About the song
“Super Trouper” is one of the standout tracks from ABBA, the iconic Swedish pop group renowned for their catchy melodies and harmonious vocals. Released in November 1980, “Super Trouper” served as the title track and lead single of their seventh studio album, *Super Trouper*. This song, like many of ABBA’s hits, was composed by the talented duo of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad providing the distinctive lead vocals that are synonymous with the group’s sound.
The song “Super Trouper” is named after a type of stage spotlight, symbolizing the life of a performer. The lyrics convey the contrast between the glamour of being on stage and the loneliness that can accompany it. This theme resonated deeply with ABBA’s members, who were at the height of their fame and often grappling with the pressures that came with their success. The narrative of longing for personal connections amidst the glitz of show business is both poignant and relatable, making the song a reflective piece on the highs and lows of fame.
Upon its release, “Super Trouper” quickly became a commercial success, topping charts in several countries. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking ABBA’s ninth and final number-one hit in the UK. The song also achieved the top spot in countries like Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and West Germany, while securing high positions in many other regions. In the United States, “Super Trouper” peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing its widespread appeal.
The album *Super Trouper* itself was a critical and commercial triumph, further cementing ABBA’s status as pop legends. The album featured other notable tracks such as “The Winner Takes It All” and “Lay All Your Love on Me,” both of which contributed to its enduring legacy. The production quality of the album, combined with the group’s impeccable vocal performances, made it a staple of the early 1980s music scene.
Critics praised “Super Trouper” for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. The song’s infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, juxtaposed with its introspective lyrics, made it a favorite among fans and critics alike. The song’s music video, featuring ABBA performing under the bright lights of the titular Super Trouper spotlight, further reinforced its themes of performance and personal reflection.
“Super Trouper” remains a beloved classic in ABBA’s discography. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the group’s ability to craft songs that are both musically engaging and emotionally resonant. For an older and educated audience, “Super Trouper” is not just a reminder of ABBA’s exceptional talent but also a reflection on the universal themes of fame, loneliness, and the search for personal connection.
Video
Lyrics
Super trouper beams are gonna blind me
But I won’t feel blue
Like I always do
‘Cause somewhere in the crowd there’s you
I was sick and tired of everything
When I called you last night from Glasgow
All I do is eat and sleep and sing
Wishing every show was the last show (wishing every show was the last show)
So imagine I was glad to hear you’re coming (glad to hear you’re coming)
Suddenly I feel all right (and suddenly it’s gonna be)
And it’s gonna be so different when I’m on the stage tonight
Tonight the super trouper lights are gonna find me
Shining like the sun (super trouper)
Smiling, having fun (super trouper)
Feeling like a number one
Tonight the super trouper beams are gonna blind me (super trouper)
But I won’t feel blue (super trouper)
Like I always do (super trouper)
‘Cause somewhere in the crowd there’s you
Facing twenty-thousand of your friends
How can anyone be so lonely?
Part of a success that never ends
Still I’m thinking about you only (still I’m thinking about you only)
There are moments when I think I’m going crazy (think I’m going crazy)
But it’s gonna be alright (you’ll soon be changing everything)
Everything will be so different when I’m on the stage tonight
Tonight the super trouper lights are gonna find me (super trouper)
Shining like the sun (super trouper)
Smiling, having fun (super trouper)
Feeling like a number one
Tonight the super trouper beams are gonna blind me (super trouper)
But I won’t feel blue (super trouper)
Like I always do (super trouper)
‘Cause somewhere in the crowd there’s you
So I’ll be there when you arrive
The sight of you will prove to me I’m still alive
And when you take me in your arms and hold me tight
I know it’s gonna mean so much tonight
Tonight the super trouper lights are gonna find me (super trouper)
Shining like the sun (super trouper)
Smiling, having fun (super trouper)
Feeling like a number one
Tonight the super trouper beams are gonna blind me (super trouper)
But I won’t feel blue (super trouper)
Like I always do (super trouper)
‘Cause somewhere in the crowd there’s you
Super trouper lights are gonna find me
Shining like the sun (super trouper)
Smiling, having fun (super trouper)
Feeling like a number one
Tonight the super trouper beams are gonna blind me (super trouper)
But I won’t feel blue (super trouper)
Like I always do (super trouper)