Something Better To Do

Album: Clearly Love (1975)
Charted: 13
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Olivia Newton-John's longtime collaborator John Farrar, this sunny-sounding breakup tune was the singer's fifth #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, although it was never intended to be a single. Farrar says he was inspired by stage numbers of the 1940s and "expected it to be a silly song."
  • Newton-John is despondent after the split and can't find happiness in even the simplest of things, like birds singing: "Baby, till you're back in my arms, the birds will have to find something better to do."
  • Farrar is dismissive of the song, but he does admit that it showcases Newton-John's vocal talent. "It was very open that way," he told Billboard. "She had this lovely, pure quality that was great to hear at the time."
  • This was also a #19 hit on the Country chart.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.