OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & CLIFF RICHARD — “NOT ONLY FOR THIS MOMENT”: A DUET THAT CAPTURED FOREVER IN A SONG
London, England — There are duets that make history — and then there are duets that make magic. When Olivia Newton-John and Sir Cliff Richard joined voices on “Not Only for This Moment”, they created one of those rare, tender recordings that transcend time, genre, and even language — a piece of music that feels as fresh and heartfelt today as it did over five decades ago.
The song was first performed in 1972 during their BBC television special It’s Cliff and Olivia, where the two longtime friends shared an easy, genuine chemistry that radiated through every frame. The performance wasn’t about fame or flash — it was about connection. Two voices, soft and pure, singing about love that lasts beyond a single day.
From the first gentle piano notes, Olivia’s voice — angelic and emotional — intertwined perfectly with Cliff’s warm tenor. Together, they sang:
“Not only for this moment, not only for today,
I need you for a lifetime, forever and a day.”
The lyrics spoke to something timeless — a promise of enduring affection, sung with sincerity that only real friendship could produce. Critics at the time praised the duet as “a masterclass in simplicity,” while fans called it “the kind of song that feels like a hug you never forget.”
Behind the scenes, both artists shared a deep admiration for each other. Olivia once said, “Cliff has always been like a big brother to me — kind, respectful, and endlessly supportive. Singing with him has always been a joy.” Cliff returned the sentiment throughout his career, often describing Olivia as “the sister I never had, and one of the purest souls I’ve ever known.”
Their partnership would continue for decades — reuniting for the duet “Suddenly” from Xanadu in 1980, countless TV specials, and benefit concerts. One of their most emotional moments came in 2015, when they performed together at the Royal Albert Hall, revisiting their early hits with affection and grace.
When Olivia Newton-John passed away in 2022, Sir Cliff Richard paid tribute with tears in his eyes and music in his heart. “I can’t believe she’s gone,” he said. “Olivia was the kind of person you meet once in a lifetime — beautiful in every way. Singing ‘Not Only for This Moment’ feels more meaningful now than ever, because that’s exactly what she gave us — a love that never ends.”
Today, the song stands as a symbol of everything that made Olivia and Cliff so beloved — humility, kindness, and a deep understanding of how music can speak to the soul. It remains one of their most treasured duets, a moment frozen in melody where two voices, two hearts, and two dear friends met in perfect harmony.
As fans continue to replay that BBC performance, one comment keeps surfacing beneath the video:
“They didn’t just sing a song — they made a promise. And it still keeps.”
Video
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vR09Q2Kkt34