Introduction
“I Can Be That Woman,” released in 2021 on ABBA’s ninth and final studio album, “Voyage,” marked a poignant return for the iconic Swedish pop group. Coming 40 years after their last album, the song captured the bittersweet complexities of revisiting a past relationship.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman arriving at her ex-partner’s home, Tammy the dog by their side. The tension is thick, laced with apologies and accusations. Both acknowledge shortcomings – “You’re not the man you should have been” – but a glimmer of hope emerges. The woman recognizes her own potential for growth: “I’m not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman now).”
“I Can Be That Woman” resonated with fans who had grown alongside ABBA. The song offered a mature take on love and relationships, acknowledging the passage of time and the possibility of personal transformation. It wasn’t just about rekindling a past flame, but about acknowledging past mistakes and embracing the chance to be a better version of oneself, both individually and as a couple.
While details about the song’s specific inspiration haven’t been publicly shared by ABBA members, it undeniably carries a weight of shared history. It feels like a conversation between old friends, acknowledging the past but looking towards a potential future together. Whether that future comes to fruition or not, “I Can Be That Woman” stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, regret, and the will to change.