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
What Is Life
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But my love is there for you, any time of day
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
If I give my love now to everyone like you
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
What I feel, I can't say
But my love is there for you any time of day
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
Oh tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
What is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
Oh tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me who am I without you by my side?
Olivia Newton-John’s song ‘What Is Life’ reflects the emotions of a person who is deeply in love and cannot imagine their life without their significant other. The song begins with the lyrics ‘What I feel, I can't say/ But my love is there for you, any time of day’ which portrays the singer’s inability to express their feelings in words. Despite this, the love they have for their partner is always present and available to them.
The chorus of the song is centered around the question ‘what is my life without your love?’ which highlights the importance of the singer’s partner in their life. The repetition of this question throughout the song further emphasizes how integral their partner is to their sense of self and identity. Additionally, the phrase ‘who am I without you, by my side?’ within the chorus exemplifies how the singer views their partner as an essential part of their identity and growth as an individual.
In the third verse, the singer expresses their willingness to do anything for their partner even if they do not require their love. They say, ‘But if it's not love that you need/ Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed’, which demonstrates the extent of their commitment to their partner and their desire to make things work with them. Overall, ‘What Is Life’ is a powerful love song that highlights the significance of a significant other in a person's life and their identity.
Line by Line Meaning
What I feel, I can't say
I find it difficult to put my emotions into words.
But my love is there for you, any time of day
My love for you is unconditional and always present, regardless of the time of day.
But if it's not love that you need
If love isn't what you require from me,
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed
I will do my utmost to ensure everything works out, even if it's not through love.
Tell me, what is my life without your love
I am questioning the value of my life without your love.
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
I feel incomplete and unsure of my identity without you beside me.
What I know, I can do
I am confident in my abilities and what I am capable of.
If I give my love now to everyone like you
If I were to show love to others like I do to you,
Oh tell me, what is my life without your love
I am pleading with you to reveal the worth of my life without your love.
Tell me who am I without you by my side?
Without you beside me, I am unsure of my own identity and sense of self.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Harrison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
A1
Personally, I find ONJs cover is much nicer than G.H.s original.
But George wrote a great song.
Rest in Peace, Olivia.
You are a beautiful soul, mate...
Rest in Peace, George.
You were a quirky s.o.b., but very talented.
비정한세상
What I feel, I can't say
나의 느낌을 말할 수 없어
But my love is there for you anytime of day
그렇지만 나의 사랑은 하루 어느때나 너에게 있어
But if it's not love that you need
하지만 네가 필요치 않는 사랑이라면
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed
네 사랑을 얻기 위해 모든 걸 다 할 거야
Tell me, what is my life without your love
너의 사랑이 없는 나의 삶에 대해 뭔지 말해줘
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
너 없는 내가, 네 곁에 없는 내가 누구인지 말해줘
What I know, I can do
내가 아는 건, 난 할 수 있지
If I give my love now to everyone like you
내가 너같은 모든 이에게 지금 당장 사랑을 줄 수 있다면
But if it's not love that you need
그렇지만 네가 원치 않는 사랑이라면
Then I'll try my best to make ev'rything succeed
네 사랑을 얻기 위해 모든 걸 다 할거야
Hector Ramos
Darn.
Woman, you are breaking me in a million pieces!
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH
...But
You don't need a disabled person next to you, really.
I promise, you don't need a man who's health conditions are bothersome; I'm hard to deal with.
Listen to me carefully, will you?
I drink water all day and most of the night.
I have to take medication to sleep, if not for that, I would never sleep.
You may not realize it, but baby, honestly, I could never be a burden to you.
Lilo, you are making me say things I do not want to.
I wanted to see you in person, unfortunately, you were unable.
I just don't know what to tell you. My words are hurting you, and for that, baby, a apologize. I don't mean to. But you must know the truth.
I love you, sweetheart. You know it's true, I really do...
Alan Adair
George Harrison's original will always be the best, but this version by Olivia is great too. Such a beautiful person and soul. Rest easy Olivia x
Professor Mause
This is why people cover songs.
Now,
the George Harrison version will be second in my memory bank.
Fumble_ Brewski
For a completely unexpected cover that simply has to be heard to be believed, check out Weird Al’s version (yup, THAT Weird Al):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXMq3QJwJiA
Juan Peron
Excuse me.
I think George sing in only one tone, Olivia use wider range,
Her voice is perfect from lower and higher notes , more warm and clear. Crystal voice.
John Kovalicky
Olivia did a wonderful rendition of the song in 1972 beautiful❤❤❤ a lot more upbeat then George which is still beautiful to me one of my favorite songs buy both of them
A1
Personally, I find ONJs cover is much nicer than G.H.s original.
But George wrote a great song.
Rest in Peace, Olivia.
You are a beautiful soul, mate...
Rest in Peace, George.
You were a quirky s.o.b., but very talented.
Charly Harrison
True Legend. Rip Olivia Newton John 🙏
Fuz Capp
As an Aussie (and a bit of a dummy) I heard this version first and didn't know it was a George Harrison song. So, even as a massive Beatlemaniac, this always seems to be the original to me.
We'll miss them both ...
luvyesmusic I
Olivia could sing the phone book, and it would still sound amazing. Have loved her and her voice for almost fifty years now. Almost as long as the crush I have had on her.
Anthony Ryan
Olivia newton John always did a great job on any person music she was so brilliant at it.olivia voice was so special.she is very much missed by everyone that loved her.