Lyrics: Waterloo (French Version) by ABBA
Et moi – je crois que mon destin prend aujourd’hui le même chemin
Les livres d’histoire et la vie
Racontent la même comédie
Waterloo, tu es vainqueur et je perds la guerre
Waterloo, je me constitue ta prisionière
Waterloo, je ne peux plus fuir et plus t’échapper
Waterloo, pour la vie je promets de t’aimer
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Il est arrivé mon Waterloo
Pourtant – j’ai bien tenté de résister mais en vain
Alors – je crois que ma seule chance est d’abandonner le combat
Comment faire encore pour y croire
Quand je souhaite ta victoire
Waterloo, tu es vainqueur et je perds la guerre
Waterloo, je me constitue ta prisionière
Waterloo, je ne peux plus fuir et plus t’échapper
Waterloo, pour la vie je promets de t’aimer
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Il est arrivé mon Waterloo
Comment faire encore pour y croire
Quand je souhaite ta victoire
Waterloo, je ne peux plus fuir et plus t’échapper
Waterloo, pour la vie je promets de t’aimer
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Il est arrivé mon Waterloo
Waterloo
Il est arrivé mon Waterloo
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Il est arrivé mon Waterloo
Lyric Analysis and Interpretation
The Battle as a Metaphor for Love
In “Waterloo (French Version)”, ABBA transforms the legendary defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo into a powerful metaphor for falling in love. The opening lines set the stage by drawing a direct parallel between Napoleon’s surrender and the narrator’s own realization that resistance is futile. This historical allusion is cleverly used to illustrate the intensity and inevitability of surrendering one’s heart to another.
Embracing Defeat in Romance
The chorus, “Waterloo, tu es vainqueur et je perds la guerre / Waterloo, je me constitue ta prisionière,” expresses the idea of willingly becoming a prisoner to love. The narrator acknowledges their inability to escape or run from their feelings, and instead, promises lifelong devotion. The repeated “Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo” adds a playful, catchy energy, reinforcing the song’s upbeat resignation to love’s power.
From Resistance to Acceptance
Throughout the verses, there is an internal struggle. The narrator admits trying to resist, but ultimately recognizes that surrender is the only option left. Rather than feeling defeated, this surrender is seen positively, as an act of acceptance and even relief. The battle imagery, combined with the wish for the beloved’s victory, underscores the transformative nature of love and how it can conquer all defenses.
The Timelessness of ABBA’s Message
By weaving together personal emotion and historical drama, ABBA creates a universal anthem about the vulnerability and joy found in giving in to love. The French lyrics retain the playful yet earnest spirit of the original, making “Waterloo (French Version)” a song that resonates across languages and eras.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
- Release Year: 1974
- Label: Polar Music