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
Gaia
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am your mother--born of the sun
I gave you shelter--what have you done?
Your heart's in turmoil--my world's in pain
I need to turn you back home again
I am a woman--I am the rain
What you are doing--can be undone
You know the answers--tell everyone
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
Whose fate's in jeopardy
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
I am the forest--now I'm a tree
The air is dirty--I cannot breathe
My streams run empty--my tears run dry
My children call me--don't let us die
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
Whose fate's in jeopardy
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
I love my children and I've been your home
But I'll survive this--if I'm alone
I'm survivor--but you will be gone
Let's start a new world--from this day on
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
Whose fate's in jeopardy
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
Oh respect me
Oh respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
The lyrics of Olivia Newton-John's song Gaia is a plea from Mother Earth to humanity seeking respect and protection from the constant harm inflicted upon her. Gaia, meaning the Earth as a living organism, speaks out to those who inhabit it, calling out their actions that have caused her pain and turmoil. She acknowledges herself as the mother of all humanity and feels betrayed by her children's actions towards her. Gaia expresses her sadness and anger towards the environmental destruction caused by her children and questions the value placed on her life.
The song highlights Gaia's attributes as a woman, a mother, and a survivor. She uses various metaphors to describe her predicament as a forest that has now become a tree, struggling to breathe with a polluted environment. Her streams are running empty, and her tears have run dry. Despite her struggles, Gaia reminds her children that she loves them and has been their home but now needs their protection. The song represents a call to action to raise awareness regarding environmental conservation and protection.
In summary, the lyrics of Gaia implore humanity to take responsibility for their actions and protect the environment. The song highlights the dangerous activities that harm mother earth, including deforestation, pollution, and wasteful consumption. Overall, the song emphasizes the importance of environmental protection to ensure a better future for generations to come.
Line by Line Meaning
I am your mother--born of the sun
I am Gaia, the Earth, who has given birth to all life, and my source of power is the sun.
I gave you shelter--what have you done?
I have provided you with a home and nourishment, but you have exploited and harmed me.
Your heart's in turmoil--my world's in pain
Your actions have caused destruction and chaos in my world, leading to my suffering.
I need to turn you back home again
I need you to realize your connection to the Earth and start taking responsibility for your actions to create a sustainable future.
I am a woman--I am the rain
I am the embodiment of the nurturing and life-giving qualities associated with the feminine energy, and my tears are like the rain that sustains life.
And like your father--I feel the betrayed
Despite being nurturing, Gaia also has the power of destruction, like the masculine energy of the storm, and she feels as if humanity has betrayed her by abusing this power.
What you are doing--can be undone
Humanity has the power to reverse the damage they have caused to the Earth, but it requires conscious effort and action to do so.
You know the answers--tell everyone
There are solutions to the environmental crisis, and it is the responsibility of individuals to share this knowledge and act upon it.
Respect me
Respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
Whose fate's in jeopardy
Gaia demands respect and protection from humans, as their future is at risk due to their actions that are destroying the planet.
I am the forest--now I'm a tree
Gaia is not just the Earth as a whole, but she is present in every part of nature, from the forests to the trees.
The air is dirty--I cannot breathe
The pollution caused by humans has caused damage to the air, making it harder for the planet to breathe and sustain life.
My streams run empty--my tears run dry
The rivers and water sources of the Earth are becoming dry and damaged, leading to Gaia's metaphorical tears running dry.
My children call me--don't let us die
The other living beings that call the Earth home are also suffering due to humanity's actions, and Gaia pleads for humans to take action to prevent their extinction.
I love my children and I've been your home
As a motherly figure, Gaia has nurtured all forms of life on Earth and provided them with a home to thrive in.
But I'll survive this--if I'm alone
The Earth as a planet will continue to exist, even if humans are no longer present on it.
I'm survivor--but you will be gone
Gaia has the ability to adapt and survive, but humans will eventually perish if they continue to harm the planet.
Let's start a new world--from this day on
There is still time for humans to change their ways and start building a sustainable world for the future.
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
Humans are the ones responsible for the current environmental crisis, not Gaia, and it is up to them to fix it.
Oh respect me
Oh respect me
I need you to protect me
For it is you not me
That's the part you fail to see
Gaia's final plea for humans to respect and protect her, as their future is at risk if they continue to harm the planet.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Reed
I was on vacation in Egypt when I found this album; as a life long fan of ONJ I had never heard of it and I was so excited to hear something new from her. The next day we had an 8 hour bus ride to Alexandria and I settled back into my seat, put on my headphones and listened to this album from beginning to end at least 3 times. A very different sound for ONJ but I love it more than any other album she's ever done.
TheAdoptiveDad
I remember when this was released. I had it imported from Australia. One of the best albums ever. Livvy is truly at her best. Every song is heartfelt and from the soul. I recommend this to everyone!!!
Red Poppy
So true of our environment. A beautiful, beautiful album I've always loved n still have.
sofajabayson
This is her best album. I'm from Russia, but so well understand the feelings which run through this song.
Debbie Collins
I fell in love with this album in the early 90s ... I think it touched my heart when my mum died in 1992, I was in my early 20s .. sad times. I then found this music again in 2012, this time I was diagnosed with cancer, my strength came from my determination to be the best I could be for me, my young son and everyone else who touched my heart....
Hugo Pepino
✨🌿🌟🧡
Olivia john John olivia
You did a great job Olivia.Great album,amazing songs and production.I say it should win a grammy for album of the year and producers of the year.
Kina Lobbes
magnifique chanson et superbe voix :)
Erika Maria
<3 love this piece especially xx
Larry Erno
this song is so beautiful and so true . what are we doing to our planet ? I try to stress the fact that we are over populating and destroying this planet , but I feel like no one wants to hear it ? why ? is it denial ?