ABBA – Waterloo – 1974

About The Song

“Waterloo” is a song by the Swedish pop group ABBA, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. Here are five facts about the song:

Eurovision Victory: “Waterloo” catapulted ABBA to international fame by winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. The contest was held in Brighton, England, and the victory significantly boosted ABBA’s career, marking the beginning of their global success.
Chart Success: Following its Eurovision win, “Waterloo” topped the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and the distinctive vocal harmonies of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad contributed to its widespread appeal.
Breakthrough for ABBA: “Waterloo” served as ABBA’s breakthrough hit, establishing them as one of the most successful and enduring pop acts of the 1970s and beyond. The song’s success paved the way for a string of international hits for the Swedish group.
English and Swedish Versions: While the song is best known in its English version, ABBA also recorded a Swedish version titled “Waterloo” for release in Sweden. The decision to sing in English at Eurovision is considered a strategic move that contributed to the song’s broader international appeal.
Abba’s Signature Sound: “Waterloo” encapsulates ABBA’s signature sound, characterized by catchy hooks, harmonized vocals, and a fusion of pop and disco elements. The song’s success not only marked the beginning of ABBA’s global stardom but also set the stage for their subsequent chart-toppers like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia.”

Video

Lyrics

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 forevermore

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…