ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
My, my
At Waterloo Napoleon did surrender
Oh, yeah
And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way

[Pre-Chorus]
The history book on the shelf
Is always repeating itself

[Chorus]
Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore
Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to
Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you
Woah, woah, woah, woah, Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo

[Verse 2]
My, my
I tried to hold you back, but you were stronger
Oh, yeah
And now it seems my only chance is giving up the fight

[Pre-Chorus]
And how could I ever refuse?
I feel like I win when I lose
[Chorus]
Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore
Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to
Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you
Woah, woah, woah, woah, Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo

[Pre-Chorus]
So how could I ever refuse?
I feel like I win when I lose

[Outro]
Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to
Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you
Woah, woah, woah, woah, Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo
Woo-ooh-ooh-ooh
Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you
Woah, woah, woah, woah, Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo
Woo-ooh-ooh-ooh
Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you

In 1974, a Swedish pop group ABBA captured the attention of the world with their breakout song “Waterloo.” This song was written explicitly for the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Brighton, England, and it became an instant success, winning the contest with an unprecedented 6-point lead over the second-place entry.

ABBA’s “Waterloo” is more than just a catchy tune – it’s an enduring musical milestone that represented the end of an era and the beginning of another. This song is often hailed as one of ABBA’s most popular and recognizable hits, with its infectious catchy melodies and sing-along lyrics.

About Waterloo

As one of ABBA’s most famous songs, “Waterloo” marked a significant moment in music history, especially for the Eurovision Song Contest. The song was composed in the key of B-flat major, with a relatively fast tempo of 100 beats per minute.

The song’s lyrics were inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte’s infamous defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and they utilize the battle as a metaphor for a woman’s surrender to love. The lyrics powerfully tell a story of a woman who has given up resisting her love interest’s advances and now gladly surrenders herself to his love.

What makes ABBA’s “Waterloo” unique is that the song is a duality of sorts. On the one hand, it is a catchy and upbeat pop song with an incredibly danceable melody, which makes it perfect for playing at parties and other events. But on the other hand, the lyrics contain an underlying sense of sadness and loss that is, at times, very difficult to ignore.

Despite its relatively simple premise, “Waterloo” is an intricate and layered song that cleverly balances a light and fun tone with complex themes and meta-narratives. In that sense, the song stands as a testament to ABBA’s ingenious ability to craft music that is both catchy and thought-provoking all at once.

The Impact of Waterloo

ABBA’s “Waterloo” was, to put it simply, a game-changer. It signaled the beginning of a new era of pop music characterized by theatrical and extravagant arrangements, epic choruses, and infectious melodies that instantly capture the listener’s attention.

The song’s revolutionary effect was felt not just in the realm of pop but also in the wider music industry, where “Waterloo” paved the way for other Eurovision-style songs that enshrined an emphasis on catchy hooks, sing-along choruses, and overall theatricality.

It’s hard to overstate just how impactful “Waterloo” was for ABBA themselves. Following the song’s success, the band went on to achieve global stardom, with countless hits and a loyal fanbase that still endures to this day. The song became part of the band’s DNA and served as a rallying cry for a generation of ABBA fans who identified with the song’s message of surrendering to love and letting go of one’s inhibitions.

Conclusion

ABBA’s “Waterloo” is a song that transcends the boundaries of time and genre. From its infectious hook to its deep, layered meanings, this song has cemented its place in music history as a classic and enduring masterpiece. Whether listened to as a throwback to the ’70s or as part of a contemporary playlist, “Waterloo” remains a powerful testament to the genius of ABBA and a reminder of just how powerful music can be in capturing the joy and pain of the human experience.

Overall, this song is a brilliant combination of ABBA’s signature catchy tunes, danceable rhythms, and layered metaphors that make it a masterpiece in its own right. The song’s enduring popularity and impact on music stand as a testament to its brilliance and to ABBA’s enormous talent.

• Release Date: March 12, 1974
• Artist: ABBA