Lyrics Fernando

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.

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
And 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
As 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
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Tabbed by Eduard Möllenkamp, 2003