Ever since I heard this song and saw the video for the first time in 1982, I have had a theory that it is about an abusive relationship. It's sung in such a sad way, I cannot believe this describes a happy relationship. Something has gone terribly wrong, but the protagonist is trying to convince herself that things are not that bad. Because nobody can help her. And after all, her life was no good 'before' either.
In the video - at 3.03 when Agnetha steps out on the scene all alone and nobody else is even looking at her, the protagonist (which is not Agnetha herself, I don't think this has anything to do with her personal life or with ABBA for the matter) feels all alone. She is walking around among people who don't care, or don't know. Being alone - but in a relationship. In the video she also looks sad when she is with 'him' (apart from the beginning when they start flirting on the train, but that was before she knew him).
"Men det är nÃ¥got som inte stämmer. I stället för att vara en glädjeÂsÃ¥ng om avslutad ensamhet sÃ¥ drivs lÃ¥ten framÃ¥t av ett överväldigande vemod. Den enda slutsats som gÃ¥r att dra blir därför: När hon träffat mannen blev allt ännu värre. Rädsla, instängdhet, misshandel — vi vet inte vad det rör sig om, men livsläget blir om möjligt än mer outhärdligt."
Translation: "But something is not right. Instead of being a song of happiness and the end of loneliness, the song is chased by overwhelming sadness. The only possibly conclusion: when she met the man everything turned worse. Fear, unfreedom, abuse - we don't know what it is all about, but her life turns even more unbearable"
That is about how I have always looked upon the song myself. But it seems like Benny does not KNOW. Mabye just Agnetha knows what's in the protagonists thoughts.
I think this is my favourite ABBA song, the cover version by Blancmange done in the 80s is also very good, and there's a brilliant live version by Abba on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCBPkUxFZ5M
I never thought about the possibility that the woman's life was made even worse after she met the mystery new, but it's an interesting idea and you may be right. It's certainly a very dark song.
I think this is my favourite ABBA song, the cover version by Blancmange done in the 80s is also very good, and there's a brilliant live version by Abba on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCBPkUxFZ5M
I never thought about the possibility that the woman's life was made even worse after she met the mystery new, but it's an interesting idea and you may be right. It's certainly a very dark song.
No need to apologise for your English, it's extremely good. I assumed you were a native speaker until you said that.
No need to apologise for your English, it's extremely good. I assumed you were a native speaker until you said that.
Ever since I heard this song and saw the video for the first time in 1982, I have had a theory that it is about an abusive relationship. It's sung in such a sad way, I cannot believe this describes a happy relationship. Something has gone terribly wrong, but the protagonist is trying to convince herself that things are not that bad. Because nobody can help her. And after all, her life was no good 'before' either.
In the video - at 3.03 when Agnetha steps out on the scene all alone and nobody else is even looking at her, the protagonist (which is not Agnetha herself, I don't think this has anything to do with her personal life or with ABBA for the matter) feels all alone. She is walking around among people who don't care, or don't know. Being alone - but in a relationship. In the video she also looks sad when she is with 'him' (apart from the beginning when they start flirting on the train, but that was before she knew him).
Some years ago, Benny actually had a similar interpretation of the song in an interview: http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/musik/med-vemodet-som-standig-foljeslagare/
"Men det är nÃ¥got som inte stämmer. I stället för att vara en glädjeÂsÃ¥ng om avslutad ensamhet sÃ¥ drivs lÃ¥ten framÃ¥t av ett överväldigande vemod. Den enda slutsats som gÃ¥r att dra blir därför: När hon träffat mannen blev allt ännu värre. Rädsla, instängdhet, misshandel — vi vet inte vad det rör sig om, men livsläget blir om möjligt än mer outhärdligt."
Translation: "But something is not right. Instead of being a song of happiness and the end of loneliness, the song is chased by overwhelming sadness. The only possibly conclusion: when she met the man everything turned worse. Fear, unfreedom, abuse - we don't know what it is all about, but her life turns even more unbearable"
That is about how I have always looked upon the song myself. But it seems like Benny does not KNOW. Mabye just Agnetha knows what's in the protagonists thoughts.
Sorry for crappy English!
I think this is my favourite ABBA song, the cover version by Blancmange done in the 80s is also very good, and there's a brilliant live version by Abba on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCBPkUxFZ5M I never thought about the possibility that the woman's life was made even worse after she met the mystery new, but it's an interesting idea and you may be right. It's certainly a very dark song.
I think this is my favourite ABBA song, the cover version by Blancmange done in the 80s is also very good, and there's a brilliant live version by Abba on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCBPkUxFZ5M I never thought about the possibility that the woman's life was made even worse after she met the mystery new, but it's an interesting idea and you may be right. It's certainly a very dark song.
No need to apologise for your English, it's extremely good. I assumed you were a native speaker until you said that.
No need to apologise for your English, it's extremely good. I assumed you were a native speaker until you said that.