Lyrics: The Piper by ABBA
They came from the hills And they came from the valleys and the plains They struggled in the cold In the heat and the snow and in the rain Came to hear him play Play their minds away We're all following a strange melody We're all summoned by a tune We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon... We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon for him And we dance beneath the moon Sub luna saltamus They came from the south From the west and the north and from the east They waited for the man Like a parish is waiting for the priest Longed to hear him play Play their minds away We're all following a strange melody We're all summoned by a tune We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon... We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon for him And we dance beneath the moon Sub luna saltamus He gave them a dream He seduced everybody in the land The fire in his eyes And the fear was a weapon in his hand So they let him play Play their minds away We're all following a strange melody We're all summoned by a tune We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon... We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon for him And we dance beneath the moon
The Mesmerizing Allure of “The Piper”
“The Piper” by ABBA is a haunting and evocative song that stands out for its mysterious lyrics and captivating melody. With its medieval-inspired instrumentation and choral flourishes, the track draws listeners into a world where people are irresistibly drawn to a charismatic figure — the piper — whose music holds an almost magical power. The repeated lines, “We’re all following a strange melody / We’re all summoned by a tune,” set a tone of enchantment, suggesting a collective surrender to forces beyond understanding.
The Power of Influence and Collective Yearning
The lyrics describe people from all walks of life — “from the hills,” “the valleys and the plains,” “the south…west…north…east” — converging to listen to the piper play. This universal gathering hints at a deep, shared longing for escape or transformation. The piper becomes a symbol of both hope and risk, promising to “play their minds away” and lead them beneath the moon in hypnotic dance. The Latin phrase “Sub luna saltamus” (“We dance under the moon”) adds an air of ritualistic mystery, reinforcing the song’s timeless, almost mythical quality.
Charm, Fear, and the Dark Side of Charisma
As the song progresses, the piper is revealed to be both a dream-giver and a manipulator. “He gave them a dream / He seduced everybody in the land…the fear was a weapon in his hand.” Here, ABBA explores the dual nature of charismatic leaders — their ability to inspire, but also to control and instill fear. The piper’s “fire in his eyes” and the crowd’s willingness to “let him play” reflect humanity’s vulnerability to persuasion and the dangers of blind following.
A Timeless Allegory
“The Piper” can be interpreted as a modern retelling of the Pied Piper legend, but it also resonates as a commentary on mass movements, cults of personality, and the seductive allure of leadership. The song’s atmosphere, with its choral backing and minor key, underscores the tension between fascination and foreboding. Ultimately, “The Piper” invites listeners to reflect on why we follow, whom we trust, and the price of surrendering to a compelling tune.
Song Credits
- Artist: ABBA
- Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
- Release Year: 1980
- Label: Polar Music