ABBA – You Owe Me One: A Hidden Gem from the Swedish Pop Giants
In the pantheon of pop music, ABBA stands as a towering force. Their infectious melodies, poignant lyrics, and dazzling stage presence captivated audiences worldwide throughout the 1970s and 80s.
Background
Composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the song’s origins trace back to 1982, a period brimming with creative output for ABBA. Initially titled “Kamelo” (meaning “chameleon” in Swedish), the track was intended for their ninth studio album.
Despite these curious circumstances surrounding its release, “You Owe Me One” offers a captivating glimpse into ABBA’s creative process. The song showcases their signature blend of pop sensibilities and introspective lyricism.
The narrative unfolds as a bittersweet reflection on a lost love. Delivered in unison by the powerhouse vocals of Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog, the lyrics paint a picture of emotional vulnerability and a yearning for reconciliation.
Lines like “promises you whispered in the night / never came to life” capture the lingering sting of betrayal, while the repeated refrain “you owe me one” hints at a desire for emotional closure.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Frida Now there’s a shadow falling over our facesDoubt forever in our heartsAnd in a while we’ll start to pick up the tracesWe won’t find the missing partsBuy me a ticket, I’ll go to the BahamasI need a rest from our petty little dramasYes I really doAgnetha, Frida Aha, mmNow look what you’ve doneI’m missing all the funBaby you owe me oneAha, mmIt’s my turn to runA chance to feel the sunBaby you owe me oneFrida I wasn’t ready for this kind of intrusionI was taken by surpriseNow both of us are in a state of confusionHesitation in our eyesSomething unwanted has entered our existenceI think it’s better to view it from a distanceYes I really doAgnetha, Frida Aha, mmNow look what you’ve done