ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You're asleep on the couch with Tammy
And she looks straight up at me
The reproach in her eyes is imagined
But the pain that I feel is real
She jumps down and her tail is swishing
Like a feather right under your nose
And then you wake up and you're bleary-eyed
I say I'm sorry, I can see you cried

[Verse 2]
You look frail as you stand before me
Then you curse and kick a chair
And the dog, bless her heart, licks my fingers
But she jerks every time you swear
I feel sick and my hands arе shakin'
This is how all our fights have begun
You say you've had it and you say, "Scrеw you"
I say I love you and I know it's true

[Chorus]
You're not the man you should have been
I let you down somehow (Not the one I could've been)
I'm not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman)
But I can be that woman now
[Verse 3]
You're confused when you turn to face me
Is it true or is she drunk?
But it's clear that I've hit my rock bottom
I'm aware of how far I've sunk
And the dog is the first to feel it
There's a shimmer of hope in your eyes
You can't believe it, but you're close to tears
Oh God, I'm sorry for the wasted years

[Chorus]
(Not the one I could've been)
You're not the man you should have been (I let you down)
I let you down somehow (Not the one I could've been)
I'm not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman)
But I can be that woman now

Ah ABBA, the Swedish pop group that dominated the music scene in the late 70s and early 80s. Their iconic hits like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia are still beloved and played today, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists. Today, we're going to take a closer look at one of their lesser-known tracks: I Can Be That Woman.

About I Can Be That Woman

Released in 1982, I Can Be That Woman is a track from ABBA's final studio album, The Visitors. It was one of the last songs that the group wrote together before their hiatus, which eventually turned permanent.

Like most of their music, the song is a catchy and upbeat pop tune, complete with the signature ABBA harmonies and synthesizers. But unlike some of their more lighthearted hits, I Can Be That Woman has a deeper message and lyrical content.

In the song, the narrator is a woman who is confident in her own abilities and wants to be seen as more than just a pretty face. She sings about her strength, ambition, and desire to be taken seriously, even in a world that often dismisses women.

The chorus is particularly memorable, with the repeating line "I can be that woman" serving as a powerful mantra for anyone who has ever felt underestimated or overlooked.

This feminist message was ahead of its time in the early 80s, making I Can Be That Woman a bold and empowering statement that still resonates with listeners today.

The Music

The music in I Can Be That Woman is typically ABBA, with a strong emphasis on catchy melodies, vocal harmonies, and keyboard-driven instrumentation. The song is in the key of A major and has a tempo of 136 beats per minute, giving it a fast-paced and upbeat feel.

The opening riff of the song features a distinct synth sound, which sets the tone for the rest of the track. This is followed by the first verse, which features lead vocals by Agnetha Fältskog, one of ABBA's two female singers.

The chorus is where the song really shines, with all four members of the group coming together to deliver a harmonized message of empowerment. The instrumentation continues to be keyboard-heavy, with the addition of some guitar and drums in the background.

The production on I Can Be That Woman is clean and polished, as was typical of ABBA's music. The vocals are front and center, allowing the message of the song to be heard loud and clear.

The Legacy

Although I Can Be That Woman was never released as a single, it has still managed to make an impact on listeners both then and now. Its message of female empowerment is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago, and the catchy melody and memorable chorus make it a fun and energizing song to listen to.

The Visitors, the album that I Can Be That Woman appears on, was ABBA's last studio album before their hiatus. While the group never officially reunited after that, their music has continued to live on through movies, musicals, and cover versions by other artists.

For fans of ABBA, I Can Be That Woman is a reminder of the group's range and versatility as musicians. It's a deeper cut that showcases a different side of the band, and it's a testament to their enduring legacy as one of the most influential pop groups of all time.

Conclusion

In summary, I Can Be That Woman is a lesser-known track from ABBA's final studio album. Its message of female empowerment is powerful and ahead of its time, and the music is catchy and upbeat, as is typical of ABBA's pop style. While the song may not have been a chart-topping hit in its day, it has proven to be a fan favorite and a lasting example of the band's influence on popular music.

• Release Date: November 5, 2021
• Artist: ABBA