About The Song
In the realm of pop music, few groups have achieved the enduring success and global recognition of ABBA. The Swedish quartet, comprised of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, took the world by storm in the 1970s with their infectious melodies, flamboyant outfits, and undeniable stage presence. Their music, a blend of disco, pop, and Europop, transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, captivating audiences worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Among ABBA’s extensive discography, the song “Cassandra” stands out as a poignant ballad that showcases the group’s versatility and emotional depth. Released in 1982 as part of their album “The Visitors”, “Cassandra” marked a departure from ABBA’s signature upbeat style, delving into a more introspective and melancholic realm. The song’s title alludes to the Greek mythological figure of Cassandra, a Trojan princess cursed with the ability to foresee the future but never to be believed.
“Cassandra” opens with a delicate piano melody that sets the somber tone for the narrative. Frida Lyngstad’s vocals, imbued with a profound sense of longing and regret, take center stage as she recounts the tale of a love lost and the lingering pain that endures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship marred by misunderstandings and unfulfilled promises, leading to a heartbreaking separation.
The song’s chorus, a powerful declaration of unrequited love, resonates with a universal ache that transcends time and culture. “Cassandra” laments the inability to change the past or prevent the inevitable, leaving the protagonist trapped in a cycle of memories and regrets. The bridge offers a glimmer of hope, with the singer expressing a desire to break free from the shackles of the past and find solace in new beginnings.
“Cassandra” concludes with a poignant fade-out, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy and introspection. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human emotion, particularly the bittersweet pangs of love lost and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartache.
ABBA’s “Cassandra” stands as a testament to the group’s musical prowess and their ability to craft songs that resonate on an emotional level. It is a ballad that transcends the boundaries of time and genre, offering solace and understanding to those who have experienced the pain of love lost and the lingering shadows of regret.
Video
Lyric
Down in the street, they’re all singing and shoutingStaying alive though the city is dead Hiding their shame behind hollow laughter While you are crying alone on your bedPity Cassandra that no one believed youBut then again you were lost from the start Now we must suffer and sell our secrets Bargain, playing smart, aching in our heartsSorry Cassandra, I misunderstoodNow the last day is dawning Some of us wanted, but none of us would Listen to words of warning But on the darkest of nights Nobody knew how to fight And we were caught in our sleepSorry Cassandra, I didn’t believeYou really had the power I only saw it as dreams you would weave Until the final hourSo in the morning your ship will be sailingNow that your father and sister are gone There is no reason for you to linger You’re grieving deeply but still moving on You know the future is casting a shadow No one else sees it, but you know your fate Packing your bags, being slow and thorough Knowing, though you’re late, that ship is sure to waitSorry Cassandra, I misunderstoodNow the last day is dawning Some of us wanted, but none of us would Listen to words of warning But on the darkest of nights Nobody knew how to fight And we were caught in our sleepSorry Cassandra, I didn’t believeYou really had the power I only saw it as dreams you would weave Until the final hourI watched the ship leaving harbor at sunriseSails almost slack in the cool morning rain She stood on deck, just a tiny figure Rigid and restrained, blue eyes filled with painSorry Cassandra, I misunderstoodNow the last day is dawning Some of us wanted, but none of us would Listen to words of warning But on the darkest of nights Nobody knew how to fight And we were caught in our sleepSorry Cassandra, I didn’t believeYou really had the power I only saw it as dreams you would weave Until the final hourI’m sorry CassandraI’m sorry Cassandra I’m sorry Cassandra I’m sorry Cassandra I’m sorry Cassandra