When was the first time you heard “Dancing Queen”? Perhaps it was at a wedding reception with your parents, maybe on your aunt’s curated playlist, or on the radio station your dad always listened to that you were too lazy to change. Or, possibly, you know “Dancing Queen” from family karaoke nights. It sounds like just another classic disco-pop song, right?
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But that’s not the whole story. Why? Because “Dancing Queen” might actually be one of the saddest songs ever written.
Is your perception of “Dancing Queen” about to change? Okay, listen to the song one more time. Really pay attention to the lyrics this time.
Have you finished listening? What do you think? The immediate impression is still: this song is timeless and amazing. But we’re not here to discuss the technical production quality of “Dancing Queen.”
THUMP once interviewed DJ Harvey (regrettably, the interview wasn’t recorded). The legendary DJ considered “Dancing Queen” to be the best disco song ever created. In some ways, it’s hard to disagree. The song is undeniably high-quality, incredibly catchy, and makes you want to dance. But is the song truly happy? That’s the real question when you delve into the lyrics of “Dancing Queen”.
Let’s get straight to the point. You’ve probably always thought “Dancing Queen” is about a 17-year-old girl who loves to dance. And that’s true on the surface. But have you ever considered the deeper meaning behind the song?
You are the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing Queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, digging the Dancing Queen
The song tells a story about a girl who loves to dance, but crucially, the song isn’t sung by that “teenager”. Herein lies the tragedy. The narrator realizes they are no longer the Dancing Queen. The “I” in the lyrics is no longer young, not seventeen anymore. Now, they are just watching from the sidelines, perhaps from a bar; the dance floor serving as a poignant reminder of lost confidence, memories, and missed opportunities. They were once seventeen, and didn’t realize it wouldn’t last forever, including their reign as the dancing queen.
“Dancing Queen” is about the end of that youthful exuberance. It depicts how any beautiful thing you experience in your youth will eventually fade with time. You might have once felt invincible, believing your spirit would forever be young, and that you didn’t need to worry about the future. Carpe Diem, seize the day, as they say. For some, youth isn’t enjoyable, and they eagerly await adulthood. But the reality is, many experience an existential crisis and understand life’s fleeting nature even when young. Yes, those who go to nightclubs seeking fleeting happiness.
Many cynics believe people who frequent nightclubs are only there for one-night stands or as an escape. What they fail to see is that the nightclub atmosphere can boost confidence, even leading you to do things you might regret in the sober light of morning.
ABBA Voulez-Vous album cover
For those who are past their teenage years, perhaps now you find solace in being able to smoke freely or drink coffee every morning before starting your day, listening to your teenage playlists every night, or coming home late after work—this song is for you. Every time you go to a club, you’re no longer the Dancing Queen. Now, you’re just watching teenagers who seem happy, as if life has no problems.
It’s a captivating, yet heartbreaking sight, especially when memories of your own youth resurface. The melody is undeniably happy. The melancholic piano chords and the chorus that compels everyone to sing along are its strengths. But sometimes, when listening to “Dancing Queen”, specifically at the 2:57 mark, it sounds like you can hear people screaming. Not screams of joy, certainly.
ABBA often crafted songs with sad lyrics disguised as upbeat disco tunes. Take “Slipping Through My Fingers,” depicting the poignant moment of a child growing up and drifting apart from their parents. “The Day Before You Came” narrates the mundane, directionless routine before meeting someone who changes everything. And “S.O.S” portrays the misery of a relationship ending. Many of their songs subtly hint at sadness, blending pop sensibilities with uncomfortable feelings.
Personally, no other ABBA hit quite reaches the emotional depth of “Dancing Queen”. This abba dancing queen song encapsulates the happy moments we once owned, now belonging to others. All you can do now is watch others’ happiness and reminisce about your own. This song perfectly captures moments when your memories are stronger than your ambitions. “Dancing Queen,” often played at joyous occasions, is actually a song that conveys the sadness of someone reminiscing about their youth.
“Dancing Queen” is a song about the end of everything.
Follow the writer on Twitter @a_n_g_u_s. Let’s chat about dance music and electronics.
