Introduction
ABBA’s “If It Wasn’t For The Nights” is a surprising melody. An upbeat tempo and catchy tune belie lyrics that delve into the depths of loneliness and longing. The song’s origins lie in a period of personal turmoil for one of ABBA’s songwriters, Björn Ulvaeus.
In the late 1970s, Ulvaeus and his bandmate Benny Andersson were both going through divorces from their respective partners, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who were also the other two members of ABBA. “If It Wasn’t For The Nights” reflects Ulvaeus’s emotional state during this difficult time. Despite the upbeat music, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who finds solace in the busyness of the day but dreads the quiet solitude of the night.
Originally intended to be the lead single for their 1979 album Voulez-Vous, “If It Wasn’t For The Nights” was ultimately overshadowed by the lighter and more commercially viable “Chiquitita.” However, the song remains a favorite among some fans, recognized for its unique blend of disco rhythms and melancholic lyrics. It stands as a testament to ABBA’s ability to craft catchy pop melodies that explore complex human emotions.