This is a new discovery for me: Olivia Newton-John’s 1971 cover of “Love Song.”

For the longest time I was only familiar with Elton John’s version, which appeared on his Tumbleweed Connection album from the previous year. In later years I became familiar with the version recorded by Lesley Duncan, the person who wrote the song.

What I really like about this version is how haunting the arrangement sounds: it really adds another dimension to what’s basically a very simple love song. Also, this was recorded early in Newton-John’s career so she doesn’t quite have the confidence in her voice that we came to know later.

—

Love Song
(Lesley Duncan)
The words I have to say
May well be simple but they’re true
Until you give your love
There’s nothing more that we can do

Love is the opening door
Love is what we came here for
No one could offer you more
Do you know what I mean
Have your eyes really seen

You say it’s very hard
To leave behind the life we knew
But there’s no other way
And now it’s really up to you

Love is the key we must turn
Truth is the flame we must burn
Freedom the lesson we must learn
Do you know what I mean
Have your eyes really seen
© 1969