Introduction
In the landscape of ABBA’s prolific career, ABBA – One Of Us (Official Lyric Video) stands out as a poignant reflection on loss, change, and the emotional complexity of relationships. Released in 1981, as part of their final studio album The Visitors, this track captures a different side of ABBA than their usual exuberant hits, offering a more introspective, melancholic tone that resonates with listeners across generations, particularly those who have experienced the pain of unrequited love or the end of a significant relationship.
The song opens with a gentle, almost haunting piano melody that sets the mood for the lyrical journey that follows. Unlike ABBA’s more upbeat and dance-oriented tracks, One Of Us moves slowly, allowing its emotional content to take center stage. The lyrics speak to the emptiness and loneliness that follows a breakup, with the narrator feeling as though they have been left behind, unable to reconcile their emotions with the harsh reality of a relationship coming to an end. Lines like “One of us is crying, one of us is lying” express the tension between the internal turmoil of heartbreak and the external need to put on a brave face.
Lyrically, ABBA – One Of Us captures the vulnerability of a person trying to navigate the aftermath of love lost. The song doesn’t shy away from the rawness of emotion; it embraces it fully, which is part of what makes it so relatable. The central theme—being left behind, struggling to accept the truth, and coming to terms with one’s own feelings—is universal, and its poignancy is felt most acutely by those who have faced the same uncertainty and heartache in their own lives.
Musically, the song is more subdued compared to many of ABBA’s larger-than-life hits. The rich harmonies between Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad lend the song a sense of emotional depth, as they convey both the strength and fragility of the emotions at play. The minimalist arrangement, with its slow-building strings and simple but effective percussion, further enhances the contemplative nature of the track, allowing the lyrics to resonate without distraction.
The official lyric video that accompanies the song complements the somber tone, offering a visual experience that focuses on the words and the feelings behind them. The simplicity of the video reflects the song’s emotional sincerity, allowing the lyrics to take center stage and allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the experience. This approach mirrors the song’s message about the power of reflection, personal growth, and ultimately, acceptance.
For mature listeners, ABBA – One Of Us offers a reminder that even in the most painful moments of life, there is beauty in the vulnerability that comes with being human. It’s a track that invites listeners to look inward, to acknowledge the emotional toll of past experiences, and to reflect on the lessons learned. While ABBA’s music is often associated with joyous, danceable melodies, this song serves as a testament to their versatility and depth as artists. It reminds us that even in the face of heartache, music has the power to heal, comfort, and provide solace.
In the larger context of ABBA’s discography, One Of Us remains one of their most emotionally charged songs, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve beyond their signature pop sound and explore more intimate, complex themes. For fans of the group, this track is a beautiful, bittersweet reminder of the power of music to capture the many facets of the human experience.