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
Grease
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Systematic
Hydromatic
Why it's a grease lightnin'
(Grease lightnin')
(Grease lightnin')
(Grease lightnin')
(Grease lightnin')
I got chills they're multiplying
And I'm losing control
'Cause the power you're supplying
It's electrifying (it's electrifying)
You better shape 'cause I need a man
And my heart is set on you (and my heart is set on you)
You better shape up
You better understand, to my heart it must be true
(Nothing left, nothing left for me to do)
You're the one that I want (you are the one for) ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I need (you are the one for), ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one that I need (you are the one for), ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
The one I need, oh yes indeed
Why it's a grease lightnin' (grease lightnin')
We'll get some overhead lifters
And some four barrel quads oh yeah
(Keep talking, whoa, keep talking)
Fuel injection cutoffs and chrome-plated rods oh yeah
(I'll get the money, I'll kill to get the money)
With a four speed on the floor they'll be waiting at the door
You know that I ain't braggin' she's a real pussy wagon
Grease lightnin', go, go, go, go
Go grease lightnin', you're burning up the quarter mile
Grease lightnin', go grease lightnin'
Go grease lightnin', you're coasting through the hit lap trial
Grease lightnin', go grease lightnin'
You are supreme, the chicks'll cream for grease lightnin'
Go, go, go
We'll get some purple pitched tail lights and thirty inch fins, oh yeah (ooh)
A Palomino dashboard and duel-muffler twins, oh yeah (Ooo)
With new pistons, plugs and shocks, I can get off my rocks
You know that I ain't braggin', she's a real pussy wagon
Grease lightnin'
Summer lovin' had me a blast
Summer lovin' happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days drifting a way to oh, oh the summer nights
Oh well, oh well, oh well, oh ooh
Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more
Like does he have a car?
(Doo, ah ha, do-roo, ah ha, do-roo, ah ha, do-roo ah ha)
She swam by me she got a cramp
He ran by me got my suit damp
I saved her life she nearly drown
He showed off splashing around
Summer sun something's begun but oh, oh the summer nights
Oh well, oh well, oh well, oh ooh
Tell me more tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more tell me more
Did she put up a fight?
It turned colder that's where it ends
So I told her we'd still be friends
Then we made our true love vows
Wonder what she's doing now
Summer dreams ripped at the seams but oh, those summer nights
Tell me more, tell me more
The Grease Megamix is a mashup of several songs from the popular musical film, Grease. The lyrics of this particular section describe the car, Grease Lightning, which is a symbol of the characters' rebelliousness and freedom. The song is full of excitement and energy, emphasizing the thrill of driving and the power of attraction. The lyrics effectively capture the sense of liberation and excitement that comes with driving a fast, flashy car, as well as the feeling of being swept away by a powerful attraction.
The first verse describes Grease Lightning, emphasizing its automatic, systematic, and hydromatic qualities. This description serves to reinforce the theme of the song as well as the film, of characters breaking free from societal norms to assert their independence and individuality. The chorus then shifts to a romantic focus, with the singer expressing their attraction to someone and feeling overwhelmed by their power. The second verse returns to the theme of the car and its modifications, suggesting the characters' technical expertise and pride in their work. The chorus then repeats, emphasizing the singer's pursuit of their desired partner.
The section following the chorus mixes in lyrics from "You're the One That I Want" and "Summer Nights," introducing elements of love and romance into the mix. These sections provide a more detailed picture of the characters' relationships and desires, portraying a summer fling that turns into something more serious. Overall, the lyrics to The Grease Megamix are full of energy, excitement, and romance, capturing the enduring appeal of the beloved musical.
Line by Line Meaning
Why, this car is automatic
This car is automatic, as in it shifts gears and runs on a system.
Systematic
This car operates in a systematic way, with all parts interacting in harmony.
Hydromatic
This car runs on hydraulics, which makes its movement smooth and easy.
Why it's a grease lightnin'
This car is a speedy, high-performance machine that can go fast like lightning.
I got chills they're multiplying
I am feeling intense excitement and anticipation, which is increasing and affecting my whole body.
And I'm losing control
I am becoming overwhelmed and unable to contain my emotions and feelings.
'Cause the power you're supplying
The energy and intensity that you are giving me is causing this intense reaction.
It's electrifying (it's electrifying)
This experience is electric, in that it is powerful, thrilling, and stimulating.
You better shape 'cause I need a man
You need to improve and become a better romantic partner, because I am looking for a man to love.
And my heart is set on you (and my heart is set on you)
I have chosen you as the object of my affection, and my heart is already invested in you.
You better shape up
You must become a better romantic partner in order to be with me.
You better understand, to my heart it must be true
You need to comprehend the depth of my feelings for you and recognize that they are real and true.
(Nothing left, nothing left for me to do)
There is nothing more for me to do, because I have chosen you and my heart is already yours.
You're the one that I want (you are the one for) ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
You are the person that I want to be with more than anyone else, my love.
The one that I need (you are the one for), ooh, ooh, ooh, honey
You are the person that I need in my life more than anyone else, my love.
The one I need, oh yes indeed
You are the one that I require to be happy and fulfilled in life.
We'll get some overhead lifters
We will install parts for better performance and increased power in the car.
And some four barrel quads oh yeah
We will also add other parts for better engine performance in the car.
(Keep talking, whoa, keep talking)
We are still addressing the performance upgrades for the car, keep talking.
Fuel injection cutoffs and chrome-plated rods oh yeah
These specific parts will be installed for better engine performance and aesthetic appeal.
(I'll get the money, I'll kill to get the money)
We will do whatever it takes to obtain the funds needed for these performance upgrades, even if it means drastic measures.
With a four speed on the floor they'll be waiting at the door
The car will have a four-speed manual transmission for even better performance, and people will be eager to see it.
You know that I ain't braggin' she's a real pussy wagon
I am not exaggerating when I say that this car is amazing and will have a great impact on our lives.
Grease lightnin', go, go, go, go
The car is ready to speed off, and we will take it on many adventures and enjoy the ride.
Go grease lightnin', you're burning up the quarter mile
The car is so fast and powerful that it will quickly cover a quarter-mile distance.
Go grease lightnin'
The car is still moving and will continue to go fast and far.
You're coasting through the hit lap trial
The car is gliding smoothly through turns and laps like a professional racer.
You are supreme, the chicks'll cream for grease lightnin'
This car is the ultimate ride that is sure to impress and excite, especially for women.
We'll get some purple pitched tail lights and thirty inch fins, oh yeah (ooh)
Now, we will add some stylish decorations to the car such as cool tail lights and stylish exterior components.
A Palomino dashboard and duel-muffler twins, oh yeah (Ooo)
Other cool features such as novelty dashboard and special exhaust system will also be installed.
With new pistons, plugs and shocks, I can get off my rocks
These specific engine parts will be installed for even better performance and a smoother ride.
You know that I ain't braggin', she's a real pussy wagon
I cannot stop raving about this car because it is truly a remarkable and impressive piece of machinery.
Summer lovin' had me a blast
The memories of the summertime romance are still vivid and exciting.
Summer lovin' happened so fast
The time spent in the summer romance felt short and fleeting, yet still intense and exciting.
I met a girl crazy for me
I met a girl who was very attracted and interested in me.
Met a boy cute as can be
I met a boy who was very attractive and charming.
Summer days drifting a way to oh, oh the summer nights
The long summer days turned into night, and the romance continued to flourish and grow.
Tell me more, tell me more
I am eager to know more about this romantic interest.
Did you get very far?
Did the romantic interest and I take our relationship very far or did it end quickly?
Like does he have a car?
One of the things I am curious about is if he has a nice car or not.
(Doo, ah ha, do-roo, ah ha, do-roo, ah ha, do-roo ah ha)
This is a fun and catchy musical refrain between parts of the song.
She swam by me she got a cramp
One summer day, the girl and I went swimming and she got a muscle cramp.
He ran by me got my suit damp
The boy and I had a playful interaction while swimming that ended up making me wet.
I saved her life she nearly drown
During the swimming outing, I noticed the girl struggling and helped her to safety when she was about to drown.
He showed off splashing around
The boy was showing off with his swimming skills and so confident in the water.
Summer sun something's begun but oh, oh the summer nights
The events of the summer day led to something interesting and exciting that grew into a more substantial romance in the summer nights.
Tell me more tell me more
Again, I am thirsting for more details about this exciting summer romance.
Was it love at first sight?
I am curious if the romance began the moment we met or grew over time.
Did she put up a fight?
Did the girl require convincing, or was she immediately interested in me?
It turned colder that's where it ends
Eventually, the summer romance came to an end as the season transitioned to colder weather.
So I told her we'd still be friends
I reassured the girl that we could still keep in touch and be friends despite the end of the romance.
Then we made our true love vows
We promised each other that our love and feelings for each other were true and would persist despite any changes or distance.
Wonder what she's doing now
I am curious about how the girl is doing now and what has happened with her life since our romance.
Summer dreams ripped at the seams but oh, those summer nights
Although the end of the romantic summer was sad and difficult, the memories of the good times still remain and bring joy and excitement.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jim Jacobs, John Clifford Farrar, Warren Casey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind