Lyrics: Like An Angel Passing Through My Room
Long awaited darkness falls Casting shadows on the walls In the twilight hour I am alone Sitting near the fireplace, dying embers warm my face In this peaceful solitude All the outside world subdued Everything comes back to me again In the gloom Like an angel passing through my room Half awake and half in dreams Seeing long forgotten scenes So the present runs into the past Now and then become entwined, playing games within my mind Like the embers as they die Love was one prolonged good-bye And it all comes back to me tonight In the gloom Like an angel passing through my room I close my eyes And my twilight images go by All too soon Like an angel passing through my room
Reflective Solitude: The Essence of the Song
“Like An Angel Passing Through My Room” stands out as one of ABBA’s most introspective and haunting ballads. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of solitude and reflection, set against the quiet backdrop of a fading fireplace and encroaching night. The song’s opening lines evoke a sense of comfort found in darkness, as the protagonist sits alone, enveloped in memory and peaceful isolation.
Memory, Time, and the Nature of Goodbye
The song beautifully explores the interplay of past and present. Lines such as “Half awake and half in dreams / Seeing long forgotten scenes” highlight how memories can blur the boundaries of time, weaving snapshots of the past into the fabric of the present moment. The warmth of dying embers serves as a poignant metaphor for love’s lingering presence, even as it fades away.
Perhaps the most striking theme is the acceptance of impermanence. The lyric “Love was one prolonged good-bye” encapsulates the bittersweet nature of cherished moments that inevitably slip away. The recurring image of an angel passing through the room suggests a fleeting presence—a moment of grace or comfort that is deeply felt but ultimately transient.
The Song’s Enduring Impact
ABBA’s minimalist arrangement and emotive delivery amplify the song’s meditative mood, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in its gentle melancholy. “Like An Angel Passing Through My Room” is a testament to the band’s ability to convey profound emotion with subtlety, making it a favorite for those who appreciate reflective songwriting.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1981
Label: Polar Music