About The Song
This song wasn’t the chart-topping smash that some of their other hits were. Instead, it found its place as the B-side to the chart-topping single “Mamma Mia” in Australia and “Fernando” in the UK. But for fans who flipped the record over, “Hey, Hey Helen” offered a glimpse into a different side of ABBA.
The upbeat tempo and signature ABBA harmonies are still there, but the lyrical content takes a more mature turn. Gone are the carefree declarations of love and youthful exuberance. Instead, “Hey, Hey Helen” tackles the difficult subject of divorce from an unexpected perspective.
The song follows the story of a woman named Helen, navigating the aftermath of a marital breakdown. The lyrics, written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, offer a sympathetic portrayal of a single mother struggling to cope with the emotional and practical challenges of her new reality. Lines like “Bills to pay and a child to raise / You’re on your own in a lonely maze” resonate with the difficulties faced by many women in similar situations.
While the song might not be as overtly feminist as some contemporary music, it does offer a nuanced perspective on a topic rarely explored in mainstream pop at the time. “Hey, Hey Helen” acknowledges the emotional toll of divorce, particularly on the woman left behind. It’s a subtle shift from the usual ABBA narrative, offering a glimpse into the struggles faced by many behind the facade of a happy family.
So, the next time you hear that iconic ABBA melody, remember that beneath the catchy tunes and dazzling costumes, there’s a band willing to explore a range of emotions. “Hey, Hey Helen” stands as a testament to their versatility, reminding us that even pop music can have depth and complexity.