Lyrics: Cassandra by ABBA
Down in the street they're all singing and shouting Staying alive though the city is dead Hiding their shame behind hollow laughter While you are crying alone in your bed Pity Cassandra that no one believed you But then again you were lost from the start Now we must suffer and sell our secrets Bargain, playing smart, aching in our hearts Sorry Cassandra I misunderstood Now the last day is dawning Some of us wanted but none of us could Listen to words of warning But on the darkest of nights Nobody knew how to fight And we were caught in our sleep Sorry Cassandra I didn't believe You really had the power I only saw it as dreams you would weave Until the final hour So in the morning your ship will be sailing Now that your father and sister are gone There is no reason for you to linger You're grieving deeply but still moving on You know the future is casting a shadow No one else sees it but you know your fate Packing your bags, being slow and thorough Knowing, though you're late, that ship is sure to wait Sorry Cassandra I misunderstood Now the last day is dawning Some of us wanted but none of us could Listen to words of warning But on the darkest of nights Nobody knew how to fight And we were caught in our sleep Sorry Cassandra I didn't believe You really had the power I only saw it as dreams you would weave Until the final hour I watched the ship leaving harbor at sunrise Sails almost slack in the cool morning rain She stood on deck, just a tiny figure Rigid and restrained, blue eyes filled with pain Sorry Cassandra I misunderstood Now the last day is dawning Some of us wanted but none of us could Listen to words of warning But on the darkest of nights Nobody knew how to fight And we were caught in our sleep Sorry Cassandra I didn't believe You really had the power I only saw it as dreams you would weave Until the final hour I'm sorry Cassandra I'm sorry Cassandra
Lyric Analysis: The Tragic Prophecy of Cassandra
Cassandra by ABBA draws inspiration from Greek mythology, specifically the story of Cassandra, the prophetess doomed to be ignored. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a city oblivious to impending doom, hiding behind laughter and denial. Cassandra, isolated and grieving, is the only one burdened with knowledge of the disaster to come. The chorus is a heartfelt apology from the perspective of those who failed to listen, expressing regret and sorrow as the consequences of their disbelief become apparent.
The song’s verses evoke a sense of inevitability and loss. Cassandra’s departure, after losing her family, symbolizes resilience in the face of tragedy. The repetition of apologies underscores the pain of hindsight and the loneliness of foresight. ABBA’s storytelling captures both the myth’s timeless warning and the emotional cost of being unheard, making the song resonate with anyone who has felt ignored or misunderstood.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
- Release Year: 1982
- Label: Polar Music