Introduction
ABBA’s “That’s Me” might not be their biggest hit, but it holds a special place in their history. Originally titled “Coachman’s Farm,” the song was written by the legendary ABBA trio of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson in 1976. It was recorded during the sessions for their iconic album, Arrival.
Unlike most ABBA tracks, “That’s Me” wasn’t released worldwide. Instead, it served as the fourth and final single promoting Arrival in Japan only, in July 1977. The song’s B-side was the chart-topping “Money, Money, Money.” Despite not having a global release, “That’s Me” still managed to reach number 75 on the Japanese charts, a testament to ABBA’s immense popularity in the country.
Interestingly, a music video for “That’s Me” exists, but its journey to the public eye was a long one. Filmed during the making of the 1976 TV special ABBA-dabba-doo!, the video combined original footage with clips and outtakes from previous ABBA works. However, fans had to wait a staggering seventeen years to see it. The video finally premiered in 1993 as part of the compilation “More ABBA Gold.”
While “That’s Me” may not have reached the stratospheric heights of “Dancing Queen” or “Waterloo,” it remains a charming and delightful song from ABBA’s golden era. Its catchy melody, layered vocals, and positive message are a reminder of the group’s enduring songwriting prowess. So, put on your dancing shoes and prepare to be transported back to the disco-infused world of 1970s ABBA with the delightful “That’s Me.”