Introduction
ABBA’s “Happy New Year” might surprise you. Released in 1980 on their album Super Trouper, it’s not the typical celebratory anthem the title suggests.
The song reflects on the post-party lull, a melancholic hangover after the revelry. Originally titled “Daddy Don’t Get Drunk on Christmas Day,” it took a more universal theme, acknowledging the bittersweetness of new beginnings.
Despite its introspective mood, “Happy New Year” isn’t all downbeat. The lyrics yearn for a “vision now and then” of a better world, one filled with friendship and hope. It’s a call to action, urging us not to give up on our dreams despite the inevitable disappointments of the past year.
Interestingly, “Happy New Year” had a limited release as a single in December 1980. It wasn’t until much later, in 2011, that it received a wider audience with a special silver glitter vinyl release.
Though not originally intended as a New Year’s Eve staple, “Happy New Year” has resonated with listeners for its honest portrayal of the complex emotions that accompany new beginnings. It’s a reminder that amidst the revelry, there’s space for reflection and a hopeful look towards the future.