Introduction
ABBA’s “Happy New Year,” released in 1980 on their album Super Trouper, might surprise you. Unlike the typical celebratory New Year’s Eve anthem, this song takes a more introspective look at the emotions that linger after the party ends.
Though released during the holiday season, the song’s origins are quite different. Originally titled “Daddy Don’t Get Drunk on Christmas Day,” it reflected the personal struggles within ABBA. Band members Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson were going through a divorce, casting a shadow over the seemingly joyous occasion.
Despite its melancholic roots, the song isn’t simply a downer. The lyrics acknowledge the post-celebratory slump – “the morning seems so grey” – but ultimately offer a message of hope. Agnetha Fältskog’s vocals plead for “a vision now and then of a world where every neighbour is a friend,” encouraging us to hold onto hope and the will to try in the face of new beginnings.
“Happy New Year” gained further intrigue with the line, “Seems to me now that the dreams we had before are all dead.” This could be interpreted as a reflection on the band’s personal turmoil, or a broader commentary on the disillusionment some felt at the end of the 1970s.
The song, though not a major hit upon release, transcended its origins. In Vietnam, it’s become a surprising New Year’s tradition, a testament to the song’s ability to resonate with themes of hope and perseverance amidst the inevitable passage of time.
So, as you raise a glass to a new year, take a listen to ABBA’s “Happy New Year.” It’s a reminder that new beginnings often come with a mix of emotions, but with a dash of hope and a friend by your side, anything is possible.