About the song
“One Man, One Woman” is a poignant and introspective song by the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA. Released in 1977, this track is the third on their album “ABBA: The Album,” following the hits “Eagle” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Composed by the prolific duo Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, “One Man, One Woman” delves deep into the emotional struggles of a couple striving to save their marriage.
The song features lead vocals by Anni-Frid Lyngstad, whose powerful and emotive voice brings a palpable sense of urgency and inner turmoil to the narrative. The instrumentation is a masterful blend of piano, synths, guitar, and strings. The piano provides a colorful countermelody during the vocal pauses in the chorus, a technique reminiscent of the descending double-octave riff in their iconic hit “Dancing Queen.” The synths add a haunting quality with their chord-per-bar pattern throughout the verses, while the strings take center stage in the chorus, enhancing the song’s emotional depth.
“One Man, One Woman” has been featured on several compilation albums, such as “Love Stories” (1998) and “The Essential Collection” (2012), underscoring its enduring appeal and significance within ABBA’s discography. Critics and fans alike have noted the song’s introspective nature, highlighting its exploration of the fragility of human relationships. As described in “ABBA: Let the Music Speak,” the song is engulfed by a “genuinely fatalistic quality,” with Frida’s performance filled with “urgency and inner suffering,” conveying insecurity and self-doubt.
The lyrics and musical progressions of “One Man, One Woman” reflect an unsureness and lack of faith, illustrating the complexities and challenges faced by the couple in the song. This theme of emotional struggle and the effort to salvage a relationship resonates deeply with listeners, making it one of ABBA’s most realistic and relatable portrayals of love and its difficulties.
In “One Man, One Woman,” ABBA captures the essence of a troubled relationship with a blend of musical sophistication and heartfelt lyrics. The song stands as a testament to their ability to craft deeply emotional and thought-provoking music, which continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. For those who appreciate the intricate and introspective side of ABBA’s music, this track offers a touching and memorable listening experience.
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Lyrics
No smiles, not a single word at the breakfast table
Though I would have liked to begin
So much that I wanna say, but I feel unable
You leave and slam the door
Like you’ve done many times before
And I cry and I feel so helplessOne man, one woman
Two friends and two true lovers
Somehow we’ll help each other through the hard times
One man, one woman
One life to live together
One chance to take that never comes back again
You and me, to the endOutside I can see the sun through the open window
Inside everything feels so cold
What’s wrong, what is happening, where did all our love go?
Sometimes when I just can’t cope
I cling to a desperate hope
And I cry and I feel like dyingOne man, one woman
Two friends and two true lovers
Somehow we’ll help each other through the hard times
One man, one woman
One life to live together
One chance to take that never comes back again
You and me, to the endDaydreams of a better life, but I have to wake up
The sound of the key in the door
You smile and I realise that we need a shake-up
Our love is a precious thing
Worth the pain and the suffering
And it’s never too late for changingOne man, one woman
Two friends and two true lovers
Somehow we’ll help each other through the hard times
One man, one woman
One life to live together
One chance to take that never comes back again
You and me, to the end
You and me, to the end