Lyrics: When You Danced With Me
I can remember when you left Kilkenny And you told me, "I'll return next year" I never meant to hold you to your promise And the years went by and I'm still here So you left for the city, I hope you like it there You're only here now to see the Village Fair You're just here for the music, that's all, or could it be You miss the good old times when you danced with me So is the outside world as you imagined? Was it worth it, severing the ties? Happy to see me or a bit embarrassed? There's a darkness deep in your blue eyes So you left for the city, I hope you like it there You're only here now to see the Village Fair You're just here for the music, that's all, or could it be You miss the good old times when you danced with me When you danced with me I miss the good old times when you danced with me
Reflecting on Nostalgia and Change
“When You Danced With Me” by ABBA is a heartfelt reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of reunions. The lyrics open with a memory of parting in Kilkenny, where one person leaves for the city with the promise of returning. The narrator, left behind, finds themselves still rooted in the same place as years drift by, highlighting a sense of longing and the weight of unfulfilled promises.
The recurring image of the Village Fair serves as a symbol of tradition and community, contrasting with the allure of the outside world. When the two characters meet again, the narrator questions the visitor’s motives—are they truly here for the music, or do they secretly yearn for the simplicity and joy of the past? The lyrics capture the tension between moving forward and holding onto cherished memories, with subtle hints of regret and unresolved emotions. Ultimately, the song beautifully encapsulates the universal experience of looking back at what once was, and the enduring impact of moments shared on the dance floor.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 2021
Label: Polar Music International AB