Introduction
ABBA’s Hope for One Lasting Song (1976 Interview)
In a 1976 interview on the British TV program Young Nation, ABBA—then riding high with their new album Arrival and the single Money, Money, Money—shared insights into their beginnings, creative process, and dreams for the future.
They recalled how each member came from different musical backgrounds before uniting as a group, and how they rose to global fame after winning Eurovision with Waterloo. Despite their international success, they admitted they rarely left Sweden except for promotional tours. The group also reflected on their affection for London, their performances for royalty, and their cautious approach to breaking into the U.S. market, noting that it required touring rather than television appearances.
Björn and Benny described their songwriting method: spending summers on a small island near Stockholm, working daily at piano and guitar until inspiration struck. They stressed that their songs came from instinct and melody rather than calculation, with lyrics usually added later. Importantly, they rejected the idea of writing music for quick commercial gain, insisting that their work was never formulaic.
When asked about their long-term future, the members were modest. They doubted ABBA would still exist decades later, but expressed one heartfelt wish: “We can hope that maybe one song we make will last, even if ABBA doesn’t.”
Looking back nearly 50 years later, it is clear their hope came true—ABBA’s catalog, from Dancing Queen to Chiquitita, has indeed lasted, becoming timeless classics that continue to resonate with generations.