Lyrics: Fernando by ABBA
Can you hear the drums Fernando? I remember long ago another starry night like this In the firelight Fernando You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar I could hear the distant drums And sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar They were closer now Fernando Every hour every minute seemed to last eternally I was so afraid Fernando We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die And I'm not ashamed to say The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry There was something in the air that night The stars were bright, Fernando They were shining there for you and me For liberty, Fernando Though we never thought that we could lose There's no regret If I had to do the same again I would, my friend, Fernando If I had to do the same again I would, my friend, Fernando Now we're old and grey Fernando Since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand Can you hear the drums Fernando? Do you still recall the fateful night we crossed the Rio Grande? I can see it in your eyes How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land There was something in the air that night The stars were bright, Fernando They were shining there for you and me For liberty, Fernando Though we never thought that we could lose There's no regret If I had to do the same again I would, my friend, Fernando There was something in the air that night The stars were bright, Fernando They were shining there for you and me For liberty, Fernando Though we never thought that we could lose There's no regret If I had to do the same again I would, my friend, Fernando Yes, if I had to do the same again I would, my friend, Fernando If I had to do the same again I would, my friend, Fernando...
Exploring the Story Behind “Fernando”
A Night Remembered: Nostalgia and Reflection
“Fernando” opens with a gentle question: “Can you hear the drums, Fernando?” This evocative line instantly sets a reflective mood, drawing listeners into a memory of a significant night long ago. Through starry skies and distant drums, the narrator recalls a time of youthful innocence, camaraderie, and the looming presence of war. The song’s gentle melody pairs seamlessly with its lyrical nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of two friends sharing an unforgettable moment in history.
The Pain and Glory of Battle
As the lyrics unfold, the sense of danger and fear becomes palpable. The characters, young and unprepared, are caught in the chaos of conflict. ABBA masterfully captures the emotional turmoil of facing mortality, as well as the courage required to stand for liberty. The repeated cries of “There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando” serve as an anthem for hope and resilience amidst adversity. The song acknowledges the pain of war—the roar of guns and cannons—but also the pride and sense of purpose that comes from fighting for freedom.
Enduring Friendship and Unwavering Regret
Years later, the characters have grown old, yet the memories remain vivid. The narrator wonders if Fernando still hears the drums and remembers the night they crossed the Rio Grande together. The lyrics highlight a deep and enduring friendship, built on shared ideals and sacrifices. The recurring line, “If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando,” underlines the absence of regret and the strength of their bond—suggesting that, despite the losses and hardships, their fight was meaningful and justified.
Universal Themes: Freedom, Memory, and Loyalty
“Fernando” resonates with listeners around the world because it encapsulates universal themes of freedom, remembrance, and unwavering loyalty. ABBA’s storytelling, combined with their melodic sensibility, transforms the song into a poignant tribute to those who stand together in the face of adversity. Whether interpreted as a literal tale of revolution or a metaphor for any struggle, “Fernando” remains an enduring classic that continues to move audiences of all generations.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
Release Year: 1976
Label: Polar Music