ABBA - Waterloo Lyrics

 ABBA - Waterloo Lyrics

My, my

At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender

Oh yeah

And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way

The history book on the shelf

Is always repeating itself

Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war

Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore

Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to

Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you

Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo

My, my

I tried to hold you back but you were stronger

Oh yeah

And now it seems my only chance is giving up the fight

And how could I ever refuse?

I feel like I win when I lose

Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war

Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore

Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to

Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you

Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo

So how could I ever refuse?

I feel like I win when I lose

Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to

Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you

Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo, ooh

Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you

Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo, ooh

Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you

Here’s a detailed analysis of ABBA's song "Waterloo," focusing on its themes, emotions, key terms, notable lines, and overall messages:

### Themes

1. **Defeat and Surrender**: The title references the historical Battle of Waterloo, symbolizing a significant defeat. The narrator parallels their personal struggle in love to Napoleon's surrender, suggesting an unavoidable fate in relationships.

   

2. **Love and Commitment**: The lyrics emphasize a sense of commitment, as the narrator promises to love the other person "forevermore." This commitment comes even in the face of personal defeat.

3. **Fate and Acceptance**: The concept of fate is central, with the narrator acknowledging that their destiny is tied to their love interest. They express a resigned acceptance of their fate, implying that losing in love can also feel like a victory.

4. **Conflict and Resolution**: The internal conflict of trying to resist love but ultimately surrendering is highlighted throughout the song. This push and pull adds emotional depth to the narrative.

### Emotions

- **Resignation**: The narrator expresses a sense of giving up the fight, indicating feelings of helplessness in the face of love.

- **Bittersweetness**: The realization that losing can feel like winning adds a bittersweet quality, reflecting the complex nature of love.

- **Nostalgia**: The reference to history evokes a sense of looking back on past struggles and triumphs, adding layers of meaning.

### Key Terms

- **"Waterloo"**: Represents both defeat and the inevitability of surrender in love.

- **"Destiny"**: Implies that the narrator believes their fate is intertwined with their partner's.

- **"Defeated"**: Acknowledges the loss but also the emotional victory found within that loss.

### Notable Lines

- **"I was defeated, you won the war"**: This line encapsulates the central conflict of the song, highlighting the dynamic of love as a battle.

- **"I feel like I win when I lose"**: This paradox illustrates the complexity of emotions in romantic relationships, where defeat in love can bring unexpected joy.

### Overall Messages

"Waterloo" conveys a powerful message about the nature of love and relationships. It portrays love as a battlefield where one can find victory in defeat. The song suggests that surrendering to love, despite the risks and challenges, can lead to deeper emotional connections and fulfillment. The historical allusion adds depth, transforming personal experiences into universal themes of struggle and acceptance. 

Overall, ABBA's "Waterloo" is a masterful exploration of love, blending historical context with personal emotion, and ultimately affirming the inevitability of romantic surrender.