Introduction
ABBA’s “When I Kissed the Teacher” isn’t your typical love song. Released in 1976 as the opening track on their Arrival album, it injects a dose of youthful rebellion and innocent flirtation into their signature upbeat sound.
The song’s origins are interesting. Originally titled “Arrival” after the album itself, the music was composed by Benny Andersson, who considered it one of his favorites [ABBA Chat]. During filming for a Swedish television special, the group decided the playful lyrics about a student’s impulsive kiss towards their teacher were a better fit for the title [ABBA Chat].
While the lyrics are lighthearted, a touch of “will they, won’t they?” tension builds as the student wrestles with their feelings and contemplates revealing them to the teacher. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, however, maintain a sense of fun, making it a favorite among long-time ABBA fans [Time Magazine].
Interestingly, the song gained renewed attention in 2018 with the release of the sequel film “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” The storyline features a female student character with a crush on a female teacher, prompting a slight lyrical change to reflect the updated dynamic [Entertainment Weekly].
Whether you’re reminiscing about youthful crushes or simply enjoying a burst of pop energy, “When I Kissed the Teacher” remains a delightful reminder of ABBA’s ability to infuse catchy melodies with playful storytelling.