The year 1969 was a crucial turning-point in the ABBA saga. That was the year when Benny Andersson’s group, The Hep Stars, split, and it was the year when the Hootenanny Singers, Björn Ulvaeus’ band, decided to quit touring for the foreseeable future, confining their infrequent group activities to the recording studio. It was also the year when Björn became romantically involved with Agnetha Fältskog, and Benny was engaged to Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Björn and Benny strengthened their working partnership as songwriters and producers, and solidified their connection with Stig Anderson of the record company Polar Music; he also contributed lyrics to many of their songs. In hindsight, it seems the scene was set for ABBA to happen, whenever those involved felt so inclined. The reality at the time, however, was quite different.
In Sweden, the late Sixties and early Seventies were a difficult period for former pop stars such as Benny and Björn. The first, innocent pop era collapsed when the discotheques became popular and killed off many gig opportunities. “Pop” became “rock” and there were demands for a “heavier” and more advanced musical setting; also, the lyrics had to deal with philosophical or political issues if artists wanted to be taken seriously. Those who wanted to devote themselves to pure entertainment found it tough: the market for Swedish light-pop was limited, so what remained was Swedish schlager (a form of European easy listening) and cabaret. That was how the duo Björn and Benny kept themselves afloat, although they dreamed about an international career in English-language pop. Stig Anderson was confident that their dream would come true: “One day you will write a song that becomes a worldwide hit!”
The duo’s first recording project together was less than glamorous, however. In the autumn of 1969, they wrote most of the music for a not-very-good Swedish soft-porn movie, using the working title Inga II (it was a follow-up to a similar film entitled Inga). Two of the songs for the film were released as a single in the spring of 1970: ‘She’s My Kind Of Girl’ (later included on the international version of ABBA’s Ring Ring album) backed with ‘Inga Theme’. None of the songs became a hit, and the film didn’t even open until the autumn of 1971, at which time its English title had changed to The Seduction Of Inga.
Despite this setback, it was decided that Björn and Benny should record an entire album. As early as the summer of 1969 there had been talk of a demo album, for the purpose of attracting other artists to record Andersson/Ulvaeus compositions, but the plans weren’t realised until the following year. Also, it was decided to make it a “real” album for commercial release, even if there was still the hope that there would be cover versions of the songs. The album, eventually entitled Lycka (“Happiness”), was recorded between June and September 1970, although according to a contemporary interview with Björn Ulvaeus, only five days in total was spent in the studio for the 11 tracks on the album. In terms of style, the album was fairly eclectic: intimate ballads were followed by somewhat rawer electric guitar-based pop (the rocky ‘Nånting är på väg’ [“Something’s On The Way”] had appeared in an instrumental version in The Seduction Of Inga), which in turn was followed by folk-pop and perky schlager songs. But in general the album was characterised by a sort of singer/songwriter ambition, as if Björn and Benny wanted to become a Swedish version of Simon and Garfunkel.
Anthem
Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson Lyrics
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Though their sad power may prevail
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They rise to fail
She is eternal
Long before nations' lines were drawn
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
My land was born
Through wars, death, and despair
She is the constant, we, who don't care
cnd you wonder will I leave her
But how?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart
The lyrics to "Anthem" by Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson convey a deep love and loyalty towards one's country, despite the chaos and struggles that may occur. The opening lines of "No man, no madness, though their sad power may prevail" suggest that no individual or madness can overpower or conquer the heart of the country. It implies that no matter what challenges arise, the love for the country is unwavering. The mention of rise to fail indicates that any attempts to dominate or possess the country will eventually be unsuccessful.
The song emphasizes the timelessness and everlasting nature of the country. It states that the country existed "long before nations' lines were drawn" and highlights the birth of the land without any associated symbols of power or conflict such as flags or armies. This suggests that the country's true essence lies beyond boundaries and divisions created by humans.
The lyrics also address an inquiry about why the love for the country persists, even in the face of wars, death, and despair. The response indicates that the country itself is constant, offering a sense of stability and unity amidst turmoil. It also mentions the absence of care from those who may question this intense love, revealing a deep connection that transcends rational explanation.
When asked if there is a possibility of leaving the country, the lyrics express the difficulty and ambiguity of such a notion. The repeated question "How can I leave her?" reflects the emotional attachment and dilemma experienced by the singer. It emphasizes that the country is not just an external territory but resides within the singer's heart. Furthermore, it suggests that worldly divisions and conflicts among nations are insignificant compared to the cherished bond with the country.
Overall, "Anthem" encapsulates a profound love, loyalty, and pride for a country, highlighting its enduring nature in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
No man, no madness
Despite the influence of individuals or chaos
Though their sad power may prevail
Even if their negative influence dominates
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They cannot possess or conquer the love for my country
They rise to fail
Their attempts to triumph are destined to fail
She is eternal
My country's essence is timeless
Long before nations' lines were drawn
Before borders and divisions existed
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
In times before the presence of flags or armies
My land was born
My country originated
And you ask me why I love her
You question my reasons for loving her
Through wars, death, and despair
Despite enduring conflicts, loss, and hopelessness
She is the constant, we, who don't care
She remains a source of stability for those who disregard others
And you wonder will I leave her
You ponder if I will abandon her
But how?
But the question is
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
I may traverse borders, yet my loyalty remains
How can I leave her?
How could I possibly abandon her?
Where would I start?
From which point would I begin?
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
Allow the insignificant divisions among mankind to destroy each other
My land's only borders lie around my heart
The only borders my country possesses are those within my heart
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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