ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I hear the doorbell ring and suddenly the panic takes me
The sound so ominously tearing through the silence
I cannot move, I'm standing
Numb and frozen
Among the things I love so dearly
The books, the paintings and the furniture
Help me

[Verse 2]
The signal's sounding once again and someone tries the doorknob
None of my friends would be so stupidly impatient
And they don't dare to come here
Anymore now
But how I loved our secret meetings
We talked and talked in quiet voices
Smiling

[Chorus]
Now I hear them moving
Muffled noises coming through the door I feel I'm
Cracking up
Voices growing louder, irritation building
And I'm close to fainting
Cracking up
They must know by now I'm in here trembling
In a terror ever-growing
Cracking up
My whole world is falling, going crazy
There is no escaping now, I'm
Cracking up
[Interlude]

[Verse 3]
These walls have witnessed all the anguish of humiliation
And seen the hope of freedom glow in shining faces
And now they've come to take me
Come to break me
And yet it isn't unexpected
I have been waiting for these visitors
Help me

[Chorus]
Now I hear them moving
Muffled noises coming, through the door I feel I'm
Cracking up
Voices growing louder, irritation building
And I'm close to fainting
Cracking up
They must know by now I'm in here trembling
In a terror ever-growing
Cracking up
My whole world is falling, going crazy
There is no escaping now, I'm
Cracking up

[Interlude]
[Chorus]
Now I hear them moving
Muffled noises coming through the door I feel I'm
Cracking up
Voices growing louder, irritation building
And I'm close to fainting
Cracking up
(I have been waiting for these visitors)
They must know by now I'm in here trembling
In a terror ever-growing
Cracking up
(I have been waiting for these visitors)
My whole world is falling, going crazy
There is no escaping now, I'm
Cracking up
(I have been waiting for these visitors)
Now I hear them moving
Muffled noises coming through the door I feel I'm
Cracking up
(I have been waiting for these visitors)
Voices growing louder, irritation building
And I'm close to fainting
Cracking up
(I have been waiting for these visitors)
They must know by now I'm in here trembling
In a terror ever-growing
Cracking up
(I have been waiting for these visitors)
My whole world is falling...

ABBA, the legendary Swedish pop group, is known for producing tracks that continue to captivate audiences long after their time. One such track is “The Visitors,” the title song from their final studio album released in 1981. Composed and written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the song features ABBA’s signature upbeat tempo with catchy lyrics, making it a classic hit that is still popular today.

About The Visitors

“The Visitors” is a power-packed pop track by ABBA that showcases the group's exceptional abilities as musicians and songwriters. Released in 1981, it is the title track of the band’s eighth and final studio album. Written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, with lyrics by Ulvaeus, the song features ABBA’s trademark layered harmonies, with Agnetha and Anni-Frid's vocals shining throughout the track.

The lyrics of “The Visitors” tell a story of longing and separation. It is about being separated from loved ones and feeling like a stranger in a new place. This theme was particularly poignant for the band, as its members were dealing with personal struggles and the tensions that ultimately led to the band's break-up.

The track opens with a haunting synthesizer sequence, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The memorable and catchy chorus, with its upbeat tempo and harmonies, contrasts with the song’s melancholy lyrics. The song builds up to a climactic finish that is full of energy and passion.

The song is widely regarded as one of ABBA's most complex compositions, displaying the group's incredible mastery of melody, harmony, and arrangement. The intricate layering of vocals, the use of unusual chord progressions, and the unexpected key changes all contribute to the song's unique and powerful sound.

Despite being released as a single, “The Visitors” was not a commercial success in most parts of the world. Its popularity in the United States was limited, with the song peaking at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the song was received well in many European countries and is still celebrated by ABBA fans today as a standout track that captures the band's essence and spirit.

In addition to its musical brilliance, “The Visitors” also reflects the political and social context of its time. The song was released at the height of the Cold War, with tensions between the East and West at an all-time high. The lyrics resonate with the sense of unease and uncertainty that characterized the era, with lines like “I hear the doorbell ring and suddenly the panic takes me” capturing the fear and suspicion that dominated the period.

Conclusion

“The Visitors” is a timeless classic that continues to fascinate and inspire audiences worldwide. ABBA's impeccable musical talent and songwriting abilities are on full display in this unique and complex composition, which captures the sense of longing and separation that the band was experiencing at the time.

The song's relevance extends beyond its musical brilliance, as it reflects the political and social context of its time. ABBA's legacy is firmly intact, and “The Visitors” is another example of their ability to craft unforgettable pop anthems that are equal parts fun and introspective.

• Release Date: November 30, 1981
• Artist: ABBA