ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future, even if you fail

[Chorus]
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream

[Verse 2]
I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness; still another mile

[Chorus]
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream
[Interlude]

[Verse 3]
I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail

[Chorus]
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream
I'll cross the stream
I have a dream

If you are a fan of ABBA or just someone who enjoys listening to good music, you have probably heard "I Have a Dream." This popular song was released in December 1979 and it quickly took the world by storm. "I Have a Dream" was featured on ABBA's sixth studio album, Voulez-Vous, and it quickly became one of the most beloved tunes by the Swedish group. This song is filled with emotions, vivid imagery and storytelling elements that make it stand out from the rest of the songs of its time. To get a better look at the history, inspiration and context of the song, let's take an in-depth look at "I Have a Dream" by ABBA.

About I Have a Dream

The underlying message of "I Have a Dream" is hope. The song begins with a calm and soft melody with lead singer Agnetha Fältskog providing an excellent vocal delivery. The first few lines of the song introduce the listener to the dream that Fältskog is having, a dream in which she is walking through an idyllic countryside filled with beautiful scenery:

I have a dream, a song to sing To help me cope with anything If you see the wonder of a fairy tale You can take the future even if you fail

The song gradually picks up pace as Fältskog's dream transforms into a vision of the world becoming a better place. She sings about a better world where people from all races, cultures and backgrounds come together in peace and unity:

I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I'll cross the stream - I have a dream

At this point in the song, the children's choir enters and perfectly complements the positive, upbeat mood of the song. The use of a children's choir is a fascinating creative choice that is consistent with ABBA's approach to music. Bjorn Ulvaeus, one of the founding members of ABBA, stated that "I Have a Dream" was an attempt to modern folklore. They had doubts about using a children's choir and expected critics to call them out for being out of touch with contemporary music trends. However, their decision to go ahead with the choir paid off, and the song became one of the earliest hits for ABBA in the '80s.

One of the things that makes "I Have a Dream" special is the way it draws on different genres and musical styles to create a unique sound. In particular, the song features a melodic line that is reminiscent of Italian folk music, which adds an element of warmth and familiarity to the song. The various backing instruments used in the song, such as the flute and the harp, contribute to the ethereal and dream-like feel of the track.

It is important to mention that "I Have a Dream" is not only a beautiful song but also a statement of ABBA's strong social and political views. The song was released at the end of the '70s when global politics were in turmoil, and many people were feeling disillusioned and uncertain about the future. "I Have a Dream" was ABBA's attempt at spreading a message of hope, optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. It was a reminder to people that, despite the challenges they may face, they should keep dreaming and keep striving for a better world.

Conclusion

"I Have a Dream" is undoubtedly one of ABBA's most iconic songs. It is a beautiful composition that is filled with hope, optimism and humanity. The song manages to capture the essence of what it means to be human, and it has resonated with people across generations and cultures. Whether you are a die-hard ABBA enthusiast or just a casual listener, "I Have a Dream" is a song that deserves all the praise it has received over the years.

• Release Date: December 7, 1979
• Artist: ABBA