About the song
“Magic” is a captivating song recorded by British-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John for the soundtrack of the 1980 musical fantasy film “Xanadu,” which starred Newton-John alongside the legendary Gene Kelly. This enchanting track, written and produced by Newton-John’s frequent collaborator John Farrar, serves as the lead single for the film’s soundtrack and stands as one of Newton-John’s most iconic hits.
Released in May 1980, “Magic” quickly ascended the charts, capturing the hearts of listeners with its dreamy melody and evocative lyrics. The song’s success was immediate and widespread, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks beginning on August 2. Its reign at the top was eventually ended by Christopher Cross’s “Sailing” on August 30. The song’s appeal was not limited to the United States; in Canada, “Magic” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the RPM Top Singles chart, showcasing its broad international appeal. Additionally, the track reached No. 4 in Australia and No. 32 in the United Kingdom, further cementing its global popularity.
“Magic” also became Newton-John’s most significant hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, where it held the No. 1 position for five weeks. This accomplishment was mirrored in Canada, where it topped the RPM Adult Contemporary chart for a week. The song’s enduring popularity was highlighted by its ranking as the third most popular single of 1980 by Billboard, only behind Blondie’s “Call Me” and Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II).”
The success of “Magic” can be attributed to its mesmerizing quality, which perfectly complemented the whimsical and fantastical elements of “Xanadu.” The collaboration between Newton-John and Farrar resulted in a track that not only captured the essence of the film but also stood out as a standalone musical achievement. The song’s lush production, combined with Newton-John’s ethereal vocals, created a timeless piece that continues to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
“Magic” remains a quintessential part of Olivia Newton-John’s discography and a highlight of the “Xanadu” soundtrack. Its chart-topping success and enduring appeal underscore the song’s impact on the music landscape of the early 1980s. As a testament to Newton-John’s talent and Farrar’s production prowess, “Magic” continues to enchant listeners, serving as a reminder of the power of music to transport us to magical places.
Video
Lyrics
Come take my hand
You should know me
I’ve always been in your mind
You know I will be kind
I’ll be guiding you
Building your dream has to start now
There’s no other road to take
You won’t make a mistake
I’ll be guiding you
You have to believe we are magic
Nothin’ can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don’t let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive, destiny will arrive
I’ll bring all your dreams alive for you
I’ll bring all your dreams alive for you
From where I stand, you are home free
The planets align, so rare
There’s promise in the air
And I’m guiding you
Through every turn, I’ll be near you
I’ll come anytime you call
I’ll catch you when you fall
I’ll be guiding you
You have to believe we are magic
Nothin’ can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don’t let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive, destiny will arrive
I’ll bring all your dreams alive for you
I’ll bring all your dreams alive for you
You have to believe we are magic
Nothin’ can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don’t let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive, destiny will arrive
I’ll bring all your dreams alive for you
I’ll bring all your dreams alive for you