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.

Related:   ABBA - When You Danced With Me

“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 deadHiding their shame behind hollow laughterWhile you are crying alone on your bed
Pity Cassandra that no one believed youBut then again you were lost from the startNow we must suffer and sell our secretsBargain, playing smart, aching in our hearts
Sorry Cassandra, I misunderstoodNow the last day is dawningSome of us wanted, but none of us wouldListen to words of warningBut on the darkest of nightsNobody knew how to fightAnd we were caught in our sleep
Sorry Cassandra, I didn’t believeYou really had the powerI only saw it as dreams you would weaveUntil the final hour
So in the morning your ship will be sailingNow that your father and sister are goneThere is no reason for you to lingerYou’re grieving deeply but still moving onYou know the future is casting a shadowNo one else sees it, but you know your fatePacking your bags, being slow and thoroughKnowing, though you’re late, that ship is sure to wait
Sorry Cassandra, I misunderstoodNow the last day is dawningSome of us wanted, but none of us wouldListen to words of warningBut on the darkest of nightsNobody knew how to fightAnd we were caught in our sleep
Sorry Cassandra, I didn’t believeYou really had the powerI only saw it as dreams you would weaveUntil the final hour
I watched the ship leaving harbor at sunriseSails almost slack in the cool morning rainShe stood on deck, just a tiny figureRigid and restrained, blue eyes filled with pain
Sorry Cassandra, I misunderstoodNow the last day is dawningSome of us wanted, but none of us wouldListen to words of warningBut on the darkest of nightsNobody knew how to fightAnd we were caught in our sleep
Sorry Cassandra, I didn’t believeYou really had the powerI only saw it as dreams you would weaveUntil the final hour
I’m sorry CassandraI’m sorry CassandraI’m sorry CassandraI’m sorry CassandraI’m sorry Cassandra