Introduction
“Cassandra” is a song by Swedish pop group ABBA, released as part of their 1982 album The Visitors. The song stands out as one of the more dramatic and somber tracks in ABBA’s catalog, reflecting the group’s evolution toward more mature and complex themes in their later years. The Visitors marked a shift in both sound and lyrical content for ABBA, incorporating elements of a more polished and sophisticated pop style, while also addressing heavier subjects.
Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lyrics by Ulvaeus, “Cassandra” tells the story of a woman who, much like the figure from Greek mythology after whom the song is named, is cursed with the ability to foresee tragic events but is powerless to prevent them. The song’s central character, Cassandra, is haunted by premonitions of an impending disaster and struggles with her inability to alter the course of events. This narrative, filled with a sense of urgency and inevitability, is expressed through haunting melodies and dramatic instrumentation.
Although “Cassandra” was not released as a single, it has gained recognition over the years for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. The track was praised for its sophisticated musical arrangement, with sweeping strings and a melancholic piano, underscoring the song’s somber tone. Its darker, more mature themes reflected the changing dynamics within the group and the increasingly personal nature of their songwriting during this period.
“Cassandra” remains a fan favorite, often celebrated for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. Despite its relatively low profile in terms of chart performance, the song has endured as a classic example of ABBA’s musical versatility and emotional range.