn Huges life, such as his girlfriend at the time Vickie Gibbs as Madonna and referencing Glenns substance abuse.
[Verse 1]
Called to Madonna
To give me a line
She said, "boy what have you done?
Passing your time with a holy man
Talking about the moon and sun?"
But I can't tell the difference
Between the fool and wise
Show me a river to follow
Away from all these lies
[Chorus]
I've been on my own so long
Won't you lend me your hand?
I've been picking up my bones too long
Won't you understand?
[Verse 2]
Called to the captain
To put me ashore
For it looked like no man's land
"Is this the way to follow?"
I cried as I shook his hand
He told me had no answer
He didn't really hold the key
"I am a simple man"
Was all he said to me
[Chorus]
I've been on my own so long
Won't you lend me your hand?
I've been out in the cold too long
Won't you understand?
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
I've been on my own so long
Won't you lend me your hand?
I've been out in the cold too long
Won't you understand?
[Verse 3]
Heard my mother crying
She was calling out my name
Whisper in the dark night
Saying who's to blame
The hour glass keeps turning
With not enough sand to see
I am a holy man
So don't you bother me
[Chorus]
I've been on my own so long
Won't you lend me your hand?
I've been picking up my bones too long
Won't you understand?
I've been on my own so long
Won't you lend me your hand?
I've been out in the cold too long
Won't you understand?
[Outro]
I call out your name
Out in the cold of the night
You left me alone
Holy Man was written by Jon Lord & Glenn Hughes & David Coverdale.
Holy Man was produced by Deep Purple & Martin Birch.