ABBA

Lyrics

[Intro]

[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

ABBA is undoubtedly one of the most influential bands of all time, and "Fernando" is one of their greatest hits. Originally released as an Anni-Frid Lyngstad solo song in 1975, the Swedish pop group re-released it in 1976 and eventually turned it into one of the best-selling songs of all time.

About Fernando

"Fernando" was written by Benny Andersson, Bjor Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson. The song's lyrics were initially banal - it was a love song about someone who loved Fernando. However, Ulvaeus took the word 'Fernando' and turned it into an entirely different concept, which resulted in the unique storyline we now hear in the song.

"That lyric is so banal, and I didn’t like it. It was a love lyric, someone who loved Fernando. But I inherited the word ‘Fernando,' and I thought long and hard, what does Fernando tell me? I was in my summer house one starry evening, and the words came, ‘There was something in the air that night,' and I thought of two old comrades from some guerrilla war in Mexico who would be sitting on the porch and reminiscing about what happened to them back then, and this is what it is all about. Total fiction." - Bjorn Ulvaeus

The track famously begins with the gentle strains of a Spanish guitar, followed by a simple but infectious melody that showcases the band's distinctive blend of pop and Eurodisco. The song tells the story of two old friends named Fernando and the narrator, who are reminiscing about a past they shared. The song speaks to the timeless and universal theme of nostalgia, reminding us all of the power of memories and the strength of old friendships.

Interestingly enough, "Fernando" was never a part of any studio album. The song was eventually released in several compilations, including ABBA: The Hits, Vol. 2, and ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits, both of which contributed significantly to the song's enduring popularity.

Although the song was originally released in Swedish, it was later re-released in English and became a mega-hit all over the world. This classic song spent an astonishing 15 weeks at the top of the Australian charts, cementing its spot in the annals of pop music history.

Overall, "Fernando" is a shining example of ABBA's unique ability to combine catchy dance beats with poignant sung lyrics. The song's irresistible melodies, emotive lyrics, and masterful instrumentation make it a true classic and cement ABBA's place as one of the greatest bands of all time.

• Release Date: April 12, 1976
• Artist: ABBA