Released in December 1981 as part of their final studio album The Visitors, “One of Us” is one of ABBA’s most poignant and emotional tracks. Known for their pop hits and danceable tunes, this song represents a more melancholic side of the Swedish quartet. By the time “One of Us” came out, the personal lives of ABBA’s members were deeply intertwined with their music, making this song not only a commercial hit but also a reflection of their internal struggles.
ABBA, consisting of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, had already experienced immense global success by the early 1980s. However, their personal relationships were undergoing severe challenges. Agnetha and Björn had divorced in 1980, and Benny and Anni-Frid had separated shortly before the recording of The Visitors. These emotional fissures, perhaps inevitably, found their way into ABBA’s music. “One of Us” is a perfect example of how personal experience bled into their art during the latter part of their career.
The Lyrics: A Story of Regret and Loneliness
At first listen, “One of Us” sounds like a typical ABBA song with its catchy melody and harmonic arrangement. But a deeper look at the lyrics reveals the theme of heartbreak and regret. The song’s protagonist reflects on a failed relationship, admitting that the decision to leave might have been a mistake. “One of us is crying, one of us is lying, in her lonely bed” paints a vivid picture of someone grappling with the consequences of their actions, haunted by the loneliness they now feel.
What stands out in the lyrics is the focus on internal reflection. Unlike many breakup songs that blame the other party, “One of Us” delves into the narrator’s own regrets. The repeated phrase “wishing she had never left at all” reveals a deep sense of remorse. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of the weight of decisions made in moments of hurt or confusion, only to later realize the pain they’ve caused.
The choice to write the lyrics from the perspective of the one who left the relationship is particularly interesting. While many breakup songs center around the pain of being abandoned, ABBA turns this narrative around, giving voice to the person who initiated the separation, only to realize later that they might have been wrong. This gives the song an emotional complexity and depth that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar situations of regret.
The Music: Melancholy Wrapped in Melody
Musically, “One of Us” follows the classic ABBA formula with its polished production, infectious melody, and rich harmonies. Yet, there’s a subtle difference in the mood of the song compared to their earlier hits. The arrangement feels slightly more subdued, allowing the lyrics and emotions to take center stage. There’s a bittersweet quality to the music, with its upbeat rhythm masking the heartache in the lyrics. This juxtaposition between the bright melody and the sorrowful theme is a hallmark of ABBA’s genius—they could make songs that were both catchy and deeply emotional.
The song’s verses are relatively stripped back, with Agnetha’s lead vocals driving the narrative. Her voice, soft yet filled with emotion, conveys the vulnerability of the protagonist. The chorus, where the full band joins in, creates a soaring yet melancholic sound, amplifying the feelings of regret and yearning. This balance between personal intimacy and grand emotional expression is what makes “One of Us” so powerful.
A Reflection of ABBA’s Own Breakups
It’s impossible to discuss “One of Us” without acknowledging the real-life context behind the song. By 1981, ABBA was no longer the same group of friends and couples who had taken the world by storm in the 1970s. The divorces between Björn and Agnetha, and later Benny and Anni-Frid, had left the band in a fragile emotional state. While their professionalism ensured that they continued to produce great music, the personal tensions were clearly present.
Björn Ulvaeus, who wrote the lyrics, has acknowledged that many of ABBA’s songs from this period were inspired by their personal experiences. Though he insists that the lyrics were not directly autobiographical, it’s hard to ignore the parallels. “One of Us” feels like a reflection on the complexities of love and loss, themes that were undoubtedly close to the hearts of ABBA’s members at the time.
The emotional rawness of the song can be seen as a reflection of the band’s own internal fractures. While earlier ABBA songs, like “Dancing Queen” or “Mamma Mia,” were filled with joy and energy, songs like “One of Us” reveal a more mature, reflective side of the band. It’s a song that acknowledges that life and relationships are complicated, that decisions made in the heat of the moment can lead to long-lasting consequences.
Legacy of “One of Us”
Despite its melancholy tone, “One of Us” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and becoming one of ABBA’s most enduring tracks. It was also one of the last major hits the group released before their hiatus in 1982. The song’s success demonstrates ABBA’s unique ability to resonate with a wide audience, even when dealing with themes of sadness and regret.
“One of Us” holds a special place in ABBA’s discography. It marks the end of an era, both for the band and for their fans. After years of producing joyous, feel-good music, ABBA closed their career with songs that were more introspective and emotionally complex. This shift in tone reflected the group’s own experiences, making “One of Us” not just a pop song, but a deeply personal statement about the human condition.
In many ways, “One of Us” is ABBA at their most vulnerable. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who has ever made a mistake in love, only to look back with regret. With its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody, it continues to touch listeners today, reminding us that even in heartache, there’s a certain beauty in reflection.