Fernando is one of ABBAs most successful songs, released in 1976. The lyrics talk about two war veterans reminiscing about a past battle for freedom. Composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the song was not initially part of an ABBA album but launched as a single. The inspiration came when Bjorn Ulvaeus recalled his childhood, and Fernando was originally part of a musical project not directly related to ABBA.
Key: A
Introduction:
A
D
D
E
D
D
E
A
A
Can you hear the drums Fernando?
A/G#
F#m
I remember long ago another starry night like this
Bm
In the firelight Fernando
E
You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar I could hear the distant drums and sounds
A
of bugle calls were coming from afar
A
They were closer now Fernando
A/G#
F#m
Every hour, every minute seemed to last eternally
Bm
I was so afraid Fernando
E
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
A
Almost made me cry
E
There was something in the air that night
A
The stars were bright, Fernando
E
A
They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Fernando
C
ø/
G
F#7
B7
Though we never thought that we could lose, there's no regret
E
A
If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando
E
D
E
D
E
A
If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando
A
D
A
E
A
A
Now we're old and grey Fernando
F#m
And since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Bm
Can you hear the drums Fernando?
E
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
A
For freedom in this land
E
There was something in the air that night
A
The stars were bright, Fernando
E
A
They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Fernando
C
ø/
G
F#7
B7
Though we never thought that we could lose, there's no regret
E
A
If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando
E
There was something in the air that night
A
The stars were bright, Fernando
E
A
They were shining there for you and me, for liberty, Fernando
C
ø/
G
F#7
B7
Though we never thought that we could lose, there's no regret
E
A
If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando
E
A
As if I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando
E
A
If I had to do the same again, I would, my friend, Fernando [
C
ø/
G
: ------------------------------------- Tabbed by Eduard Möllenkamp, 2003