About the song
Good day, everyone. It’s a real pleasure to talk about a song that represents a moment of pure, unadulterated pop charm—a duet that brought together two of the most beloved voices of the era in a performance that is as sweet and sincere today as it was over fifty years ago. I’m talking about the lovely collaboration between the legendary Cliff Richard & Olivia Newton-John – I’m Leaving It All Up To You.
Released in 1970, this song was more than a simple duet; it was a perfect meeting of two emerging superstars. While Cliff Richard was already a huge name, particularly in the UK, Olivia Newton-John was just beginning her rise to international fame. The song itself was an old standard, a rock and roll classic from the 1950s that had already seen success with Dale and Grace in the early 1960s. But in the hands of Richard and Newton-John, it was transformed into a clean, gentle, and utterly delightful piece of early ’70s pop.
The lyrical content is a timeless plea of a heart on the line. The song’s narrator has given everything to a love and is now putting their complete trust in their partner, leaving it all “up to you” to decide the fate of their relationship. It’s a simple, vulnerable, and direct expression of love and hope, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever found themselves at a crossroads in a relationship, waiting for a clear sign of commitment.
What truly makes this version a classic is the beautiful blend of their two voices. Cliff Richard, with his smooth, earnest delivery, provides a solid and charming presence, while Olivia Newton-John’s voice, with its pure, angelic quality, adds a layer of gentle sweetness. Their voices don’t have a dramatic contrast; instead, they harmonize with a perfect, almost seamless, synchronicity. They sing together with a natural ease and chemistry that feels both genuine and completely effortless. It’s a perfect example of a duet where the two voices become one, creating a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The production is clean and polished, a hallmark of early ’70s pop. With a simple, gentle rhythm, soft strings, and a melodic arrangement, the music provides a warm and inviting backdrop that allows the focus to remain squarely on their flawless vocal performances. Cliff Richard & Olivia Newton-John – I’m Leaving It All Up To You may not have been a high-energy anthem, but it’s a testament to the enduring power of a simple, well-written love song, perfectly sung by two artists who were destined to become icons. It’s a charming piece of musical history that reminds us of a time when a sweet melody and a sincere performance were all you needed to create a lasting memory.
Video
Lyrics
It’s true so true
I didn’t do right by you
Guess I didn’t know exactly what to do
Someday I’ll make it all up to you
I’m blue, so blue
But baby I don’t blame you
Guess I didn’t know the right things to do
Someday I’ll make it all up to you
When we met I thought we’d be so happy
That we would be so gay
But since we met, oh I thought we’d be so happy
But now you’re gone away
Lord I’m blue, so blue
But baby I don’t blame you
Guess I didn’t know the right things to do
Someday I’ll make it all up to you
Guess I didn’t know the right things to do
Someday I’ll make it all up to you
