Introduction
“So Long,” released in 1974, wasn’t just any song – it was the debut single from the Swedish pop group ABBA that would take the world by storm. The song’s energetic melody and signature ABBA sound, with its layered vocals and catchy hooks, showcased the talent of songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and vocalists Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
But “So Long” holds more significance than just its catchy sound. Musically similar to their Eurovision-winning smash “Waterloo,” it established the upbeat, danceable style that would become synonymous with ABBA. However, the lyrics hint at a layer of independence that would become more prominent in their later work.
The song tells the story of a woman unfazed by a wealthy suitor’s attempts to win her affection with money and fancy cars. She sees through his tactics (“They say that money’s got a magic touch/ But not to me, it doesn’t mean that much”) and asserts her self-worth (“So long, see you honey/ You can’t buy me with your money”). This theme of female empowerment, though subtle, was refreshing for the time and foreshadowed the strong female characters that would emerge in ABBA’s future hits.
“So Long” wasn’t a chart-topping juggernaut, but it did well in several European countries, laying the groundwork for the international success that awaited ABBA. So, the next time you hear this energetic song, remember that it’s not just a catchy tune – it’s the first chapter in the remarkable story of ABBA.