The youngest child of Professor Brin Newton-John and Irene, daughter of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Max Born, Newton-John moved to Melbourne, Australia, with her family when she was five. By the age of fifteen, she had formed an all-girl group called Sol Four. Later that year she won a talent contest on the popular TV show, “Sing, Sing, Sing,” which earned her a trip to London. By 1963, Newton-John was appearing on local daytime TV shows and weekly pop music programs in Australia. She cut her first single for Decca Records in 1966, a version of Jackie DeShannon’s "Till You Say You’ll Be Mine." In 1971, she recorded a cover of Bob Dylan’s "If Not For You," co-produced by John Farrar, with whom she continued to collaborate.
Her 1973 U.S. album debut, "Let Me Be There," produced her first top ten single of the same name, with Newton-John being honored by the Academy Of Country Music as Most Promising Female Vocalist and a Grammy Award as Best Country Vocalist. This proved to be only the beginning of a very exciting career. Her countless successes include three more Grammys, numerous Country Music Awards, American Music Awards and Peoples Choice Awards, five 1 hits including “Physical,” which topped the charts for ten consecutive weeks, and 15 top 10 singles.
In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in “Grease” catapulted Newton-John into super-stardom. This film led to the production of the most successful movie musical soundtrack in history, featuring the duets "You’re The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights," with Travolta, as well as her mega-hit, "Hopelessly Devoted To You." The film was re-released worldwide in 1998 in celebration of its 20th anniversary to even more acclaim, a true testament to the film’s timeless quality. Her other film credits include “Xanadu,” “Two Of A Kind,” “It’s My Party,” and “Sordid Lives.” She followed that success, by co-starring with her daughter, Chloe, in the Showtime movie, “The Wilde Girls.” Clearly following in her mother’s footsteps, Chloe has recently signed her first record label contract.
Newton-John appeal was boundless. With a career spanning more than three decades she was adored by fans across the world. Throughout her career, the much-loved star, who danced with Gene Kelly in “Xanadu,” hosted the popular internationally syndicated “Wild Life” television show, was bestowed an O.B.E. (Order Of The British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth in 1979, has held many humanitarian causes close to her heart, particularly since the birth of her daughter Chloe in 1986. She served as Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme and in 1991, the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC (Children’s Health Environ-mental Coalition) was founded after the tragic death of Chloe’s best friend from a rare childhood cancer, with Olivia serving as National Spokesperson for ten years. Newton-John’s devotion and shared commitment to CHEC’s mission and goals enabled the organization to receive worldwide attention and support. (For more information visit www.CHECnet.org.)
Her charmed life has not been without its share of upset. In the 90s, Newton-John successfully overcame her own battle with breast cancer, which inspired her self-penned and produced album, “GAIA,” her most personal album reflecting upon her experiences with cancer. She used these experiences to gain greater self-awareness and became a positive inspiration to millions of people battling cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, Newton-John became increasingly well known and respected for talking openly about her battle with breast cancer and for promoting public awareness of the importance of early detection. Her personal victory against cancer led her to announce her partnership with the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre and the creation of the “Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre” (ONJCC) on the Austin Campus in her hometown, Melbourne, Australia. The ONJCC will provide a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education, training and research. (For more information visit www.armc.org.au.)
Newton-John was acknowledged many times by charitable and environmental organizations for her ongoing efforts, among them: the American Red Cross, the Environmental Media Association, the Women’s Guild of Cedar’s Sinai Medical Center, the Rainforest Alliance and Concept Cure. Olivia promotes breast health awareness and has introduced the “Olivia Breast Self-Exam Kit,” an aid to help women perform self-exams with more ease and confidence (www.liv.com).
In the 2000's, her interational recognition continued to grow. She was invited by the Vatican on behalf of Pope John Paul II to perform at the Jubilee Celebration for the Sick and Healthcare Workers. Olivia was thrilled to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics to an estimated global viewing audience of four billion people. Adding to this Olympic experience is what Olivia feels is one of her most memorable moments – the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch during the Olympic Torch Relay. Her passion for Australia was ignited again when Olivia reunited with friend and business partner, Pat Farrar, to promote the Koala Blue brand with distinctly Australian wines to proudly bring “the taste of Australia” to the rest of the world. Her healing spirit also led to the opening of the GAIA Retreat & Spa in her homeland of Australia (www.GaiaRetreat.com.au).
In 1999, her album, "Back With A Heart," garnered her an Emmy Award for her songwriting. In 2000/2001, Olivia released her only live album, "One Woman’s Live Journey," followed by “Magic - The Very Best of Olivia Newton-John,” which celebrated thirty years of recording. And if that wasn’t enough, she also released her first holiday album, “The Christmas Collection.” In 2002, a CD of duets simply titled, “2,” was recorded in Australia and features a host of talented Ozzies along with a couple of her American friends, followed by “Indigo: Women of Song,” a tribute to some of her favorite female performers.
The CD “Stronger Than Before,” release in 2005, features songs of inspiration, courage and hope that relate to the complex emotions cancer patients and their loved ones experience. A portion of the CD’s proceeds benefit cancer research.
Her recording, “Grace and Gratitude,” a CD for relaxation to promote spiritual balance and physical and emotional healing, was released in September 2006 and coincided with the launch of Newton-John's wellness products for women.
In 2002, Newton-John was inducted into the prestigious Australian Music Hall Of Fame at the 16th Annual Aria Awards. Her latest honors include receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award by friend John Travolta at the G’Day L.A. Ball in 2006.
Newton-John was also appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia by the Queen for her “service to the entertainment industry as a singer and actor, and to the community through organizations supporting breast cancer treatment, education and training research, and the environment.”
Wesite www.OliviaNewton-John.com
Deeper Than A River
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For a love to stand the test of time
But you don't have to worry
You've got someone
Who will always be right by your side
Oh
I've got a love
Here in my heart, baby
I've got a love
So deep, deeper than a river
So high, higher than any mountain
So strong, strong enough to last for all time
This love is running
So deep, deeper than a river
It goes on and on
This love is, this love is, this love is deeper than a river, yeah
Oh yeah
Just like a tree that stands tall
Darling I'll stand by you through it all
There's nothing gonna stop me from loving you
I will always be right by your side
You've got a love, got a love for all time
Here in my arms baby
I've got a love, got a love than won't die
Here in my heart baby
I've got a love
So deep, deeper than a river
So high, higher than any mountain
So strong, strong enough to last for all time
This love is running
So deep, deeper than a river
It goes on and on
This love is, this love is, this love is deeper than a river, yeah
Like a river needs the sea, I need you with me
Every minute of my life, oh yeah
And like the sunlight needs the sky
I need you by my side
This love of mine
Is so deep, baby, is so deep baby, oh, so deep baby
Oh, I've got a love
So deep, deeper than a river
It goes on and on and on and on, yeah
(This love is) you know (this love is) this love is deeper than a river
The song "Deeper Than A River" by Olivia Newton-John talks about a love that stands the test of time, a love that is deep, strong and affectionate. The first stanza talks about how some people search for a lifetime to find a love that lasts, but the singer implies that the person listening to the song has nothing to worry about because they have found someone who will be with them always. The second stanza uses imagery of a tree standing tall to suggest that the singer will always stand by the person's side, no matter what comes their way. The bridge of the song suggests that the love between the two people is like a river running deep and continues on and on.
The chorus of the song is where the title comes from, and it emphasizes the depth and strength of the love the singer has for the person listening to the song. The metaphor of a river's depth is used to signify the love that the singer has for the person is deep and constant, higher than any mountain and strong enough to last for all time. The second verse emphasizes the constant need to have the loved one by their side and likens it to the need of a river to flow towards the sea. The song's overall message is that the singer's love is unwavering, transcending all obstacles, and will last forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people search a lifetime
Some people search for their whole life
For a love to stand the test of time
For a durable love that can withstand the test of time
But you don't have to worry
But you do not have to worry
You've got someone
You have a special someone
Who will always be right by your side
Who will always be there for you when you need them
Oh
Expression of emotion
I've got a love
I have a special love
Got a love that won't end
A love that will last forever
Here in my heart, baby
I feel it deep in my heart
So deep, deeper than a river
The love is incredibly deep
So high, higher than any mountain
The love is incredibly high, strong and powerful
So strong, strong enough to last for all time
The love is strong enough to last forever
This love is running
This love flows like a river
It goes on and on
It lasts forever
This love is, this love is, this love is deeper than a river, yeah
This love is incredibly deep, more than just a river
Just like a tree that stands tall
I will always be there for you, tall and strong
Darling I'll stand by you through it all
I will always stand by you and support you
There's nothing gonna stop me from loving you
My love for you is unconditional
You've got a love, got a love for all time
You have a special love that will last forever
Here in my arms baby
I hold you close and protect you
I've got a love, got a love than won't die
My love will never fade away
So high, higher than any mountain
The love is incredibly high, strong and powerful
Like a river needs the sea, I need you with me
I need you in my life like a river needs the sea
Every minute of my life, oh yeah
Every moment, all the time
And like the sunlight needs the sky
I need you like sunlight needs the sky
This love of mine
My love
Is so deep, baby, is so deep baby, oh, so deep baby
My love is incredibly deep
It goes on and on and on and on, yeah
My love lasts forever
(This love is) you know (this love is) this love is deeper than a river
My love is deeper than a river, that's for sure
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Diane Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@4ndy9
Great song by the beautiful Olivia Newton-John!! Rest in Peace.
@diegodubber2140
May her soul rest, her voice was so magical
@olivervanburen302
Olivia, you were a true warrior. You fought that cancer and did great things for the music industry and the world. You will be remembered and missed for years and years to come. R.I.P. Gone way too soon!
@ninalarsen4640
Love this song,Olivia voice is so wonderfull❤❤❤❤❤
@that5centcardcompany930
Incredible vocals and Incredible Song...Thanks Olivia!
@barabeart4344
Loved all the new songs from this compilation album!
@dont.wilson2121
I did too, Barabe. I was excited for the release of 'I Need Love'. Olivia most definitely did the right thing by putting a halt to everything after her cancer diagnosis.
@JonteTheArtist
love this song. 😇😇😇
@lauralockman8472
I have this album always obsessed with it.
@jag6477
I agree this is a great album. I think it was from the early or mid 90s and the first four or five new songs just amazing very good