Lyrics: Happy New Year by ABBA
No more champagne And the fireworks are through Here we are, me and you Feeling lost and feeling blue It's the end of the party And the morning seems so grey So unlike yesterday Now's the time for us to say... Happy new year Happy new year May we all have a vision now and then Of a world where every neighbour is a friend Happy new year Happy new year May we all have our hopes, our will to try If we don't we might as well lay down and die You and I Sometimes I see How the brave new world arrives And I see how it thrives In the ashes of our lives Oh yes, man is a fool And he thinks he'll be okay Dragging on, feet of clay Never knowing he's astray Keeps on going anyway... Happy new year Happy new year May we all have a vision now and then Of a world where every neighbour is a friend Happy new year Happy new year May we all have our hopes, our will to try If we don't we might as well lay down and die You and I Seems to me now That the dreams we had before Are all dead, nothing more Than confetti on the floor It's the end of a decade In another ten years time Who can say what we'll find What lies waiting down the line In the end of eighty-nine... Happy new year Happy new year May we all have a vision now and then Of a world where every neighbour is a friend Happy new year Happy new year May we all have our hopes, our will to try If we don't we might as well lay down and die You and I
Reflecting on New Beginnings and Hope
ABBA’s “Happy New Year” is more than just a festive anthem; it’s a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the bittersweet emotions at the turn of the year, and the universal yearning for hope and unity. This iconic song, released at the dawn of a new decade, captures a moment of transition—when the celebrations are over and reality sets in.
The Melancholy After the Celebration
The opening lines set a somber tone, describing the aftermath of New Year’s Eve festivities. The party is over, the fireworks have faded, and what’s left is a sense of emptiness and uncertainty. ABBA perfectly captures that familiar feeling of nostalgia and introspection that often follows moments of joy and excitement.
Longing for a Better World
The chorus, with its repeated wishes for a “Happy New Year,” expresses a hope that everyone can glimpse a vision of a world where “every neighbour is a friend.” This sentiment speaks to a deep desire for peace, community, and mutual understanding—a world where people support and care for one another. The plea for hope and the “will to try” suggests that these ideals require effort and perseverance from all of us.
Cynicism and Realism
Despite its hopeful refrain, the song doesn’t shy away from realism. The verses acknowledge human flaws—”man is a fool… dragging on, feet of clay”—and the tendency to keep moving forward even when unsure of the path. The line about dreams being “confetti on the floor” is particularly powerful, underscoring how aspirations can feel fleeting or lost amid life’s challenges.
Looking to the Future
As the song progresses, it reflects on the uncertainty of the future, questioning what the next decade might bring. This contemplation resonates with listeners worldwide, as each New Year brings both hope and anxiety about what lies ahead. Yet, ABBA’s ultimate message is clear: without hope and determination, we risk losing our way.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
- Release Year: 1980
- Label: Polar Music