ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Don't know how to take it, don't know where to go
My resistance running low
And every day the hold is getting tighter and it troubles me so
(You know that I'm nobody's fool)
I'm nobody's fool and yet it's clear to me
I don't have a strategy
It's just like taking candy from a baby and I think I must be

[Chorus]
Under attack, I'm being taken
About to crack, defences breaking
Won't somebody please have a heart
Come and rescue me now 'cause I'm falling apart
Under attack, I'm taking cover
He's on my track, my chasing lover
Thinking nothing can stop him now
Should I want to, I'm not sure I would know how

[Verse 2]
This is getting crazy, I should tell him so
Really let my anger show
Persuade him that the answer to his questions is a definite no
(I'm kind of flattered I suppose)
Guess I'm kind of flattered but I'm scared as well
Something like a magic spell
I hardly dare to think of what would happen, where I'd be if I fell
[Chorus]
Under attack, I'm being taken
About to crack, defences breaking
Won't somebody please have a heart
Come and rescue me now 'cause I'm falling apart
Under attack, I'm taking cover
He's on my track, my chasing lover
Thinking nothing's gonna stop him now
Should I want to, I'm not sure I won't know how

[Interlude]

[Chorus]
Under attack, I'm being taken
About to crack, defences breaking
Won't somebody see and save a heart
Come and rescue me now 'cause I'm falling apart
Under attack, I'm taking cover
He's on my track, my chasing lover
Thinking nothing can stop him now
Should I want to, I'm not sure I would know how

[Outro]
Under attack, I'm being taken
About to crack, defences breaking
Won't somebody please have a heart
Come and rescue me now 'cause I'm falling apart
Under attack, I'm taking coverEmbed

ABBA was one of the most successful bands in pop history, and their music continues to resonate with audiences around the world. One of their songs that has gained more attention in recent years is "Under Attack," which was released as a single in 1982 and is now considered an underrated gem. In this article, we will explore the story behind the song, its lyrics, and its production, offering a comprehensive analysis of this timeless ABBA classic.

About Under Attack

"Under Attack" was the final single ever released by ABBA before their near 40-year hiatus. The song was originally recorded for what would have been their ninth studio album, but instead, it was included on the ironic compilation album "The Singles: The First Ten Years" and was released as a single with "You Owe Me One" as its B-side. This song remains a haunting farewell to one of pop’s greatest bands and a nostalgic reminder of the band's glory days in the '70s.

Although "Under Attack" was initially met with indifferent commercial and critical reception upon its release in 1982, it has slowly emerged as one of ABBA's most compelling and enduring songs, attracting renewed interest from fans and contemporary artists alike. Rob Sheffield, writing for Rolling Stone magazine, has referred to the song as a "chilly synth-pop hallucination" and praised its memorable hooks and dark, brooding production style.

The lyrics of "Under Attack" are classic ABBA, capturing bold emotions and personal dramas amidst catchy hooks, all the while blending the personal with the political. The song tells the story of a woman who's being followed by an ominous lover, whom she cannot shake off. The lyrics are laden with tension and a sense of foreboding, creating a captivating atmosphere that captures ABBA's unique style.

The song opens with a simple but effective guitar riff, marking the shift from earlier ABBA hits, and an ominous intro that sets the tone perfectly. The brooding synths and strings gradually build up, with the haunting male vocal refrain of "You're under attack, you're under attack" that further heightens the tension. The song’s instrumentation is characterized by the use of the famous ImpOSCar vocoder, a vocal synthesizer that ABBA was one of the first groups to use in pop music. It perfectly complements the song's eerie and unsettling lyrics.

One of the most striking aspects of "Under Attack" is the sense of urgency that it conveys. The song is constantly building, with an almost mechanical precision that imbues it with a haunting intensity. The chorus is memorable and infectious, with a driving beat that has made it a cult favourite among fans of ABBA and synth-pop. The production is also highly polished, with a smooth and engaging sound that remains fresh and modern even today.

Another notable feature of "Under Attack" is its poignant and bittersweet message. The song was released at a time when ABBA was reaching the end of their run as a group, and the lyrics evoke feelings of sadness and longing for a past that is now gone. The song is a stark reminder of the transience of fame and success, and it perfectly captures the sense of loss that many fans felt at the time.

In summary, "Under Attack" is a testament to ABBA's enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and celebrated pop bands of all time. The song is a haunting meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time, and its dark, brooding production style and unforgettable lyrics have made it a cult classic among fans of '80s synth-pop. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering ABBA for the first time, "Under Attack" is a must-listen track that captures the essence of what made ABBA so great.

• Release Date: December 3, 1982
• Artist: ABBA