About the Song
ABBA’s “Ring Ring” is more than just a catchy pop song; it’s a gateway to the group’s early sound and a stepping stone on their path to global domination. Released in 1973, “Ring Ring” served as the title track for their debut album and introduced the world to the infectious melodies and undeniable charm that would become their signature. Let’s delve into the origins of this song and see why it holds a special place in ABBA’s remarkable story.
Composed by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and their manager Stig Anderson, “Ring Ring” originated with the Swedish title “Ring Ring (Bara du slog en signal)” which translates to “Ring Ring (If Only You Called)”. This title hinted at the song’s playful theme – a young woman impatiently waiting for a phone call from her love interest. The bouncy melody, driven by a cheerful piano riff and a bright backing track, perfectly captured the youthful anticipation of a burgeoning romance.
While the core melody remained the same, the song underwent a crucial transformation before its international release. Recognizing the potential for a broader audience, Stig Anderson sought to enhance the song’s accessibility. He enlisted the help of American songwriter Neil Sedaka and his collaborator Phil Cody to rewrite the lyrics in English. This collaboration resulted in the iconic version of “Ring Ring” most listeners know today.
“Ring Ring” wasn’t just a musical success; it became a cultural phenomenon in Sweden. The song won Melodifestivalen, the national selection contest for the Eurovision Song Contest, propelling ABBA into the national spotlight. Although they finished a respectable third place at Eurovision itself, “Ring Ring” had already ignited their careers.
The song’s success transcended borders. Its infectious melody and relatable theme resonated with audiences worldwide, establishing ABBA as a force to be reckoned with. “Ring Ring” may not be their most complex song, but it serves as a delightful introduction to their signature sound – a perfect blend of pop sensibility and timeless charm. So, the next time you hear that ringing phone melody, prepare to be transported back to 1973 and experience the ABBA magic that began with “Ring Ring.”
Video
https://youtu.be/TL0EoXdpOqg?si=DvH_OOes63HDJBfh
Lyric
Tyst och död är telefonStår där nästan som ett hånInte ringer du och säger “Älsklig” nu som du gjordeAllting är så tyst mot förrIngen knackar på min dörrDet som lockat mig frestar inte, nej, som det bordeInget roar mig just nuIngen annan bara du, åh-åhRing, ring, llámame al fin, por favorRing, ring, es la más bella canciónRing, ring, la guardo con emociónY estoy junto al teléfonoSin moverme, estoy mirándoloOh-oh, ring, ring, llámame al fin, por favorOh-oh, ring, ring, llámame al fin, por favorYo te tuve y te perdí, pero no lo comprendíMe equivoqué, pero jamás podré saber cómo ha sido¿Cuánto hará que no me ves?¿Es un año? ¿Es un mes?Si llorando estoy, comprende que yo sufra en silencioNecesito tu perdónEscucha a mi corazón, oh-ohRing, ring, 14-0-7-0-3Ring, ring, telefonieren ist freiRing, ring, sonst ist es aus und vorbeiGeh doch endlich mal ran ans TelefonSag doch endlich: “Komm an, ich warte schon”Oh-oh, ring, ring, 14-0-7-0-3Oh-oh, ring, ring, sonst ist es aus und vorbeiSag mir nicht, dir fehlt die ZeitOder die GelegenheitDenn es gibt hier doch an jeder Straßenecke eine ZelleSag mir nicht, dass es nicht passtWeil du keine Groschen hastDenn in jeder Post, in jeder Bank ist eine WechselstelleAuch bei mir reißt mal der DrahtHäng dich an den Apparat, oh-ohRing, ring, bara du slog en signalRing, ring, tystnaden är så totalRing, ring, skingra den oron som malOm jag fick en signal, tog jag ett språngHjärtat gjorde en volt, ding-dong bing-bongOm du ring, ring, ringde en endaste gångOm du ring, ring, ringde en endaste gångOm du ring, ring, ringde en endaste gångOm du ring, ring, ringde en endaste gångOm du ring, ring, ringde en endaste gång