Lyrics: One Man, One Woman by ABBA
No smiles, not a single word at the breakfast table Though I would have liked to begin So much that I wanna say, but I feel unable You leave and slam the door Like you've done many times before And I cry and I feel so helpless One man, one woman Two friends and two true lovers Somehow we'll help each other through the hard times One man, one woman One life to live together One chance to take that never comes back again You and me, to the end Outside I can see the sun through the open window Inside everything feels so cold What's wrong, what is happening, where did all our love go? Sometimes when I just can't cope I cling to a desperate hope And I cry and I feel like dying One man, one woman Two friends and two true lovers Somehow we'll help each other through the hard times One man, one woman One life to live together One chance to take that never comes back again You and me, to the end Daydreams of a better life, but I have to wake up The sound of the key in the door You smile and I realise that we need a shake-up Our love is a precious thing Worth the pain and the suffering And it's never too late for changing One man, one woman Two friends and two true lovers Somehow we'll help each other through the hard times One man, one woman One life to live together One chance to take that never comes back again You and me, to the end You and me, to the end
Exploring the Emotions in “One Man, One Woman”
A Window Into Relationship Struggles
“One Man, One Woman” is one of ABBA’s most heartfelt and poignant songs, delving deep into the complexities of a romantic relationship under strain. The opening verses paint a vivid picture of distance and tension—two people sharing a space but separated by unspoken words and emotional walls. The silence at the breakfast table and the repeated slamming of doors reflect a cycle many couples can relate to when communication breaks down.
Endurance, Hope, and Love
Despite the difficulties, the chorus brings out the underlying resilience and hope shared by the couple. Phrases like “Somehow we’ll help each other through the hard times” and “One chance to take that never comes back again” highlight the commitment and belief that love, though tested, is worth fighting for. The song emphasizes the importance of friendship and partnership within the romantic bond, suggesting that enduring love relies as much on mutual support as on passion.
From Despair to Renewal
As the song progresses, the narrative moves from scenes of despair and longing to a sense of renewal and optimism. The line “You smile and I realise that we need a shake-up” marks a turning point, where the couple recognizes their love as something precious—worth the effort, pain, and even transformation. The final repetition of “You and me, to the end” is a powerful affirmation of their enduring bond and the hope that, together, they can weather any storm.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
- Release Year: 1977
- Label: Polar Music