About the song
“Knowing Me, Knowing You” is a quintessential track from the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, released in February 1977 as the third single from their fourth studio album, *Arrival* (1976). Written by the prolific songwriting trio of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson, the song features lead vocals by Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Recorded in 1976 at the Metronome Studios in Stockholm, this song became one of ABBA’s most successful and enduring hits.
“Knowing Me, Knowing You” is notable for its poignant exploration of the end of a romantic relationship, a theme that would later become more prominent in ABBA’s music as the personal relationships within the band became more complex. The song’s melancholy yet melodically vibrant nature captures the emotional conflict of separation, making it a standout in their catalog. The B-side of the single was “Happy Hawaii,” an alternate version of “Why Did It Have to Be Me?” with different lead vocals and lyrics.
Upon its release, “Knowing Me, Knowing You” quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number one hit in several countries, including West Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, and South Africa. It also reached the top three in Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and was a top ten hit in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Norway. In the United States, it peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, marking ABBA’s sixth top 20 single in the U.S.
The song’s success in the UK was particularly remarkable. It was one of the biggest singles of 1977, contributing to a second streak of three consecutive number one hits for ABBA, followed by “The Name of the Game” and “Take a Chance on Me.” As of September 2021, “Knowing Me, Knowing You” remains the group’s third-biggest song in the UK, with 1.02 million chart sales, combining pure sales and streams.
Critically acclaimed, “Knowing Me, Knowing You” has been praised for its lyrical depth and melodic strength. Billboard described it as a “melodically energetic but sad-worded ditty about a romantic breakup,” while Cash Box highlighted its “memorable pop hooks” and distinctive reverb-soaked ambiance. Record World also praised the song, noting its “mighty hook” and superb melody.
The song’s enduring legacy is reflected in its continued recognition as one of ABBA’s finest works. In 2017, Billboard ranked it number four on their list of the 15 greatest ABBA songs, and in 2021, Rolling Stone placed it at number two on their list of the 25 greatest ABBA songs. The Spanish-language version, “Conociéndome, Conociéndote,” included in the compilation *Oro: Grandes Éxitos* and *Gracias Por La Música*, further attests to its widespread appeal and lasting impact.
In summary, “Knowing Me, Knowing You” stands as a testament to ABBA’s ability to blend poignant storytelling with infectious melodies, securing its place as a timeless classic in the world of pop music.
Video
Lyrics
No more carefree laughter
Silence ever after
Walking through an empty house, tears in my eyes
Here is where the story ends, this is goodbyeKnowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
There is nothing we can do
Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
We just have to face it, this time we’re through
(This time we’re through, this time we’re through
This time we’re through, we’re really through)
Breaking up is never easy, I know but I have to go
(I have to go this time
I have to go, this time I know)
Knowing me, knowing you
It’s the best I can doMem’ries (mem’ries), good days (good days), bad days (bad days)
They’ll be (they’ll be), with me (with me) always (always)
In these old familiar rooms children would play
Now there’s only emptiness, nothing to sayKnowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
There is nothing we can do
Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)
We just have to face it, this time we’re through
(This time we’re through, this time we’re through
This time we’re through, we’re really through)
Breaking up is never easy, I know but I have to go
(I have to go this time
I have to go, this time I know)
Knowing me, knowing you
It’s the best I can do