ABBA — 40 years younger again

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Gemma13 (here)
there's a loving friend with a hug in every song.

So very true. It's like some kind of marvelous paradox.

One of the many reaction videos I watched featured a guy our age, bearded and bald-headed, who looked like he might better belong on the back of a Harley. But he was proudly wearing his ABBA T-shirt. Moved to tears like all the rest of them, he said simply: "Just go out and give everyone you know a hug."

[Gemma13]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
I didn't get that much sleep. In all honesty, I was just too emotionally scrambled, like something whipped up in a blender. Now I'm on my second , I think I may have figured it all out.

Finally got some sleep last night but only had 3 hours in the prior 48hrs. Couldn't work it out. But surprisingly felt amazing and just wanted to sing and dance all day. Still do. Don't even want to look at a news feed

Perhaps Abba did activate a global joy from so many that we all got swept up in it together. I like to think so anyway. Maybe listening to them from now on will help activate those energetics again when needed. Who needs mindfullness apps created by Uni students when you can turn on Abba

[Bluegreen]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=7j6OI9TxqzI

[ExomatrixTV]

Posted by Star Mariner (here)
This is tremendous, thanks so much for posting it Bill. I grew up with Abba. I was so lucky to be born into an era of such diverse and awesome music. I can thank my older brother for that really, a true pop music maven, who as a matter of course played daily on his stereo the likes ELO, Queen, Genesis, Elton John, Billy Joel, Wings, Blondie, Hall & Oats, Pink Floyd, and many more, nearly always in the rock genre (the school into which I was initiated), but he would very often spin up the latest Abba songs too, and Boney M as I recall. So they've always had a place in my heart.

It only strengthened over the years as I listened more, listened deeper, reflecting on the intricacies of Benny and Bjorn's masterful compositions, and the purity, almost ethereal grandeur that is Agnetha and Frida on vocals. They were killing it decades before today's ghastly pretenders, who by comparison just cannot sing, and require auto-tune and god knows what else just to be saleable. Abba put out infinitely superior harmonies on their B-sides than any of today's bland computer generated dross.

So thrilled to see them back, and I agree, at a time when their beautiful energy is needed most. I only wish they hadn't left it sooo long. I remember when they split. 1982. Wow. Cannot wait to hear what else they've come up with. And wouldn't it be amazing if they reached Number One!

I will post my favourite Abba track. The exquisite excellence of this track cannot understated. It's pure tour de force from start to finish; beautifully performed by Agnetha (especially when you know the very personal backstory), bringing delicate harmonies, a rousing hook, astonishingly raw lyrics, and underlined throughout with heart-aching melancholy. Surely one of the best pop ballads in history.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c

"The Winner Takes It All, The Loser Standing Small" ... Agnetha Fältskog sings a song co-written by Bjorn Ulvaeus

Bjorn Ulvaeus has denied that the song is about his and Agnetha's divorce.
However, he has said that is about divorce in general and the emotions that come with it.

But if it was about him and Agnetha's divorce ... it is kind a strange that it was Bjorn Ulvaeus who felt the sadness Agnetha is singing about ... No joke, as she left him for someone else in real life.

cheers,
John

• ABBA - The Winner Takes It All (1980) HD1080p:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=iyIOl-s7JTU

147,071,658+ views

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Gemma13 (here)
Perhaps Abba did activate a global joy from so many that we all got swept up in it together.

Here's a very beautiful and moving reaction video, one of so very many. After her cheerful introduction, this lovely young girl finds herself immediately plunged into uncontrollable tears from start to finish.

"I can't explain what's happening", she says. "I wasn't even born in that era." When she gets to the stage performance, she simply can't believe what she's seeing.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=q4EAX8Ls5Z0

[Tigger]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)

Posted by Gemma13 (here)
Perhaps Abba did activate a global joy from so many that we all got swept up in it together.

Here's a very beautiful and moving reaction video, one of so very many. After her cheerful introduction, this lovely young girl finds herself immediately plunged into uncontrollable tears from start to finish.

"I can't explain what's happening", she says. "I wasn't even born in that era." When she gets to the stage performance, she simply can't believe what she's seeing.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=q4EAX8Ls5Z0

Oh wow. Thank you Bill

[rgray222]

I debated whether or not I should post this but I think it is interesting. I lived in Sweden from 1982-86. Benny and Frida were my next-door neighbours when I lived in Lidingö, a small island that is a suburb of Stockholm.

Oddly, I found this photo on the internet, it was labelled................"On the balcony of their house in Lidingö" they were as nice as they could be and while we did not socialize we would run into each other from time to time, especially at the neighborhood food market which was nothing more than an extremely small convenience store.

I have loved their music for a long time, just before the pandemic hit we saw a wonderful performance of Mama Mia. Their music leaves you feeling really great and very positive.

[Adi]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
(I'm an unashamed aficionado of their music, which was almost always ingenious and creative, and the girls' voices were absolutely always just something else) — but I was quite unprepared for the video. Here it is below, their first new release.

Well, Bill, we learn something new each day

Serious note, I too, enjoy ABBA

[Gemma13]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)

Posted by Gemma13 (here)
there's a loving friend with a hug in every song.

So very true. It's like some kind of marvelous paradox.

One of the many reaction videos I watched featured a guy our age, bearded and bald-headed, who looked like he might better belong on the back of a Harley. But he was proudly wearing his ABBA T-shirt. Moved to tears like all the rest of them, he said simply: "Just go out and give everyone you know a hug."

Aw I love him

[Valle]

a tidbit :-)
Abba was very close neighbors to me here where I live Vallentuna ("Valle") - And I remeber them as VERY nice people, and all neighbors liked them.
When I was young we often walked by there houses, and looked in when they played music :-)
(they lived next to each other in Dragonvreten)
Google maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/@59.5425.../data=!3m1!1e3

This is a close weather mill to to there home

Google maps
https://www.google.com/maps/@59.5336...7i16384!8i8192

My favorite album and song are Voulez-Vous, If It Wasn't For The Nights

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=7100pNJk19U

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

Probably the only girl in my whole life I was ever truly, truly nuts for was half Swedish, and a gosh darn spitting image of Agnetha. Something in those Scandinavian genes I swear. I worked right alongside her for the best part of 5 years, and she was a joy, a ray of light, and unbelievably gorgeous. Shame she was out of my league, but 99% of guys were.

But when I get to the other side, I'm going to have a proper sit down with my higher self and ask it why the hell I wasn't allowed to be born in Sweden.

[Valle]

Posted by Star Mariner (here)
Something in those Scandinavian genes I swear.

Honestly! when I travel i can often recognize other Swedes / Norwegians - by the eyes!
as in this video

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=iJ90ZqH0PWI

[RunningDeer]

Posted by Valle (here)
My favorite album and song are Voulez-Vous, If It Wasn't For The Nights

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=7100pNJk19U

If It Wasn’t for the Nights

I got appointments, work I have to do
Keeping me so busy all the day through

They're the things that keep me from thinking of you
(Oh) Baby, I miss you so, I know I'm never gonna make it

Oh, I'm so restless, I don't care what I say
And I lose my temper ten times a day

Still it's even worse when the night's on its way
It's bad, oh, so bad

Somehow I'd be doing alright if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could make it)

I'd have courage left to fight if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could take it)

How I fear the time when shadows start to fall
Sitting here alone and staring at the wall

Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the night
(Even I could see a light, I think that I could make it)

Somehow I'd be doing alright if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could take it)

No one to turn to, you know how it is
I was not prepared for something like this

Now I see them clearly, the things that I miss
(Ohhh) Baby, I feel so bad, I know I'm never gonna make it

I got my business to help me through the day
People I must write to, bills I must pay

But everything's so different when night's on its way
It's bad, oh, so bad

Somehow I'd be doing alright if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could make it)

I'd have courage left to fight if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could take it)

How I fear the time when shadows start to fall
Sitting here alone and staring at the wall

Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the night
(Even I could see a light, I think that I could make it)

Guess my future would look bright if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could make it)

If it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could take it)

If it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could make it)

Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the night
(Even I could see a light, I think that I could make it)

Guess my future would look bright if it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could take it)

If it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could make it)

If it wasn't for the night
(If it wasn't for the night, I think that I could take it)

Even I could see a light if it wasn't for the night
(Even I could see a light, I think that I could make it)

Guess my future would look bright if it wasn't for the night

[RunningDeer]

Posted by ExomatrixTV (here)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c

The Winner Takes It All

I don't wanna talk
About things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history

I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser's standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny

I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence

Building me a home
Thinking I'd be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules

The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear

The winner takes it all (takes it all)
The loser has to fall (has to fall)
It's simple and it's plain (it's so plain)
Why should I complain? (Why complain?)

But tell me, does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?

Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say?
Rules must be obeyed

The judges will decide (will decide)
The likes of me abide (me abide)
Spectators of the show (of the show)
Always staying low (staying low)

The game is on again (on again)
A lover or a friend (or a friend)
A big thing or a small (big or small)
The winner takes it all (takes it all)

I don't wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You've come to shake my hand

I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence

But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all
So the winner takes it all
And the loser has to fall

Throw the dice, cold as ice
Way down here, someone dear
Takes it all, has to fall
And it's plain, why complain?

[RunningDeer]

Posted by Open Minded Dude (here)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-crgQGdpZR0

Take A Chance On Me

If you change your mind
I'm the first in line
Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

If you need me, let me know
Gonna be around
If you've got no place to go
When you're feeling down

If you're all alone
When the pretty birds have flown
Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

Gonna do my very best
And it ain't no lie
If you put me to the test
If you let me try

Take a chance on me
That's all I ask of you, honey
Take a chance on me

We can go dancing (oh)
We can go walking (yeah)
As long as we're together (long as we're together)

Listen to some music (oh)
Maybe just talking (yeah)
Get to know you better (get to know you better)

'Cause you know I've got
So much that I wanna do
When I dream I'm alone with you, it's magic

You want me to leave it there
Afraid of a love affair, but I think you know
That I can't let go

If you change your mind
I'm the first in line
Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

If you need me, let me know
Gonna be around
If you've got no place to go
When you're feeling down

If you're all alone
When the pretty birds have flown
Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

Gonna do my very best
And it ain't no lie
If you put me to the test
If you let me try

Take a chance on me
Come on, give me a break, will you?
Take a chance on me

Oh, you can take your time, baby (oh)
I'm in no hurry (yeah)
Know I'm gonna get you (know I'm gonna get you)
You don't wanna hurt me (oh)
Baby, don't worry (yeah)
I ain't gonna let you (I ain't gonna let you)

Let me tell you now
My love is strong enough
To last when things are rough, it's magic
You say that I waste my time
But I can't get you off my mind, no, I can't let go
'Cause I love you so

If you change your mind
I'm the first in line
Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

If you need me, let me know
Gonna be around
If you've got no place to go
If you're feeling down

If you're all alone
When the pretty birds have flown
Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

Gonna do my very best
Baby, can't you see?
Gotta put me to the test
Take a chance on me

Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me
Ba-ba-ba, ba, ba
Ba-ba-ba, ba, ba

Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me

Gonna do my very best
Baby, can't you see
Gotta put me to the test
Take a chance on me

Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me
Ba-ba-ba, ba, ba
Ba-ba-ba, ba, ba, ba-ba

Honey, I'm still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best
Baby, can't you see
Gotta put me to the test
Take a chance on me

[RunningDeer]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQsjAbZDx-4

Fernando

[Verse 1]
Can you hear the drums, Fernando?
I remember, long ago, another starry night like this
In the firelight, Fernando
You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar
I could hear the distant drums and sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar

[Verse 2]
They were closer now, Fernando
Every hour, every minute seemed to last eternally
I was so afraid, Fernando
We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die
And I'm not ashamed to say the roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry

[Chorus]
There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando

Though we never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando

[Verse 3]
Now we're old and grey, Fernando
Since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Can you hear the drums, Fernando?
Do you still recall the fateful night we crossed the Rio Grande?
I can see it in your eyes, how proud you were to fight for freedom in this land

[Chorus]
There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando

Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando

Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
Yes, if I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando

[Outro]
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando

[RunningDeer]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=iUrzicaiRLU

Knowing Me, Knowing You

No more carefree laughter
Silence ever after
Walking through an empty house, tears in my eyes
Here is where the story ends, this is goodbye

[Chorus]

Knowing me, knowing you, aha
There is nothing we can do
Knowing me, knowing you, aha

We just have to face it, this time we're through
(This time we're through, this time we're really through)
(This time we're through, we're really through)

Breaking up is never easy, I know, but I have to go
(I have to go, this time I have to go, this time I know)
Knowing me, knowing you, it's the best I can do

Memories, good days, bad days (Memories, good days, bad days)
They'll be with me always (They'll be with me always)
In these old familiar rooms, children would play
Now there's only emptiness, nothing to say

[Chorus]
Knowing me, knowing you, aha
There is nothing we can do

Knowing me, knowing you, aha
We just have to face it, this time we're through
(This time we're through, this time we're really through)
(This time we're through, we're really through)

Breaking up is never easy, I know, but I have to go
(I have to go, this time I have to go, this time I know)

Knowing me, knowing you, it's the best I can do

[Heart to heart]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)

Posted by Gemma13 (here)

Almost too excited to press play and watch this, so gonna sit quietly now and give them all my attention.

It's remarkably good, isn't it? It stands right alongside their best from 40 years ago. Clearly, they can still deliver what they always did.

And like so much of their work, with this new song you appreciate it more each time you hear it. It 'sticks'. And OMG, here they are, all in their 70s. I know many performers from that era are still around, many with solo careers or multiply changed versions of the same band, but this is exactly the same four. There was never anyone else.

And I totally bet it makes you cry again.

It did just that Bill, I have always loved their music, so pure and clear. Thank you for starting this thread. My heart sings just listening to them again❤️

[RunningDeer]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=cvChjHcABPA

S.O.S.

Where are those happy days, they seem so hard to find
I tried to reach for you, but you have closed your mind
Whatever happened to our love?
I wish I understood
It used to be so nice, it used to be so good

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me
S. O. S.
The love you gave me, nothing else can save me
S. O. S.

When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

You seem so far away though you are standing near
You made me feel alive, but something died I fear
I really tried to make it out
I wish I understood
What happened to our love, it used to be so good

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me
S. O. S.
The love you gave me, nothing else can save me
S. O. S.

When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me
S. O. S.
And the love you gave me, nothing else can save me
S. O. S.

When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

When you're gone
How can I even try to go on?
When you're gone
Though I try how can I carry on?

[RunningDeer]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=p4QqMKe3rwY

Chiquitita

Chiquitita, tell me what's wrong
You're enchained by your own sorrow
In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow

How I hate to see you like this
There is no way you can deny it
I can see that you're oh so sad, so quiet

Chiquitita, tell me the truth
I'm a shoulder you can cry on
Your best friend, I'm the one you must rely on

You were always sure of yourself
Now I see you've broken a feather
I hope we can patch it up together

Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they're leaving
You'll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving

Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita

Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita

So the walls came tumbling down
And your love's a blown out candle
All is gone and it seems too hard to handle

Chiquitita, tell me the truth
There is no way you can deny it
I see that you're oh so sad, so quiet

Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they're leaving
You'll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving

Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita

Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita