Song Lyric Sunday – Fate

This was another tough prompt for Song Lyric Sunday for me. Initially, I thought of R.E.M.’s Radio Free Europe, but since R.E.M. has been known simply for its unintelligible lyrics and just because the word “fate” is in the lyrics – we think – I think that would be a bit of cheating. So I am going for a classic this week. Waterloo by ABBA.

ABBA are a Swedish pop group formed in 1972 in Sweden. The band members are Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus (husband and wife) and Benny Andersson and Frida (Anni-Frid) Lyngstad (husband and wife). Eventually, both marriages collapsed, but ABBA is one of the most successful acts in the history of popular music.

Waterloo was released on ABBA’s second album in 1974 and while it references the epic Battle of Waterloo, the song itself is a metaphor for a romantic relationship.

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

The history book on the shelf
Is always repeating itself

Waterloo
I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo
Promise to love you forever more

Waterloo
Couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo
Knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo

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

And how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose

Waterloo
I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo
Promise to love you for ever more

Waterloo
Couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo
Knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo

So how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose

Waterloo
Couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo
Knowing my fate is to be with you

Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo
Ooh-ooh, Waterloo
Knowing my fate is to be with you

Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo
Finally facing my Waterloo
Ooh-ooh, Waterloo
Knowing my fate is to be with you