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ABBA – Should I Laugh or Cry: A Bittersweet Look at Love’s Endings

Ah, ABBA. The name itself conjures images of infectious melodies, dazzling costumes, and a brand of pop music that dominated the airwaves in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But beneath the shiny veneer and upbeat tempos, ABBA’s music often explored deeper themes, weaving tales of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions. One such song that exemplifies this is the poignant ballad, Should I Laugh or Cry.

Background

Released in 1981, Should I Laugh or Cry wasn’t a chart-topping single for ABBA. It appeared as the B-side to two of their bigger hits, “One of Us” and “When All Is Said and Done.” However, the song’s emotional resonance and introspective lyrics have earned it a dedicated following among longtime ABBA fans.

The song paints a vivid picture of a failing relationship, with the narrator grappling with a confusing mix of emotions. The lyrics, penned by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the songwriting duo behind ABBA’s greatest hits, are laced with a bittersweet honesty. We hear the narrator’s frustration with the partner’s behavior (“He stands, comforting over me, beside my bed. Losing his head, tells me I must take him seriously. Rolling on the usual way, he’s such a clever guy.”) alongside a flicker of remaining affection (“Strange how dangerously Indian summer lingers on”).

The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to capture the emotional turmoil that often accompanies the end of a love affair. The narrator oscillates between anger, hurt, and a flicker of hope, leaving the listener wondering if this is a definitive goodbye or a temporary storm.

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Musically, Should I Laugh or Cry takes a more restrained approach compared to ABBA’s usual disco-infused anthems. The instrumentation is dominated by a melancholic piano melody, punctuated by sparse percussion and strings. This stripped-down arrangement allows the focus to remain on the raw emotions conveyed through Anni-Frid Lyngstad’s hauntingly beautiful vocals.

Despite not being a mainstream hit, Should I Laugh or Cry has become a cult favorite among ABBA enthusiasts. It stands as a testament to the band’s ability to delve beyond sugary pop melodies and explore the complexities of love and relationships. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable themes and its poignant portrayal of the bittersweet emotions that accompany a love’s demise.

Lyric

Trousers too shortGives meOn his small philosophyCarries on the way he does
And me I get so tiredAnd I wonderShould I laugh or cryAgnetha, Frida

Video

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • Should I Laugh or Cry was released in 1981 as the B-side to “One of Us” and “When All Is Said and Done.”
  • The song was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
  • The song’s lyrics explore the emotional turmoil of a failing relationship.

By Harley

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