He began his working life as a sailor in the Merchant Navy and, while on leave in New York, entered a talent contest at the famous Radio City Music Hall. He won and after he left the navy tried his hand as a singer in the dance halls of his native Liverpool.
His break came when he joined the Eric Winstone Orchestra and obtained a solo recording contract with Columbia.
He had a string of hits, often covers of American originals, but his career petered out in the early 60s.
He died, possibly of a drugs overdose, in October 1963.
His Grave is located at Anfield Cemetary Liverpool
Starry Eyed
Michael Holliday Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Starry eyed and mystified
Every time I look at you
Falling stars come into view
Can it be that am in love
With an angel from above
I asked my heart my heart replied
(That's just why your so starry eyed)
When we touch I hear angles sing
(Starry eyed)
When we kiss I hear wedding bells ring
(Starry eyed)
Can't explain what I feel inside
But I know it's love
True love at last
I know why I'm starry eyed
Starry eyed and mystified
All my dreams are coming true
Just because I'm so in love with you
(Starry eyed)
When we touch I hear angles sing
(Starry eyed)
When we kiss I hear wedding bells ring
(Starry eyed)
I can't explain what I feel inside
But I know it's love
True love at last
I know why I'm starry eyed
Starry eyed and mystified
All my dreams are coming true
Just because I'm so in love with you
Starry eyed
Starry eyed
Starry eyed
The song Starry Eyed by Michael Holliday is a love song that describes the singer's feelings for their love interest. The opening line, "why am I so starry-eyed," suggests that the singer is overwhelmed with emotion for their love interest. The repeated phrase "starry-eyed and mystified" implies that the singer is in awe of their love interest's beauty or charm.
The phrase "falling stars come into view" is a metaphor, suggesting that the singer's love is as powerful and grand as a falling star. The next lines, "can it be that I'm in love with an angel from above, I asked my heart, my heart replied" suggests that the singer believes their love interest is divine, perhaps even an angel. The singer's heart confirms their feelings, and they are starry-eyed because of it.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the depth and intensity of the singer's love. The lines "when we touch, I hear angels sing, when we kiss, I hear wedding bells ring" suggest that the singer's love is so pure and powerful that it is akin to a religious experience. The singer admits that they cannot explain what they feel inside, but they know it is true love at last.
Overall, Starry Eyed is a whimsical love song that emphasizes the strength and purity of the singer's love for their celestial love interest.
Line by Line Meaning
Why am I so starry eyed
Wondering why I'm filled with so much wonder and awe
Starry eyed and mystified
Feeling enchanted and spellbound
Every time I look at you
Every time I see you, my feeling intensify
Falling stars come into view
I see shooting stars which signifies my hope and dream
Can it be that am in love
I'm wondering if I am in love
With an angel from above
With someone who seems too good to be true
I asked my heart my heart replied
I asked my innermost feelings and they told me
Yes that's just why your so starry eyed
Yes, that's why I'm filled with such wonder and awe
When we touch I hear angles sing
When we're together, I feel like I'm in heaven
(Starry eyed)
Filled with wonder and awe
When we kiss I hear wedding bells ring
When we kiss, I feel like we're meant to be together forever
Can't explain what I feel inside
I can't articulate what I'm experiencing emotionally
But I know it's love
But I know it's a powerful feeling of affection and attachment
True love at last
This is the real and genuine kind of love
All my dreams are coming true
Everything I've ever wanted is happening
Just because I'm so in love with you
All of my joy and happiness are stemming from my love for you
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Mort Garson, Earl Shuman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sauquoit13456
On this day in 1960 {January 29th} Michael Holliday's covered version of "Starry Eyed" peaked at #1* {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Singles chart...
Two months earlier on November 9th, 1959 the original version of "Starry Eyed" by Gary Stites peaked at #77 {for 1 week} on the USA's Billboard's Top 100 chart...
Between 1956 and 1960 the Liverpool, England native had ten records on the U.K. Singles chart, three made the Top 10, with two reaching #1, "The Story of My Life" in January of 1958 and the above his "Starry Eyed"...
Besides his two #1 records, his third Top 100 record was "Stairway of Love" at #3 in May of 1958...
Sadly, Michael Holliday, born Norman Alexander Milne, passed away at the young age of 38 on October 29th, 1963...
May he R.I.P.
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department; the remainder of the Top 10 on the UK Singles chart for January 29th, 1960:
#2. "Why" by Anthony Newley
#3. "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?" by Emile Ford & Checkmates
#4. "Voice In The Wilderness" by Cliff Richard And The Shadows
#5. "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans": by Freddie Cannon
#6. "Heartaches By The Number" by Guy Mitchell
#7. "What Do You Want?" by Adam Faith {a tie}
#7. "Oh! Carol" by Neil Sedaka {a tie}
#9. "Staccato's Theme" by Elmer Bernstein
#10. "Seven Little Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat)" by The Avons
https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19600129/7501/
Music
I grew up in the 80s, but I always loved this timeless classic.
David Walsh
One of the great records of the early sixties. Michael Holliday was just so laid back.
Ian mclaughlan
My late father played that unique easy going classic on his radiogram in the early 60s
Michael Dodsworth
Love this record. I still have it in my collection. I bought it on Columbia label. Brings back memories you can't take away. Those were the days.
colikil
Thanks so much for helping to keep Mike's memory alive - great montage as the song plays. This was one of the very first UK number ones of the sixties, a year or two before the Merseybeat explosion/Stones etc. There's now a fine book about Michael 'The Man Who Would Be Bing'
Melissa Newton
So sad that he died young. I was born in 1960 and loved this kind of song as soon as music became one of my big loves. Late sixties on. My mum was a Liverpudlian. Been up there twice since she died in 2012. The next time I must visit Michael's grave and pay homage.
clarebannerman
Why do I love these recordings...pure magic. Thank you Michael. I hope you're singing with the Angels tonight ♪♫ ♥ ♫ ♪
Tom Mccaffrey
A wonderful entertainer, lost too early. I toured with him in Ireland with the Jimmy Wiley Orchestra. many years ago.
Horatio Nelson
Yes, I too enjoyed this song greatly - and still do. I once saw Michael Holliday in his own television programme. He created an impression of relaxation and command of the situation. All the more of an unpleasant surprise to read about the apparent stage fright problems and the alleged nature of his death. Thanks again Michael for your great performances and the enjoyment you provided to so many. RIP.
Regards,
Horatio Nelson.
Carole Barker
This song was No.1 in the charts when I was born!