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

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.