Author: lyricspedia

Lyrics: Waterloo (Swedish Version) by ABBA

Jo, jo - vid Waterloo Napoleon fick ge sig

Men, men - sitt öde kan man möta på så många skilda sätt

Själv känner jag, sen jag mött dig
Historien upprepar sig

Waterloo, jag är besegrad, nu ger jag mig
Waterloo, lovar med nöje att älska dig
Waterloo, allting känns rätt, och det är min tro
Waterloo, du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo

Jo, jo - man värjer sig och fäktas I det längsta
Men, men - mot känslor kämpar gudarna förgäves har man sagt

Det är som jag hörde en sång
Jag tror det är kärlek på gång

Waterloo, så har man funnit sin överman
Waterloo, mäktig och väldig och stark är han
Waterloo, allting känns rätt, och det är min tro
Waterloo, du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo

Det är som jag hörde en sång
Jag tror det är kärlek på gång

Waterloo, allting känns rätt, och det är min tro
Waterloo, du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo
Waterloo, du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Waterloo, du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo
Waterloo, du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo

Understanding the Lyrics: Love and Destiny at “Waterloo”

The Historical Metaphor

ABBA’s “Waterloo” cleverly draws on the famous historical event where Napoleon faced his ultimate defeat. In this Swedish-language version, the lyrics open by referencing Napoleon’s surrender at Waterloo. However, rather than focusing on the battlefield, the song uses this pivotal moment as a metaphor for surrendering to love. The singer acknowledges that just as Napoleon met his fate, we all encounter our destinies in different ways—sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes inevitably.

Surrendering to Love

The chorus is a jubilant declaration: “Waterloo, I am defeated, now I surrender.” Instead of defeat being something negative, it’s celebrated as the moment the narrator gives in to love. The repeated promise to love the other person, and the refrain that “everything feels right,” gives the song a sense of joy and acceptance. The surrender isn’t to an adversary, but to a deep and powerful emotion.

Fighting (and Embracing) Fate

Verses describe how people often resist their feelings, fighting “to the very end.” Yet, as the lyrics suggest, even the gods cannot fight against true feelings forever. There is a sense that love is an unstoppable force—one that, once it arrives, is impossible to ignore. The narrator compares hearing about love to hearing a song, something familiar yet transformative, and recognizes that love has finally arrived.

Finding a Worthy Opponent

The theme of finding one’s “overman” or match is woven throughout. In love, as at Waterloo, the narrator has met someone strong, mighty, and irresistible. The repeated phrase “du är mitt öde, mitt Waterloo” (“you are my destiny, my Waterloo”) reinforces the idea that falling in love is both a fateful and life-changing surrender.

Song Credits

Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
Release Year: 1974
Label: Polar Music

Lyrics: Sitting In The Palmtree

See me sitting in the palmtree

Looking down at people passing by

Sitting here no-one can harm me

They just stare at me and wonder why

No need to bother, I'm gonna stay up here

Whatever happens, I won't let no-one near

Until you tell me, Jeanie Jeanie on my mind, won't you please

You really love me, Jeanie Jeanie you're so fine, yes you are now

And in the evening, when the sun goes down

I'll be the bluest of men in this town

'Cause I love you, Jeanie Jeanie on my mind



See me sitting in the palmtree

Waiting for those little words from you

People laugh and point their fingers

Like I was a monkey at the zoo

But I will stay here, among my coconuts

So you will know dear, you're everything I've got

Now won't you tell me, Jeanie Jeanie on my mind



Winds blow, stars glow, I see a light in a window

Dark trees, soft breeze, carry my message to her please



See me sitting in the palmtree

Feeling angry at the silly crowd

No-one else but you can calm me

You should know by now I'm far too proud

I need to show you, I've got my feelings too

You shouldn't treat me like you always do

So won't you tell me, Jeanie Jeanie on my mind, won't you please

You really love me, Jeanie Jeanie you're so fine, yes you are now

And in the evening, when the sun goes down

I'll be the bluest of men in this town

'Cause I love you, Jeanie Jeanie on my mind

Jeanie Jeanie you're so fine

Jeanie Jeanie on my mind

Jeanie Jeanie you're so fine

Jeanie Jeanie on my mind

Jeanie Jeanie you're so fine

[fade]

Song Meaning and Interpretation

A Playful Take on Heartache

“Sitting In The Palmtree” by ABBA offers a whimsical yet poignant take on the emotions of love and longing. The narrator finds solace perched in a palmtree, physically and emotionally distancing himself from a world that doesn’t understand his devotion to a woman named Jeanie. This unusual setting gives the song a playful and lighthearted feel, even as it explores the depths of unrequited love.

Isolation as a Statement

The imagery of sitting in the palmtree is central to the song’s message. The protagonist removes himself from the crowd, seeking refuge where “no-one can harm me.” Despite the laughter and stares of people passing by, he remains steadfast, almost stubbornly waiting for Jeanie’s affection. This act is both a shield from heartbreak and a declaration of his feelings, highlighting his vulnerability and pride.

Unwavering Devotion and Vulnerability

Throughout the song, the repeated pleas to Jeanie reveal a deep longing for reciprocation. The protagonist’s world revolves around her, and he can’t be soothed or understood by anyone else. The lyrics convey a sense of hope mixed with melancholy, especially as evening falls and he becomes “the bluest of men in this town.” This underscores the universal experience of waiting and yearning for love, wrapped in ABBA’s signature melodic charm.

Song Credits

Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1974
Label: Polar Music

Lyrics: Ring Ring

I was sitting by the phone

I was waiting all alone

Baby by myself I sit and wait and wonder about you

It's a dark and dreary night

Seems like nothing's going right

Won't you tell me honey how can I go on here without you?



Yes I'm down and feeling blue

And I don't know what to do, oh-oh



Ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?

Ring, ring, the happiest sound of them all

Ring, ring, I stare at the phone on the wall

And I sit all alone impatiently

Won't you please understand the need in me

So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?

So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?



You were here and now you're gone

Hey did I do something wrong?

I just can't believe that I could be so badly mistaken

Was it me or was it you?

Tell me, are we really through?

Won't you hear me cry and you will know that my heart is breaking



Please forgive and then forget

Or maybe darling better yet, oh-oh



Ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?

Ring, ring, the happiest sound of them all

Ring, ring, I stare at the phone on the wall

And I sit all alone impatiently

Won't you please understand the need in me

So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?

So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?

Oh-oh, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?

So, ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?



[fade]

Loneliness and Longing: The Mood of the Song

“Ring Ring” beautifully captures the feelings of loneliness and anticipation that come from waiting for a loved one to reach out. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of sitting alone, staring at the phone, and hoping for a call that never seems to come. The repeated refrain of “ring, ring, why don’t you give me a call?” emphasizes the protagonist’s yearning for connection and reassurance. Through simple yet heartfelt words, the song expresses how the absence of communication can lead to uncertainty and sadness.

Unanswered Questions and Heartbreak

As the song unfolds, it delves into the doubts and questions that arise after a sudden separation. Lines like “You were here and now you’re gone / Hey did I do something wrong?” show the vulnerability and confusion of someone left behind. The singer wonders if the end of the relationship was their fault and pleads for forgiveness or even a second chance. This emotional openness gives the song its relatable and enduring appeal.

The Universal Appeal of Waiting

One of the reasons “Ring Ring” resonates with so many listeners is its depiction of a universal experience: waiting for someone who means everything. The anticipation, impatience, and hope that the phone will ring are feelings that transcend time and place. The melody and upbeat arrangement contrast with the lyrics’ melancholy, creating a bittersweet effect that is both catchy and moving.

Song Credits

Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
Release Year: 1973
Label: Polar Music

Lyrics: Another Town, Another Train

Day is dawning and I must go
You're asleep but still I'm sure you'll know
Why it had to end this way
You and I had a groovy time
But I told you somewhere down the line
You would have to find me gone
I just have to move along

Just another town, another train
Waiting in the morning rain
Lord give my restless soul a little patience
Just another town, another train
Nothing lost and nothing gained
Guess I will spend my life in railway stations
Guess I will spend my life in railway stations

When you wake I know you'll cry
And the words I wrote to say goodbye
They won't comfort you at all
But in time you will understand
That the dreams we dreamed were made of sand
For a no-good bum like me
To live is to be free

Just another town, another train
Waiting in the morning rain
Look in my restless soul, a little patience
Just another town, another train
Nothing lost and nothing gained
Guess I will spend my life in railway stations
Guess I will spend my life in railway stations

[repeat and fade]

Finding Meaning in the Lyrics

Bittersweet Goodbyes and Restless Souls

“Another Town, Another Train” captures the poignant experience of leaving behind a cherished connection in pursuit of something indefinable—freedom, adventure, or perhaps escape. The narrator gently addresses a sleeping partner, acknowledging the inevitability of their parting and the pain it will cause. The phrase “I just have to move along” reveals a deep sense of restlessness and the inability to settle, even in the face of love and comfort.

Life in Transit

The recurring motif of trains and railway stations serves as a powerful metaphor for transience and impermanence. The lines “Just another town, another train / Nothing lost and nothing gained” underscore a life lived on the move, where attachments are fleeting and every departure is just another chapter. There’s a hint of resignation in the narrator’s voice, suggesting they’ve grown accustomed to this wandering lifestyle, accepting the loneliness and monotony it brings.

Dreams Made of Sand

One of the song’s most evocative lines—”the dreams we dreamed were made of sand”—speaks to the fragility of hopes and relationships built on unstable foundations. The narrator sees themselves as a “no-good bum,” resigned to a fate where true belonging is out of reach. Yet, there is also a sense of liberation: “To live is to be free.” Ultimately, the song balances longing and acceptance, highlighting the sacrifices made in pursuit of personal freedom.

Song Credits

Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1973
Label: Polar Music

Lyrics: Disillusion

Changing, moving, in a circle
I can see your face in all of my dreams
Smiling, laughing, from the shadows
When I hear your voice I know what it means
I know it doesn't matter just how hard I try
You're all the reason for my life
Disillusion, disillusion's all you left for me

How can I forget you when my world is breaking down
You're all I had, you're all I want
Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have

Wishing, hoping, chasing shadows
Did I see your face somewhere in the crowd
Thinking, wondering, what you're doing
I can stop myself from crying out loud
They say my wound will heal and only leave a scar
But then, they'd never shared our love
Disillusion, disillusion's all you left for me

How can I forget you when my world is breaking down
You're all I had, you're all I want
Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have
Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have

The Cycle of Heartbreak

The opening lines of “Disillusion” set the stage for a song rooted in the aftermath of heartbreak. Lyrics such as “Changing, moving, in a circle” suggest the emotional turbulence and repetitive thoughts that often follow the end of a significant relationship. The image of seeing the loved one’s face “in all of my dreams” and hearing their voice highlights the lingering presence of a lost love, unable to escape even in sleep.

Longing and Loss

The chorus brings the theme of disillusionment to the forefront. The narrator confesses, “You’re all I had, you’re all I want / Disillusion, disillusions now, that’s all I have.” These lines capture the sense of emptiness and confusion that can follow when expectations of love shatter. The use of the word “disillusion” reflects a painful awakening, where the reality is far from the cherished dreams and hopes once held.

Enduring Pain and Unanswered Questions

Throughout the song, the narrator grapples with memories and unanswered questions: “Wishing, hoping, chasing shadows,” and “Did I see your face somewhere in the crowd?” These lines evoke the desperation to reconnect or find closure, contrasted with the realization that such efforts are futile. The verse “They say my wound will heal and only leave a scar / But then, they’d never shared our love” poignantly acknowledges the uniqueness of personal pain, and how others’ reassurances can sometimes ring hollow.

Disillusion as a Final State

Ultimately, “Disillusion” does not offer resolution or healing but instead closes with the acceptance that disillusionment is all that remains. This stark emotional honesty is part of what gives the song its power, resonating with anyone who has experienced the loss of a deeply meaningful relationship.

Song Credits

Songwriters: Hayley Westenra, Jeff Lorber
Release Year: 1975
Label: Harvest Records

People Need Love – Lyrics

The Universal Message of Love and Connection

“People Need Love” by ABBA is a heartfelt anthem that emphasizes the essential need for love, hope, and trust among humanity. The lyrics remind us that, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances, the fundamentals of happiness and well-being are rooted in kindness and connection with others. The repeated lines in the chorus—“People need hope, people need loving, people need trust from a fellow man”—reinforce this message, making the song both uplifting and timeless.

Exploring Human Relationships

The verses delve deeper into interpersonal relationships, highlighting the mutual support between men and women. ABBA cleverly uses metaphors, like comparing flowers in a desert needing rain to people needing love, to illustrate how essential compassion and companionship are in our lives. The lyrics recognize the give-and-take in romantic relationships, but they also broaden the concept to include friendship and general human solidarity.

A Simple Yet Powerful Call for Kindness

What makes “People Need Love” so memorable is its simplicity. The song’s straightforward language and catchy “la la la” choruses invite listeners to sing along and internalize its message. It suggests that love isn’t just a romantic ideal but a vital element for everyone’s happiness and survival. The track encourages us to offer a helping hand and to place our faith in the goodness of others, ultimately fostering hope in our communities.

Song Credits

• Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
• Performed by: ABBA
• Release Year: 1972
• Label: Polar Music

Lyrics: I Saw It In The Mirror

I saw it in the mirror, I saw it in my face
That I'm no longer needed, anyone can take my place
I saw it in the mirror when I look into my eyes
'Cause something sure is wrong when this boy cries
(This boy cries)

I saw it in the mirror, my head is hanging low
And I ain't too familiar with the feelings that I show
I know you say you love me, but I'm seeing through your lies
It doesn't really bother you if this boy cries
(This boy cries)

I never thought I could cry for you
But honey I will miss you 'til the day I die
('Til the day I die)

I saw it in the mirror, I saw it in my face
That I'm no longer needed, anyone can take my place
I saw it in the mirror when I look into my eyes
'Cause something sure is wrong when this boy cries
(This boy cries, this boy cries)

Heartbreak Reflected: Analyzing the Lyrics

Seeing the Truth in the Mirror

“I Saw It In The Mirror” captures a raw moment of self-realization. The recurring image of the mirror acts as a metaphor for facing uncomfortable truths about love and self-worth. The narrator recognizes, simply by looking at himself, that the relationship has lost its meaning for his partner, and his own place in her life is now uncertain.

The Pain of Emotional Vulnerability

The lyrics reveal a struggle with vulnerability. The repeated line “this boy cries” is powerful, highlighting the pain of heartbreak and the difficulty of expressing such emotions. The protagonist admits to unfamiliar feelings, suggesting that he’s not used to showing sadness or crying, especially over someone else.

Love, Lies, and Letting Go

Despite assurances of love from his partner, the narrator senses dishonesty. The line “I know you say you love me, but I’m seeing through your lies” underscores the theme of deception. Even as he acknowledges the end of the relationship, he confesses, “I never thought I could cry for you, but honey I will miss you ’til the day I die,” expressing lingering affection and the lasting impact of lost love.

Song Credits

Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1973
Label: Polar Music