Lyrics: Nina, Pretty Ballerina
Every day in the morning on her way to the office You can see as she catches a train Just a face among a million faces Just another woman with no name Not the girl you'd remember but she's still something special If you knew her I am sure you'd agree 'Cause I know she's got a little secret Friday evening she turns out to be... Nina, pretty ballerina Now she is the queen of the dancing floor This is the moment she's waited for Just like Cinderella (just like Cinderella) Nina, pretty ballerina Who would ever think she could be this way This is the part that she likes to play But she knows the fun would go away If she would play it every day So she's back every morning to her work at the office And another week to live in a dream And another row of early mornings In an almost never-ending stream Doesn't talk very often, kind of shy and uncertain Everybody seems to think she's a bore But they wouldn't know her little secret What her Friday night would have in store... Nina, pretty ballerina Now she is the queen of the dancing floor This is the moment she's waited for Just like Cinderella (just like Cinderella) Nina, pretty ballerina Who would ever think she could be this way This is the part that she likes to play She would like to play it every day Nina, pretty ballerina Now she is the queen of the dancing floor This is the moment she's waited for Just like Cinderella (just like Cinderella) Nina, pretty ballerina Who would ever think she could be this way This is the part that she likes to play [fade]
The Secret Life of Nina: Unveiling the Everyday Heroine
“Nina, Pretty Ballerina” tells the enchanting story of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary secret. By day, Nina blends into the crowd, commuting to her office, seemingly just another face in the sea of city life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her reserved, almost invisible persona—”just another woman with no name,” “kind of shy and uncertain,” and someone “everybody seems to think she’s a bore.” Yet, beneath this quiet exterior lies a vibrant spirit waiting for her moment to shine.
Transformation on the Dance Floor
The chorus brings Nina’s transformation to life. On Friday evenings, she sheds her routine and becomes “the queen of the dancing floor.” The comparison to Cinderella is apt, highlighting Nina’s magical transformation from the mundane to the magnificent, if only for a night. The dance floor becomes her stage, where she can express her true self, feel beautiful, and embrace the joy she’s been waiting for all week. This secret double life adds depth to her character, reminding us that everyone has hidden dreams and moments of glory.
Living for the Moment
Although Nina loves her time in the spotlight, the lyrics also acknowledge the fleeting nature of these moments. She knows that “the fun would go away if she would play it every day.” This bittersweet truth adds a layer of realism to the story. Nina’s magical Fridays wouldn’t be as special if they became routine. Her weekly escape is a celebration of individuality and the power of self-expression, even if it’s only temporary.
Relatability and Inspiration
Nina’s story resonates because it reflects the inner world of many people. We all have dreams, passions, or sides of ourselves that rarely see the light of day. The song encourages listeners to embrace their own inner “ballerina,” to find moments to break free from routine, and to recognize that beneath the ordinary, there is often something truly extraordinary.
Song Credits
“Nina, Pretty Ballerina” was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The song was performed by Swedish pop group ABBA and was released in 1973 as part of their debut album, Ring Ring. The track was released under the Polar Music label.