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
The Air that I Breathe
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't think of anything I need
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful warm and tired
What more could I ask
There's nothing left to be desired
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Olivia Newton-John's The Air That I Breathe is a wonderfully poetic and introspective love song that is full of imagery and metaphorical language. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is so deeply in love with their partner that they could ask for nothing else. They have reached a state of contentment and tranquility that is all-consuming - they don't need anything extraneous in their life anymore, not even the basic necessities like food or sleep. The only thing that they require is the air that they breathe and the love of their partner. The line 'Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak' is a powerful one; it suggests that the singer's love for their partner is so intense that it has physically weakened them.
The lyrics of the song are beautifully woven together with the melody and harmony, creating an emotionally charged and incredibly tender mood. The song's use of repetition is a highly effective device that emphasizes the importance of both the air that they breathe and the love between the partners. The refrains of 'Sometimes all I need is the air that I breathe and to love you' are both poignant and effective, reminding us of the importance of love in our lives.
Overall, The Air That I Breathe is a moving and powerful love song that captures the essence of true love and the profound effect that it can have on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish I think I'd pass
I don't have any unfulfilled wishes.
Can't think of anything I need
I don't need anything else.
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
I don't need any external stimulation or comfort.
Nothing to eat, no books to read
I don't need any physical or intellectual sustenance.
Making love with you
Being intimate with you brings me happiness.
Has left me peaceful warm and tired
Being with you has left me feeling content, comfortable, and relaxed.
What more could I ask
I have everything I want.
There's nothing left to be desired
I am fully satisfied.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
Feeling peaceful has made me feel vulnerable and powerless.
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
I am trying to rest and find solace in sleep.
Sometimes all I need
At times, my needs are minimal.
Is the air that I breathe
All I really need is the basic necessity of oxygen.
And to love you
And to have your love and companionship.
Sometimes all I need
Even though my needs can be satisfied with very little,
Is the air that I breathe
I recognize and appreciate the importance of the most basic necessities.
And to love you
And the love and companionship of the person I care for.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
zaytoun1er
"The Air That I Breathe" is a ballad written by Albert Hammond & Mike Hazlewood in 1972.
1) 1972 • It is initially recorded by Albert Hammond on his album "It Never Rains In Southern California", released on 1972-08-16.
2) 1973 • Philip Everly (from Everly Brothers) sings it on his album "Star Spangled Springer", released on 1973-01-31.
3) 1974 • The Hollies cover, recorded after hearing Phil Everly's version, appears on their 14th UK studio album "Hollies" released in 1974.
4) 1974 • The same year, James Last records an instrumental/orchestral version on his 1974 album "Violins In Love".
5) 1975 • Olivia Newton-John performs it on her 1975 album "Have You Never Been Mellow".
6) 1975 • A finnish version "Tahdo en kuin hengittää vain" written by Pertti Reponen, is released by Petri Pettersson.
7) 1976 • Another curiosity, "Comme Si" is a french cover, with lyrics adapted by Bernard Droguet and sung by duo Shuky & Aviva.
8) 1992 • The 1992 Radiohead song "Creep" uses a similar chord progression and shares some melodic content with the 1972 version of "The Air That I Breathe". Hammond & Hazlewood are given co-writing credits as well as a portion of the royalties.
9) 2017 • "Get Free" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey from her 5th studio album, Lust for Life (2017).
Nothing is clear concerning a link with 1992 "Creep" and/or 1972 "The Air That I Breathe"... 🤔
Numerous others artists have covered this song through years.
All videos are on YouTube but I can't put the links here. 🤬 I had to remove them all... Otherwise my comment is deleted immediately. 🤷🏻♂️
Doc Hubbell
In her early days I went to one of her concerts. She had the most pure voice and perfect pitch. She sounded just as good live as she did in her recorded songs. As talented as she is beautiful.
Sheila Johnson
So true!! She is also a very sweet person! Love Olivia! I saw her perform in Atlanta back in 1982.
Bill Schmidt
Indeed!
Marian Rusnak
thanks for sharing this
'Jonte TheArtist'
That's amazing that you was able to witness her talent in her younger years and then to follow her journey, years later. It's like wow, she's come along way. ❤
KEN SIMMONS
As a former radio disc jockey I know voices and Olivia Newton-John has the most natural, (lilting) vibrato of any singer. It's pours out like pure honey.
Clifford Bowman
Wonder what it must have been absolutely adored by so many different people. This old ignorant “neck” sure did, so sad bye young lady- miss u till there’s days for me
Paul
The voice of an angel.....sheer perfection!
LunaKraft Instruments
Yikes, did this really happen? So beautiful.
TheBarf
Nothing comes close to the Hollies' version.