Lyrics: I Let The Music Speak
I'm hearing images, I'm seeing songs No poet has ever painted Voices call out to me, straight to my heart So strange yet we're so well acquainted I let the music speak, with no restraints I let my feelings take over Carry my soul away into the world Where beauty meets the darkness of the day Where my mind is like an open window Where the high and healing winds blow From my shallow sleep the sounds awake me I let them take me (Let them wake me, let them now, let them take me) Let it be a joke Let it be a smile Let it be a farce if it makes me laugh for a little while Let it be a tear Let it be a sigh Coming from a heart, speaking to a heart, let it be a cry Some streets are emptiness, dry leaves of autumn Rustling down an old alley And in the dead of night I find myself A blind man in some ancient valley I let the music speak, leading me gently Urging me like a lover Leading me all the way Into a place Where beauty will defeat the darkest day Where I'm one with every grand illusion No disturbance, no intrusion Where I let the wistful sounds seduce me I let them use me (All illusion, no disturbance, no intrusion) Let it be a joke Let it be a smile Let it be a farce if it makes me laugh for a little while Let it be a tear Let it be a sigh Coming from a heart, speaking to a heart, let it be a cry Let it be a tear Let it be a sigh Coming from a heart, speaking to a heart, let it be a cry Let it be the joy of each new sunrise Or the moment when a day dies I surrender without reservation No explanations No questions why I take it to me and let it flow through me Yes, I let the music speak I let the music speak
Song Analysis and Interpretation
The Power of Music as an Emotional Language
“I Let The Music Speak” by ABBA is a profound meditation on the transformative power of music. The opening lines set a vivid scene: music conjures images and emotions no poet could ever capture, reaching directly to the heart. The narrator describes surrendering to the music, allowing it to guide their feelings and carry their soul to places where beauty and darkness coexist. This sense of surrender is emphasized throughout the song, portraying music as a force that transcends rational thought.
Embracing a Full Range of Emotions
The chorus highlights the role of music in expressing the full spectrum of human emotions. Whether it invokes laughter, tears, joy, or sorrow, music is depicted as a universal language that connects hearts and allows for authentic expression. The repeated lines, “Let it be a tear, let it be a sigh, coming from a heart, speaking to a heart, let it be a cry,” underline this theme of emotional honesty.
Finding Solace and Inspiration
Through evocative imagery—such as empty streets, rustling autumn leaves, and ancient valleys—the lyrics also explore the comfort and inspiration music offers during moments of solitude or introspection. The music becomes a guiding presence, gently leading the listener out of darkness and into a space where illusions and dreams can flourish without disturbance or intrusion.
Surrender and Liberation
In the song’s final verse, the narrator fully surrenders to the music, letting it flow through them without reservation or question. This act of surrender is depicted as liberating, allowing the individual to experience life’s joys and sorrows more deeply and authentically. Ultimately, “I Let The Music Speak” celebrates music’s ability to heal, inspire, and connect us to our innermost selves.
Song Credits
“I Let The Music Speak” was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. It was released by ABBA in 1981 as part of their album “The Visitors” under Polar Music. The song stands as one of the group’s most introspective and musically sophisticated works, highlighting their evolution as songwriters.