ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Agnetha & Frida]
I've seen you twice, in a short time
Only a week since we started
It seems to me, for every time
I'm getting more open-hearted

[Pre-Chorus: Agnetha & Frida]
I was an impossible case
No one ever could reach me
But I think I can see in your face
There's a lot you can teach me
So I wanna know

[Chorus: Agnetha & Frida]
What's the name of the game?
Does it mean anything to you?
What's the name of the game?
Can you feel it the way I do?

[Post-Chorus: Frida]
Tell me, please, 'cause I have to know
I'm a bashful child beginning to grow

[Bridge: Frida & Agnetha]
And you make me talk (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
And you make me feel (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
And you make me show (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
What I'm trying to conceal (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
If I trust in you (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
Would you let me down? (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
Would you laugh at me (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
If I said I care for you? (Ah-ah)
Could you feel the same way too, I wanna know
The name of the game
[Verse 2: Agnetha & Frida]
I have no friends, no one to see
And I am never invited
Now I am here, talking to you
No wonder I get excited

[Pre-Chorus: Agnetha & Frida]
Your smile, and the sound of your voice
And the way you see through me
Got a feeling, you give me no choice
But it means a lot to me
So I wanna know

[Chorus: Agnetha, Frida & Björn]
What's the name of the game?
(Your smile and the sound of your voice)
Does it mean anything to you?
(Got a feeling you give me no choice, but it means a lot)
What's the name of the game?
(Your smile and the sound of your voice)
Can you feel it the way I do?

[Post-Chorus: Frida]
Tell me, please, 'cause I have to know
I'm a bashful child beginning to grow
[Bridge: Frida, Agnetha & Frida]
And you make me talk (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
And you make me feel (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
And you make me show (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
What I'm trying to conceal (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
If I trust in you (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
Would you let me down? (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
Would you laugh at me (Doo-doo, doo-doo)
If I said I care for you? (Ah-ah)
Could you feel the same way too, I wanna know
Oh, yes, I wanna know

[Chorus: Agnetha, Frida & Björn]
The name of the game
(I was an impossible case)
Does it mean anything to you?
(But I think I can see in your face that it means a lot)
What's the name of the game?
(Your smile and the sound of your voice)
Can you feel it the way I do?
(Got a feeling you give me no choice, but it means a lot)

[Chorus: Agnetha, Frida & Björn]
The name of the game
(I was an impossible case)
Does it mean anything to you?
(But I think I can see in your face that it means a lot)
What's the name of the game?
(Your smile and the sound of your voice)
Can you feel it...

ABBA is one of the most popular bands of all time, known for their catchy pop songs that have stood the test of time. The band's fifth studio album released in 1977, ABBA: The Album, featured some of their most well-known hits including 'Take a Chance on Me' and 'The Name of the Game'. 'The Name of the Game' was ABBA's most complex composition at the time of release, with both Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad sharing lead vocals creating a unique sound. The song was a huge commercial success across the world, reaching number-one in the UK.

About The Name of the Game

The origin of 'The Name of the Game' dates back to the 1977 feature film, ABBA: The Movie. The song was initially intended for release as the B-side to 'Hole in Your Soul,' but ultimately became the lead single on ABBA: The Album. The song opens with a catchy riff on bass and synthesizer, inspired by Stevie Wonder's 'I Wish.' ABBA's songwriters Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson have acknowledged their admiration for Wonder's music during this period of their partnership.

'The Name of the Game' features a delicate balance of harmonies between Fältskog and Lyngstad, both delivering impressive solo performances. The song was instrumental in the transitioning ABBA's sound to a more mellow, California-inspired style, which was popular at the time in the United States. The unique sound of the track was achieved through the ingenious use of the Moog synthesizer, complementing the guitar and bass riffs, and demonstrating the band's progressive approach to music production.

The single was released with a live version of the song, 'I Wonder (Departure),' as its B-side. 'I Wonder (Departure)' was one of many songs written for miniature musical 'The Girl with the Golden Hair,' which ABBA performed on their 1977 world tour. The recording featured on the single was from Sydney Showground, Sydney, Australia, on 3 or 4 March 1977, with a studio-recorded version included on ABBA: The Album.

'The Name of the Game' is also notable for its lyrics, which were inspired by Björn Ulvaeus's personal life. In the song, he describes the uncertainty he felt about his relationship with Fältskog and the need for answers, hence The Name of the Game. The song's lyrics were the last time prominent ABBA member, Stig Anderson helped write a single by the band.

The song became an instant hit, dominating the charts in the United Kingdom and charting in the top ten in several other countries. It's hard to imagine such a huge success story without the combination of fascinating harmonies, infectious rhythms, and intriguing lyrics. ABBA's legacy continues to live on today through the timeless classics they have delivered.

Conclusion

'The Name of the Game' is another ABBA masterclass at its finest. The song's catchy riffs and mellow sound became an instant classic, perfectly encapsulating ABBA's ability to combine refreshing sounds with intriguing lyrics that resonate with listeners decades after their initial release. It's a song that paved the way for a shift in ABBA's music towards a more melodic, laid-back style. 'The Name of the Game' is a testament to the enduring appeal that ABBA has enjoyed over the years, and will no doubt continue to do so for many more to come.

• Release Date: October 14, 1977
• Artist: ABBA