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
Sam
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So am I
I'm living alone now
I was wrong
So were you
What will you do?
Are you glad to be free?
Are you feeling lost just like me?
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Come around and talk awhile
I need your smile
You need a shoulder
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
And the door is open wide
Come on inside
Longing to see you
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
I find the days hard to face now
Empty rooms
There's much too much space now
And the nights go so slow
I'm sure you know
Wish I knew what to do
It would be so nice seeing you
And it might help you too
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Come around and talk awhile
I need your smile
You need a shoulder
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
And the door is open wide
Come on inside
Longing to see you
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Oh Sam, you know where I am
Oh Sam, ooh Sam
You know, you know
You know where I am
The lyrics of Olivia Newton-John's song "Sam" are about two people who were once in a relationship and are now both alone. The singer in the song addresses Sam, saying that she heard he is alone now, just like she is. She admits that she was wrong and so was he. However, she wonders what he will do now that he is free. The singer then asks if Sam is feeling lost, just like she is, and whether he is longing for company. She tells him that she is there for him and that he knows where she is. The chorus repeats the message of the song - that Sam knows where she is and that she is waiting for him to come around and talk. She mentions her need for his smile and her offer of a shoulder. In the second verse, the singer talks about how hard it is for her to face the days because of the empty rooms and too much space. She mentions that the nights go so slow and that she wishes she knew what to do. Then, she expresses a desire to see Sam again, saying that it would be nice to see him and that it might help him too.
Overall, the song "Sam" appears to be about a breakup that both parties regret. The lyrics suggest that the singer and Sam were once very close but have been separated for some time. The song seems to be a plea for Sam to come back into her life or a way for the singer to let Sam know that she is still there for him if he needs her. The lyrics are quite poignant and emotive, particularly in their description of the emptiness and loneliness that the singer is experiencing.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard that you're on your own now
I heard that you're living life independently
So am I
I'm also living life independently
I'm living alone now
I'm living without a partner or roommates
I was wrong
I made a mistake
So were you
You also made a mistake
What will you do?
What actions will you take?
Are you glad to be free?
Are you happy to have some independence?
Are you feeling lost just like me?
Are you also feeling unsure and disconnected?
Longing for company
Wanting someone to be around
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Addressing someone named Sam who knows how to find me
Come around and talk awhile
Come spend time with me and have a conversation
I need your smile
I would appreciate seeing a happy expression on your face
You need a shoulder
You need someone to talk to and lean on
And the door is open wide
The entrance is not obstructed and you can easily come in
Longing to see you
Wanting to reunite with you
I find the days hard to face now
I'm struggling with everyday life
Empty rooms
Spaces that lack companionship
There's much too much space now
There's too much physical emptiness
And the nights go so slow
Time seems to pass more slowly at night
I'm sure you know
I'm confident that you understand
Wish I knew what to do
I desire having a solution to my problems
It would be so nice seeing you
It would be pleasant to see you
And it might help you too
Reuniting might also benefit you
Oh Sam, ooh Sam
An expression of Sam's name
You know, you know
Addressing someone who knows the way
You know where I am
You know my location and how to get to me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hank Marvin, Donald Black, John Clifford Farrar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justmeonthebeach
I heard that you're on your own now
So am I
I'm living alone now
I was wrong
So were you
What will you do?
Are you glad to be free?
Are you feeling lost just like me?
Longing for company
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Come around and talk awhile
I need your smile
You need a shoulder
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
And the door is open wide
Come on inside
Longing to see you
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
I find the days hard to face now
Empty rooms
There's much too much space now
And the nights go so slow
I'm sure you know
Wish I knew what to do
It would be so nice seeing you
And it might help you too
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Come around and talk awhile
I need your smile
You need a shoulder
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
And the door is open wide
Come on inside
Longing to see you
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Oh Sam, you know where I am
Oh Sam, ooh Sam
You know, you know
You know where I am
@christianlandaetatorres3836
One of her first songs I ever heard in Chile, back in the mid 70's on Concierto Fm. Rest in Peace Olivia Newto John, and thank you for the soundtrack of the great school, teenage and then radio years.
@PaulsMusicVids
"Sam" was released in January 1977 as the third and final single from her eighth studio album, "Don't Stop Believin'" and peaked in the U.S. at #1 on the Easy Listening chart. "Sam" was her highest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100 since "Something Better to Do". One of her best vocal performances🏆
She transitioned from country to pop on this album and was the Taylor Swift of her era. Both gorgeous talented dream girls😍
Had a BIG crush on her since I first heard her pure, perfect, sweet voice in the mid 70's💘I'll Never Stop Believin' she IS the best singer of all time💯
So sad to so many fans she passed away today, August 8, 2022. RIP music royalty #OliviaNewtonJohn🕯👑💖 #Sam
@gerhuneng
...and the first 45 I bought!
@huashor.p.9304
Para mí, su mejor canción, tenía una voz excepcional.
Olivia Newton John DEP 😭
@neiltritschler608
Oh my God! I was only 5 years old in 1977 but this will stick in my memory forever 😀
@neiltritschler608
Was it number 1 in the UK?🇬🇧
@samdaa140
This song is an eternal gem... So is Olivia. Endless thanks.
@robingiron177
Fell in love to her voice at 10 yrs old I’m 56 now and still loving her .
@DavidMartin-iw9td
Yes indeed. I was in university and though I am 67, I adore still.
@wittyhunny2370
Heard this on the radio for the first time last night and can't get it out of my head ❤️❤️❤️