Physical

Olivia Newton-John

About Physical

"Physical" is a song recorded by English-born Australian singer Olivia Newton-John for her twelfth studio album Physical (1981). It was released as the lead single from the album on 28 September 1981, by MCA Records. The song was produced by John Farrar and written by Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick, who had originally intended to offer it to Rod Stewart. The song had also been offered to Tina Turner by her manager Roger Davies, but when Turner declined, Davies gave the song to Newton-John, another of his clients. "Physical" was an immediate smash hit, shipping two million copies in the United States, where it was certified Platinum and spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. "Physical" ultimately became Newton-John's biggest hit and cemented her legacy as a pop superstar, a journey that began when she crossed over from her earlier country pop roots. The song's suggestive lyrics, which even caused it to be banned in some markets, helped change Newton-John's longstanding clean-cut image, replacing it with a sexy, assertive persona that was strengthened with follow-up hits such as "Make a Move on Me", "Twist of Fate" and "Soul Kiss". 


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I'm saying all the things that I know you'll like 
Making good conversation
I got a handle you just right
You know what I mean
I took you to an intimate restaurant
Then to a suggestive movie
There's nothing left to talk about
'Less it's horizontally

Let's get physical, physical
I want to get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

Let's get physical, physical
I want to get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

I've been patient, I've been good
Tried to keep my hands on the table
It's gettin' hard this holdin' back
You know what I mean

I'm sure you'll understand my point of view
We know each other mentally
You gotta know that you're bringin' out
The animal in me

Let's get physical, physical
I want to get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

Let's get physical, physical
I want to get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

Oh, let's get physical, physical
I want to get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

Let's get animal, animal
I want to get animal
Let's get into animal
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

Let me hear your body talk
Let me hear your body talk

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John, AO, OBE (born 26 September 1948) is an English-born Australian singer and actress. She is a four-time Grammy award winner who has amassed five No. 1 and ten other Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 singles and two No. 1 Billboard 200 solo albums. Eleven of her singles (including two platinum) and 14 of her albums (including two platinum and four double platinum) have been certified gold by the RIAA. Her music has been successful in multiple formats including pop, country and adult contemporary and has sold an estimated over 100 million albums worldwide. She co-starred with John Travolta in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Grease, which featured one of the most successful film soundtracks in Hollywood history. more »

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Written by: Stephen Kipner, Terry Shaddick

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Chart Success
"Physical" by Olivia Newton-John topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for 10 weeks, starting in November 1981.
Grammy Nomination
The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1982.
High Sales
"Physical" has sold over two million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles worldwide.
Controversial Lyrics
Due to its sexually suggestive lyrics, the song sparked controversy and was even banned by some radio stations.
Fitness Craze Influence
The song's popularity coincided with the early 1980s' fitness craze, showing people exercising in the music video and contributing to the aerobics boom of the decade.
Change in Image
"Physical" marked a significant change in Olivia Newton-John's image. Before "Physical," she was known for her country and folk-pop ballads and her leading role in the musical film "Grease."
Extended Influence
"Physical" has been covered by numerous artists and has appeared on many TV shows, movies, and commercials, demonstrating its enduring influence.
Music Video Parody
The song's music video parodies the sexual innuendo of the song's lyrics by showing Olivia Newton-John in a gym trying to get a group of overweight men into shape.
Single-Cover Artwork
The single's artwork effectively portrayed the song's fitness theme with a cartoony, yet, sensual image of Olivia Newton-John in a leotard with a towel around her neck.
High Ranking
In the 1980s, Billboard named "Physical" the Sexiest Song of the decade and it is still considered one of the sexiest songs of all time.
Longevity on the Chart
"Physical" stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a striking 22 weeks.
Songwriters and Producers
The song was written by Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick and produced by John Farrar, who was a long-term collaborator and producer for Olivia Newton-John.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

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