The song was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus circa March 1979 and was taken from the group's 1979 album, Voulez-Vous. Anni-Frid Lyngstad sang the lead vocals. It was released as a single in December 1979 with a live version of "Take a Chance on Me" as the B-side. The recording includes a final chorus by the children's choir from Stockholm International School. In the UK, "I Have a Dream" was held off the No. 1 spot by Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall", which also features a children's choir. "I Have a Dream" is included on the ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits album as well as in the Mamma Mia! musical.
In the UK, the single was issued in a lavish gatefold sleeve, intended as a souvenir for UK fans who had attended the Wembley concerts (the live recording of "Take a Chance on Me" being from one of them). The inner gatefold made use of the pyramid/mountain/iceberg designs similar to those used in the inner sleeve of Greatest Hits Vol. 2. The inner gatefold was effectively an advert for ABBA's existing albums released in the UK, but the back cover featured a message from ABBA themselves regarding the Wembley concerts, together with their signatures. The front cover used the same live photo of ABBA as the worldwide release, but artwork and fonts were different. This was only Epic's second picture sleeve for an ABBA single.
As of September 2021, it is ABBA's 12th-biggest song in the UK, including both pure sales and digital streams.
The live version of "Take a Chance on Me" on the B-side was one of three mixes of the same recording to be issued. Released soon after the concerts, this version is thought to be the genuine recording. A very slightly extended version, featuring spoken introductions from the group, was used as the B-side in Australia. This extended version has been released internationally on the deluxe edition of ABBA: The Album. Finally, a third mix was included on ABBA Live issued in 1986.
I Have a Dream
ABBA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
ABBA's "I Have a Dream" is a song that expresses the importance of having a dream to cope with the challenges of everyday life. The lyrics encourage listeners to see the wonder of a fairy tale, which can provide a sense of hope and optimism, even when things are difficult.
The song begins with the singer describing their dream as a song to sing, which helps them cope with anything that comes their way. They believe in angels and see something good in everything, displaying a positive attitude towards life. The singer goes on to explain that their dream is a fantasy, but it helps them deal with reality. The idea of pushing through the darkness and the struggles of life is present in the song, with the singer willing to cross a stream to make their dream a reality.
The chorus repeats the belief in angels and the importance of seeing something good in everything. The song ends with the singer repeating the lines "I'll cross the stream, I have a dream", emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the belief in a better tomorrow.
Overall, "I Have a Dream" is a song that promotes hope, faith, and perseverance. It encourages listeners to follow their dreams and to see the good in the world around them, even during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a dream, a song to sing
I have a vision for the future; something to hold onto to keep me going through tough times.
To help me cope with anything
This dream gives me the strength to face any challenge that comes my way.
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
If you look at life like a magical story, everything becomes possible and achievable.
You can take the future even if you fail
Even if we fail, our dreams can give us the courage to get up and try again, and ultimately succeed.
I believe in angels
I believe in the goodness of people and the universe, and that there are forces at work that can guide and support us through life.
Something good in everything I see
No matter how bad things may seem, there is always something positive and hopeful to be found in any situation.
When I know the time is right for me
I trust that life will guide me towards the right opportunities and timing to achieve my dreams.
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I will face any obstacle that stands in the way of my dream, and persevere until I succeed.
I have a dream, a fantasy
My dream may seem like a impossible idea, but it is an important motivator for me to keep pushing forward.
To help me through reality
My dream helps me cope with the challenges of everyday life, and gives me hope for a better future.
And my destination makes it worth the while
My dream is a worthwhile and meaningful pursuit, and will make all the challenges and sacrifices I endure along the way worth it.
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
Even in the darkest moments of life, I will keep pushing forward and making progress towards my dreams.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K. Ulvaeus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-qt9nj3nf2e
My grandpa was from Norway and was a huge ABBA fan. I grew up with him playing ABBA all the time. This past summer he had a massive stroke, I played this song for him when he was in the ICU. He squeezed my hand to the beat of this song. He is my angel now and I think of him every time I hear this song. Thank you for the music ABBA.
@user-uh3ke7hx8t
Piękna Muzyka świetny zespół.
@eclipznpicz8879
😢 condolences on your loss 🙏🏽
@jurgenbohme2367
Herzliches beleid wegen deinem Opa
Abba ist unsterblich
Ein geliebten Menschen zu verlieren tut weh ... hab schon viele geliebte Menschen gehen lassen müssen
meinen Papa vermisse ich am meisten
@quicktastic
The world is a better place because of Abba.
@AndrewPerricone
I too believe that there would be peace throughout the world in this present time and day thank you My jesus christ amen
@user-ch4ws7co2u
Abba is the undisputed champion of heart rendering music globally.
@normabrown8765
Abba is wonderful . I love “I have a dream “. From Australia. 😊
@anushsingh305
what's theme of this song please tell fast
@user-uh3ke7hx8t
Cudowni ukłony z Polski ❤