Lyrics: Our Last Summer by ABBA
The summer air was soft and warm
The feeling right
The Paris night
Did it’s best to please us
And strolling down the Élysées
We had a drink in each café
And you
You talked of politics, philosophy
And I smiled like Mona Lisa
We had our chance
It was a fine and true romance
I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
Walks along the Seine
Laughing in the rain
Our last summer
Memories that remain
We made our way along the river
And we sat down in the grass
By the Eiffel tower
I was so happy we had met
It was the age of no regret
Oh yes
Those crazy years
That was the time of the flower power
But underneath we had a fear of flying
Of getting old, a fear of slowly dying
We took the chance
Like we were dancing our last dance
I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
In the tourist jam
‘Round the Notre Dame
Our last summer
Walking hand in hand
Paris restaurants
Our last summer
Morning croissants
Living for the day
Worries far away
Our last summer
We could laugh and play
And now you’re working in a bank
The family man, the football fan
And your name is Harry
How dull it seems
Yet you’re the hero of my dreams
I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
Walks along the Seine
Laughing in the rain
Our last summer
Memories that remain
I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
In the tourist jam
‘Round the Notre Dame
Our last summer
Walking hand in hand
Paris restaurants
Our last summer
Morning croissants
We were living for the day
Worries far away
Our last summer
Song Meaning and Analysis
Reminiscing on a Summer Romance
“Our Last Summer” by ABBA is a heartfelt journey into the bittersweet memories of a romantic summer spent in Paris. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful love and adventure, capturing the essence of two people experiencing the magic of the city and the freedom of living in the moment. From strolling down the Champs-Élysées to enjoying drinks at Parisian cafés, the song is filled with nostalgic imagery that transports listeners to a time of carefree happiness.
The Passage of Time and Lost Innocence
Beneath the joyous memories lies a subtle melancholy. The song reflects on how life changes, and how those passionate moments are often only fleeting. The lines about “the age of no regret” and “the time of the flower power” evoke a sense of lost innocence and the inevitable transition to adulthood. The narrator’s recollections are tinged with longing for the freedom and optimism of youth, contrasting sharply with the present, where the former lover now leads a more conventional life.
Paris as a Symbol of Love
Paris, often referred to as the city of love, is not just a backdrop but a character in itself. The references to iconic sites like the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame enrich the narrative with a sense of romance and timelessness. The city becomes a symbol of the unforgettable moments shared by the couple, forever holding their memories within its streets and cafés.
The Universal Nature of Nostalgia
ABBA masterfully captures the universal feeling of nostalgia—the way certain seasons, places, or songs can transport us back to our most cherished memories. “Our Last Summer” resonates with anyone who has experienced a love that was both transformative and ephemeral, reminding us that while moments may pass, the memories remain vivid in our hearts.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1980
Label: Polar Music