ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Where are those happy days? They seem so hard to find
I tried to reach for you, but you have closed your mind
Whatever happened to our love? I wish I understood
It used to be so nice, it used to be so good

[Chorus]
So, when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me? S.O.S
The love you gave me, nothing else can save me, S.O.S
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
When you're gone, though I try, how can I carry on?

[Verse 2]
You seem so far away though you are standing near
You made me feel alive, but something died I fear
I really tried to make it out, I wish I understood
What happened to our love? It used to be so good

[Chorus]
So, when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me? S.O.S
The love you gave me, nothing else can save me, S.O.S
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
When you're gone, though I try, how can I carry on?

[Interlude]
[Chorus]
So, when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me? S.O.S
And the love you gave me, nothing else can save me, S.O.S
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
When you're gone, though I try, how can I carry on?

[Outro]
When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?
When you're gone, though I try, how can I carry on?

ABBA is one of the most famous pop bands in history, famous for their catchy tunes, exceptional harmonies, and flamboyant costumes. The band was established in 1972 in Stockholm and quickly rose to fame, dominating the international scene with their music. They became a household name with hits like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo," and "Fernando." "S.O.S." is also a classic song from ABBA's extensive catalog, representing an era in musical history that continues to inspire generations of music lovers. Let's dive deeper into the story behind "S.O.S." by ABBA.

About S.O.S.

The songwriters behind "S.O.S." are Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson. It was recorded at Glen Studio in Langangen, Sweden, on August 22-23, 1974, and went on to become one of ABBA's most iconic songs. It's been described as a 'heartbreaking classic,' embodying the band's flair for blending pop melodies with Swedish melancholy.

According to Ulvaeus, ABBA struggled to find its voice before releasing "S.O.S." He dubbed the song 'pure ABBA,' which makes sense given that it was among the first three tracks recorded for the band's 1975 LP. "S.O.S." became the opening track on the Greatest Hits LP released towards the end of 1975, cementing its place in the pantheon of ABBA classics.

The piano intro sets the stage for the song, followed by Fältskog's opening verse. The emotion in her delivery is palpable, her signature vocal style blending beautifully with the pop melody, as noted by Palm. The song's lyrics were rewritten by Ulvaeus, who went on to say that "S.O.S." marked their shift into becoming a predominantly pop-style band, following years of experimentation trying to figure out their sound.

ABBA's first visit to the United States was marked with a performance of "S.O.S" on the long-running show American Bandstand, which helped to propel the song onto the world stage. The accompanying promotional video was directed by Lasse Hallström, which was also released in 1975, along with the single, pushing the song to the top of the charts.

How did the band come up with the name for the song? According to Stig Anderson, the title was his idea. He provided the lyrics, which Ulvaeus rewrote, but it was Anderson's choice of title that stuck.

The success of "S.O.S." was so massive that it went on to inspire numerous covers by various artists, such as punk band Leatherface and pop legend Cher. The song continues to speak to music lovers today, with its enduring themes of love, loss, and heartbreak making it an all-time classic.

In Conclusion

Overall, "S.O.S." is a song that has become synonymous with the ABBA sound. With its deeply emotional lyrics, catchy pop melody, and trademark ABBA harmonies, it has become a timeless classic. It marked a shift in the band's musical style, defining them as a pop group, and cemented their position in music history. With its exceptional production quality and emotionally charged vocals, this iconic ABBA hit will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.

• Release Date: June 1975
• Artist: ABBA