
About This Song
Olivia Newton-John sang the ballad as Sandy Olsson in Grease, capturing the character's despair after Danny Zuko rejects her. Released on September 9, 1978, the track served as the emotional anchor for the film's soundtrack and stood apart from the rock numbers that dominated the rest of the score. John Farrar wrote and composed the song while also producing it alongside Newton-John.
The recording blends pop melodies with country storytelling, a style Newton-John had mastered before transitioning to pure pop stardom. At five minutes and five seconds, the original version runs longer than typical radio singles of the era. Remastered editions appeared later on compilations like Olivia's Greatest Hits, but the 1978 release remains the definitive cut.
Commercially, the single reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart. It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. Although it missed the top spot in America, the song became one of Newton-John's most enduring hits and is frequently cited as a defining moment in 1970s cinema music. The track received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1979.
Music Videos
Credits
Songwriters
John Farrar
Producers
John Farrar, Olivia Newton-John
Certifications
Awards
Keywords
Sources
Song Info
- Artist
- Olivia Newton-John
- Album
- Grease: The Original Soundtrack
- Released
- September 9, 1978
- Duration
- 305
- Label
- RSO Records
- Track #
- 4
- Peak Chart
- #3 Billboard Hot 100
- US Chart Peak
- 3
- UK Chart Peak
- 2
- Soundtrack Sales
- Over 40 million copies worldwide
- Cover Artist
- The Chicks (2022)
- Cover Artist
- Mr. Bungle (2024)
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