About the song
“Let Me Be There” is a significant album in the career of British-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John. Released initially in November 1973 as “Music Makes My Day” in the United Kingdom by Pye International Records, it was soon after rebranded as “Let Me Be There” in Australia, which became its most recognizable title. In North America, “Let Me Be There” saw a different incarnation, featuring a blend of tracks from Newton-John’s earlier albums, “If Not for You” and “Olivia,” creating a unique compilation for the U.S. and Canadian markets.
This album marked a pivotal shift in Newton-John’s career trajectory. Before “Let Me Be There,” she enjoyed moderate success in the UK with a series of folk-inspired singles. However, it was this album that firmly established her in the United States, becoming her breakthrough work in this new market. The album’s success heralded a transition towards a more country-pop sound, a style that would come to define much of her music throughout the 1970s.
Two notable singles from the album, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and the titular “Let Me Be There,” played crucial roles in its success. The American release by MCA Records featured cover art from her 1972 LP “Olivia,” despite some of its tracks being drawn from her previous British albums. Notably, this album version was not released outside North America, the UK, Ireland, and Australasia, with Japan receiving a version with different tracks under the same title and cover.
The title track “Let Me Be There” became a commercial hit in the United States, peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Newton-John’s first major hit in America. Although the song did not fare well in England, it significantly boosted her profile in North America. This success was further underscored by a Grammy Award for Best Country Female, an accolade that propelled her into the spotlight and validated her shift towards country-pop.
Critically, the album has been recognized for its charm and significance in Newton-John’s discography. AllMusic editor Joe Viglione noted in his retrospective review that while the album reflected an early, somewhat naïve stage in Newton-John’s career, it worked remarkably well, particularly due to the inclusion of her first two hit records. This collection of songs, embodying a fresh and earnest country-pop sound, resonated with a broad audience.
Commercially, “Let Me Be There” was a success. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1974, signaling sales of over 500,000 copies. It also peaked at number 54 on the US Pop chart and spent two weeks at number one on the Country chart. This dual achievement underscored Newton-John’s versatility and broad appeal, laying the groundwork for her future successes.
“Let Me Be There” is more than an album; it represents a crucial moment in Olivia Newton-John’s career, marking her transition from a regional artist to an international country-pop star. Through its engaging mix of tracks and the standout hit title song, the album continues to be a celebrated piece of music history.
Video
Lyrics
Wherever you go
Wherever you may wander in your life
Surely you know
I’ll always want to be there
Holding your hand
And standing by to catch you when you fall
Seeing you through
In everything you do
Let me be there in your morning
Let me be there in your night
Let me change whatever’s wrong
And make it right (make it right)
Let me take you through that wonderland
That only two can share
All I ask you
Is let me be there (oh, let me be there)
Watching you grow
And going through the changes in your life
That’s how I know
I’ll always want to be there
Whenever you feel
You need a friend to lean on, here I am
Whenever you call
You know I’ll be there
Let me be there in your morning
Let me be there in your night
Let me change whatever’s wrong
And make it right (make it right)
Let me take you through that wonderland
That only two can share
All I ask you
Is let me be there (oh, let me be there)
Let me be there in your morning
Let me be there in your night
Let me change whatever’s wrong
And make it right (make it right)
Let me take you through that wonderland
That only two can share
All I ask you
Is let me be there (let me be there)
All I ask you
Is let me be there (let me be there)