Lyrics: Dum Dum Diddle by ABBA
I can hear how you work, practising hard Playing night and day, woah-oh And it sounds better now Yes, you improve every time you play, woah-oh But it's bad You're so sad And you're only smiling When you play your violin Dum-dum-diddle, to be your fiddle To be so near you and not just hear you Dum-dum-diddle, to be your fiddle I think then maybe you'd see me, baby You'd be mine And we'd be together all the time Wish I was, dum-dum-diddle, your darling fiddle But I think you don't know that I exist I'm the quiet kind, woah-oh From the day when I first listened to you You've been on my mind, woah-oh You don't care It's not fair And you're only smiling When you play your violin Dum-dum-diddle, to be your fiddle To be so near you and not just hear you Dum-dum-diddle, to be your fiddle I think then maybe you'd see me, baby You'd be mine And we'd be together all the time Dum-dum-diddle, to be your fiddle To be so near you and not just hear you Dum-dum-diddle, to be your fiddle I think then maybe you'd see me, baby You'd be mine And we'd be together all the time Wish I was, dum-dum-diddle, your darling fiddle
Unpacking the Lyrics: Longing and Melancholy
“Dum Dum Diddle” by ABBA captures the bittersweet ache of unrequited love. The song’s narrator is drawn to a talented violinist, observing their dedication and improvement through tireless practice. Despite being physically close, the emotional distance between them is palpable—the violinist seems happiest only in the company of their instrument, leaving the admirer on the outside looking in.
Wishing to Be Seen
One of the most poignant themes in “Dum Dum Diddle” is the narrator’s longing not just for attention, but for a deeper connection. The repeated wish “to be your fiddle” is a clever metaphor: the narrator yearns to be as cherished and necessary to the violinist as their violin itself. This wish is both touching and tinged with sadness, as it highlights how invisible the narrator feels despite their constant presence.
The Quiet Kind
The lyrics also reflect the pain of being overlooked. The narrator describes themselves as “the quiet kind,” underscoring a sense of shyness or hesitance to express their feelings directly. This unspoken affection, coupled with the knowledge that the violinist may not even be aware of their existence, adds a layer of quiet desperation to the song.
Music as a Barrier and a Bridge
Ironically, the very music that brings the two together also acts as a barrier. While the violinist finds joy and solace in their music, the admirer is left longing for a smile that is never directed their way. The wordplay in the chorus, “dum-dum-diddle,” mimics the sound of a violin but also becomes a refrain of yearning and hope.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1976
Label: Polar Music