Alright, here’s proof that this blog is genuinely about what I’m listening to—not just a list of songs people “should” know. Sometimes it’s weird, obscure, or even not that great—but it’s honest.
Today’s pick comes from Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, a controversial yet massive album. Most of us know the title track—it’s the kind of hit you’ve probably heard while walking through the grocery store or scanning the radio if you weren’t around for it’s release. For some reason yesterday, I ended up listening to the entire album about three times while cleaning. This little journey started when I was looking up the drummer on this album, Carlos Vega, who played with James Taylor for over a decade.
By the time Olivia released Physical in late 1981, she was at the height of her stardom. She skyrocketed to global fame in 1978 with her role as Sandy in Grease. After that, she released a studio album (Totally Hot), the soundtrack for the movie-musical Xanadu, a live album in 1981, and then Physical.
Fun Fact: The title track was banned by some Mormon radio stations in Utah and other states due to its innuendo-filled lyrics.
The song I’m spotlighting today is The Promise (The Dolphin Song). It’s the fourth least-played track from the album on Spotify, but it’s certainly unique. It opens with ocean sounds and dolphin calls and centers on loving and cherishing dolphins and their beauty. Honestly, it might be the first “dolphin love song” I’ve ever heard—and I’m guessing it might be yours too.
Give it a listen, and you’ll always remember the day you heard your first dolphin love song. (And no, Flipper doesn’t count!)
Song: “The Promise (The Dolphin Song)”
Artist: Olivia Newton-John
Album: Physical
Year: 1981
See them play in the moonlight
Watch them dance in the sun
They’re the children of freedom, everyone
As they care for each other
With no question or cause
They deserved to be treasured as a source of love
In their minds there are answers
And in time we will know
What the truth is about, all we don’t know
They have known for hatred
Though they’ve suffered much pain
From the race we call human who are afraid of love
If only I can help to right a wrong, with my dolphin song
Then I’ll have done what I set out to do
If I can only make one man aware, one person care
Then I’ll have done what I promised you
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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post (hopefully) one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 You can just wait for the next one. All the info I find is from wikipedia/youtube/interviews/news articles/personal stories I’ve heard/random googling. Sorry if there are any mistakes.
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