ABBA

Lyrics

[Chorus]
You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen

[Verse 1]
Friday night and the lights are low
Looking out for a place to go
Where they play the right music, getting in the swing
You come to look for a king
Anybody could be that guy
Night is young and the music's high
With a bit of rock music, everything is fine
You're in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance

[Chorus]
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen
Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah
You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen
[Verse 2]
You're a teaser, you turn 'em on
Leave 'em burning and then you're gone
Looking out for another, anyone will do
You're in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance

[Chorus]
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen
Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah
You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen

[Outro]
Digging the dancing queen

Imagine yourself transported back to the heyday of disco, the sparkling lights and technicolor outfits, and the sound of ABBA's "Dancing Queen" blaring through the speakers. With its catchy beat and infectious melody, it's no wonder why this song has become a timeless classic in the world of pop music.

Let's dive deeper into the story behind "Dancing Queen" and how it came to be one of the most beloved songs of all time.

About Dancing Queen

Released in 1976, "Dancing Queen" quickly became ABBA's most recognized hit. The song displays a signature blend of Europop and disco that has since become synonymous with the era of glittering disco balls and neon dance floors. But did you know that this song was inspired by both George McCrae's 1974 hit "Rock Your Baby" and Dr. John's '72 album, "Dr. John's Gumbo"?

"Dancing Queen" was initially titled "Boogaloo" when it was brought to Glen Studios in Stockholm by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, who had originally composed another famed ABBA song in the same session, "Fernando." From there, the song was transformed into the tune we know and love today.

According to Andersson, when he played the backing track for "Dancing Queen" to Frida Lyndstad, she became overwhelmed with emotion and began to cry. "And that was before me and Agnetha had even sung on it! I knew it was absolutely the best song ABBA had ever done," he recounted. Lead vocalist Agnetha Faltskog also stated that the band knew it was going to be massive.

As it turns out, they were right. When "Dancing Queen" was released worldwide, it quickly topped the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, where it reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

But what makes "Dancing Queen" so special? Perhaps it's the irresistible melody or the way the song practically demands that you get up and dance. There's also something deeply nostalgic about this tune, a sentimental pull towards a simpler time when disco reigned supreme.

Rolling Stone Magazine ranks "Dancing Queen" #174 out of their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time," a well-deserved spot on a list full of musical legends.

Over the years, "Dancing Queen" has been covered by countless artists, featured in numerous movies and television shows, and remains a go-to choice for wedding receptions and dance parties.

Conclusion

ABBA's "Dancing Queen" is more than just a catchy melody that gets stuck in your head; it's an anthem of the '70s disco era and a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of generations of music lovers. This song deserves a spot on everyone's playlist, and there's no doubt that we'll be dancing to it for years to come.

• Release Date: August 15, 1976
• Artist: ABBA