Fernando

Song Meaning of Fernando by ABBA, and what it is about

The song "Fernando" was first made available as a solo single by Anni-Frid Lyngstad, not as an ABBA song. It was included in 1975's Frida ensam, her No. 1 solo album in Sweden.

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus wrote the song, which was formerly titled "Tango". In August 1975, preparations for recording got under way. The name "Fernando" was inspired by a barman of that name who worked at a club the band frequented in Stockholm, Sweden, and was changed at the last minute before recording.

The English version, which features entirely different lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus, depicts two veterans reflecting on a long-ago fight they took part in as they approach old age.

"I wrote all the songs as little stories. 'Fernando' was about two old freedom-fighters from the Mexican Revolution. I was lying outside one summer night, looking at the stars and it suddenly came to me". "I knew that the title 'Fernando' had to be there, and after pondering a while, I had this vivid image in my mind of two old and scarred revolutionaries in Mexico sitting outside at night talking about old memories".

Fernando lyrics by ABBA

Can you hear the drums Fernando?

I remember long ago another starry night like this

In the firelight Fernando

You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar

I could hear the distant drums

And sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar

They were closer now Fernando

Every hour every minute seemed to last eternally

I was so afraid Fernando

We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die

And I'm not ashamed to say

The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry

There was something in the air that night

The stars were bright, Fernando

They were shining there for you and me

For liberty, Fernando

Though we never thought that we could lose

There's no regret

If I had to do the same again

I would, my friend, Fernando

If I had to do the same again

I would, my friend, Fernando

Now we're old and grey Fernando

Since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand

Can you hear the drums Fernando?

Do you still recall the fateful night we crossed the Rio Grande?

I can see it in your eyes

How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land

There was something in the air that night

The stars were bright, Fernando

They were shining there for you and me

For liberty, Fernando

Though we never thought that we could lose

There's no regret

If I had to do the same again

I would, my friend, Fernando

There was something in the air that night

The stars were bright, Fernando

They were shining there for you and me

For liberty, Fernando

Though we never thought that we could lose

There's no regret

If I had to do the same again

I would, my friend, Fernando

Yes, if I had to do the same again

I would, my friend, Fernando

If I had to do the same again

I would, my friend, Fernando...