ABBA - Fernando Lyrics

ABBA - Fernando Lyrics

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

 **"Fernando" by ABBA - Lyrics Analysis**

"Fernando" is a deeply nostalgic and emotional song that touches on themes of war, friendship, bravery, and sacrifice. Through a reflective narrative, the lyrics portray the bond between two individuals, one of whom is named Fernando, as they recall their experiences during a past conflict. Below is a breakdown of key themes, emotions, and notable elements in the lyrics:

### **Themes**

1. **War and Conflict**: The lyrics vividly describe the sounds of war, including drums, bugles, guns, and cannons, which symbolize the intensity and fear of battle. The mention of crossing the Rio Grande may reference a historical conflict (possibly the Mexican-American War), though it's not explicitly stated.

   

2. **Freedom and Liberty**: One of the core themes is the fight for freedom. Fernando and the narrator fought for a cause, and their memories are tied to their pursuit of liberty. Despite the hardships, there is no regret in their actions, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.

3. **Friendship and Loyalty**: The bond between the narrator and Fernando is central to the song. Their shared experiences during war created a lasting friendship, with the narrator repeatedly affirming that they would stand by Fernando again if given the chance.

4. **Nostalgia and Reflection**: Much of the song is written from the perspective of someone looking back on their youth. They recall the feelings of fear, hope, and pride during the conflict, contrasting their younger selves with their older, more reflective selves.

### **Emotions**

- **Fear and Tension**: The song captures the fear of young soldiers facing death in battle. Lines like "The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry" convey the vulnerability they felt.

  

- **Pride and Bravery**: Despite the fear, the song also highlights a sense of pride, both in their fight for freedom and in their shared friendship. The line "How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land" reflects Fernando’s bravery.

- **Nostalgic Sadness**: As the narrator recalls the events of the past, there's a bittersweet tone. While they’re proud of what they did, the passage of time and the realization of loss bring a tinge of sadness. The mention of not seeing a rifle in Fernando’s hand for many years symbolizes the end of their fighting days.

### **Key Terms and Notable Lines**

- **"Drums" and "Bugle Calls"**: These musical references are symbolic of war. They evoke the sounds of marching soldiers, setting the tone for the rest of the song.

  

- **"We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die"**: This line emphasizes the youth and innocence of the narrator and Fernando when they were drawn into the conflict, capturing the vulnerability of young soldiers.

- **"If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend"**: This recurring line is central to the message of the song. It speaks to the unwavering loyalty and commitment to both the friendship and the cause they fought for.

### **Overall Message**

"Fernando" is a tribute to those who fight for freedom, but it’s also a reflection on the lasting effects of war and the bonds formed during such intense experiences. The song suggests that, despite the pain and fear of battle, the memories of fighting for a just cause, and the friendships that come from it, remain powerful and cherished. Even in old age, the narrator holds onto the pride of their past, reaffirming that they would make the same choices again.

The song blends emotions of pride, loss, and loyalty, creating a poignant picture of two individuals who, though separated by time, are forever connected by their shared past.