ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They passed me by, all of those great romances
You were, I felt, robbing me of my rightful chances
My picture clear, everything seemed so easy

[Pre-Chorus]
And so I dealt you the blow, one of us had to go
Now it's different, I want you to know

[Chorus]
One of us is crying, one of us is lying
In her lonely bed
Staring at the ceiling
Wishing she was somewhere else instead
(One of us is shaking with a heart that’s breaking)
One of us is lonely, one of us is only
Waiting for a call
Sorry for herself, feeling stupid, feeling small
Wishing she had never left at all

[Verse 2]
I saw myself as a concealed attraction
I felt you kept me away from the heat and the action
Just like a child, stubborn and misconceiving

[Pre-Chorus]
That's how I started the show, one of us had to go
Now I've changed and I want you to know
[Chorus]
One of us is crying, one of us is lying
In her lonely bed
Staring at the ceiling
Wishing she was somewhere else instead
(One of us is shaking with a heart that’s breaking)
One of us is lonely, one of us is only
Waiting for a call
Sorry for herself, feeling stupid, feeling small
Wishing she had never left at all

[Post-Chorus]
Never left at all

[Outro]
Staring at the ceiling
Wishing she was somewhere else instead
(One of us is shaking with a heart that’s breaking)
One of us is lonely, one of us is only
Waiting for a call...

ABBA is one of the most iconic Swedish bands of all time, and their music has stood the test of time. “One of Us” is one of their most famous songs, which was also their last major hit and their last No. 1 single in many countries. It was one of the last songs written for their album “The Visitors”, and it was a significant contribution from the group's two male members, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. The song’s popularity is due in part to its dark and emotional theme, which resonated with fans around the world.

About One of Us

“One of Us” is a song about the aftermath of a breakup; it’s about the feeling of loss that one experiences when a relationship fails. The song describes the thoughts and feelings of someone who has been rejected by a lover, and it speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak. The lyrics are poignant and heartfelt, and they express a sense of longing and regret that anyone who has been through a breakup can relate to.

The song is characterized by its well-crafted structure, rhythm, and harmony, which is classic ABBA. It begins with a moody instrumental intro that sets the scene for the song’s melancholic tone. A catchy piano riff then kicks in to lead the listener through a series of well-orchestrated verses, which build to a chorus that is as memorable as it is emotionally charged. The song’s instrumentation and arrangement are also noteworthy, with a mix of acoustic and electronic sounds that combine to create a uniquely ABBA sound.

“One of Us” was written at a time when the two men in the group, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, were going through difficult divorces. The pain and heartache they were experiencing at the time are reflected in the song’s lyrics, which speak to the pain of lost love. Despite the dark theme of the song, it is still incredibly catchy and upbeat, which is part of what makes it such an iconic ABBA hit.

The Legacy of One of Us

Over the years, “One of Us” has remained a fan favorite, and it has been covered by many artists in different genres. It is widely considered one of ABBA’s best songs, and it continues to be a staple of classic pop radio stations around the world. The song’s melancholic yet catchy melody speaks to the universality of heartbreak, and it is easy to relate to for anyone who has ever been through a difficult breakup.

Ezra Koenig, the lead singer of Vampire Weekend, is also a fan of the song, and he has used it as the opening track for his Beats 1 radio show called “Time Crisis.” The show often discusses classic music, and the choice of using “One of Us” as its signature introduction is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic ABBA hit.

In many ways, “One of Us” embodies the best of ABBA – a melancholic yet catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and a unique sound that is entirely their own. It continues to be a favorite among fans of the band worldwide, and it’s a testament to the enduring power of their music.

Conclusion

ABBA's "One of Us" is one of the band's most iconic songs, and for good reason. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, it is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans of all ages. The song's legacy has endured for decades, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Its use as the opening track for Ezra Koenig's radio show is a testament to its enduring popularity, and it is a fitting tribute to this iconic ABBA hit.

• Release Date: December 7, 1981
• Artist: ABBA