Lyrics: I Wonder (Departure) by ABBA
This park and these houses, old streets I have walked Everything dear, will it be here One day when I am returning? My friends will get married, have children and homes It sounds so nice, well-planned and wise Never expecting surprises I wonder, it's frightening Leaving now, is that the right thing? I wonder, it scares me But who the hell am I if I don't even try? I'm not a coward Oh no, I'll be strong One chance in a lifetime Yes I will take it, it can't go wrong My friends and my family, this dull little town Buses I've missed, boys that I've kissed Everything old and familiar I wonder, it's frightening Leaving now, is that the right thing? I wonder, it scares me But who the hell am I if I don't even try? I'm not a coward Oh no, I'll be strong One chance in a lifetime Yes I will take it... Yes I will take it, it can't go wrong
Finding Courage in Uncertainty: Lyrical Analysis
Nostalgia and the Pull of Home
“I Wonder (Departure)” opens with evocative imagery of familiar parks, houses, and streets. The narrator reflects on the comforts of home—friends settling down, cherished routines, and the predictability of small-town life. These lines resonate with anyone who has stood on the edge of a significant life change, questioning whether the places and people they love will remain the same when (or if) they return.
The Fear and Excitement of Taking Risks
The heart of the song lies in its chorus, where the narrator voices her fears: “I wonder, it’s frightening / Leaving now, is that the right thing?” This internal struggle is something many listeners can relate to—the anxiety that comes with leaving behind the familiar for the unknown. Yet, amid her doubts, she confronts herself: “But who the hell am I if I don’t even try?” This line captures the courage needed to pursue new opportunities, even when they’re scary.
Affirming Strength and Individuality
As the song progresses, the narrator resolves not to let fear define her. She asserts, “I’m not a coward, oh no, I’ll be strong / One chance in a lifetime / Yes I will take it, it can’t go wrong.” This affirmation is inspiring, as it speaks to the universal desire to seize life’s pivotal moments and trust in one’s own resilience and decision-making.
Embracing Change While Honoring the Past
Throughout, there’s a bittersweet acknowledgment of what will be left behind—family, friends, youthful memories. Yet, the song’s ultimate message is one of empowerment: growth often requires stepping away from comfort and embracing the unknown. “I Wonder (Departure)” beautifully captures the emotional complexity of leaving home and the resolve it takes to pursue one’s dreams.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
Release Year: 1977
Label: Polar Music