Help: Fernando

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: M.Ted
Date: 11 Aug 02 - 11:17 AM

This is one of the few ABBA hits that is *not* in the musical, "Mama Mia"--

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Aug 02 - 08:07 AM

I agree, it's a pretty neat song. One question about the lyrics...isn't it the "fateful" night we crossed the Rio Grande, rather than "frightful"?

I once wrote a parody based on this tune called "Geraldo"...it was about Geraldo Rivera in his early and irresponsible years as the king of trash TV.

- LH

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: Amos
Date: 10 Aug 02 - 06:51 PM

Any Mexican combatant who lost would find it convenient to cross the Rio Grande, if not easy.   Those who fled the 1910 Revolution -- whether they fought or not -- crossed the river in such numbers that the United States posted sharpshooters along the banks on Gringolandia's shore to shoot them in the water.

A

Subject: ADDPOP: Fernando (Abba)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Aug 02 - 06:58 PM

Yeah, it is kind of an interesting song. For the sake of completeness, I'll post tle lyrics, which I found at Lyrics World.
-Joe Offer-

---

Fernando
recorded by Abba
Music & Lyrics : Benny Andersson - Bjorn Ulvaeus

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 I never thought that we could loose
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
Since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Can you hear the drums Fernando
Do you still recall the frightful 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 I 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 I never thought that we could loose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
Yes, if I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando.....

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: KickyC
Date: 09 Aug 02 - 01:26 PM

Thanks, This makes more sense. I think instead of the revolution of 1910, it would probably be about the war of independence in 1810. Then crossing the Rio Grande would make sense since it would then have been in the heart of Mexico. Thanks for the help everyone!

KickyC

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: allie kiwi
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 06:35 PM

Out of interest the version on your 'Latin Hits' CD have them singing in English or Spanish? Because there is a Spanish version out there.

I did find this short article about the song:

Literate lyrics aren't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when many listeners think of Abba, but it is interesting to note that the lyrics of Abba songwriters Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson became more complex and literate as their career progressed. They also began to tackle more unusual subject matter. An early example of the latter trend is "Fernando," a track that originally appeared on a Frida Lyngstad solo album but was revived in 1976 for a non-album ABBA single. This lush ballad features a lyric that deals with Mexican freedom fighters, an unexpected subject for a European pure pop outfit. Like many ABBA hits, "Fernando" takes the form of a first-person narrative; in this case, a woman reminisces about the days when she and her friend "fought for freedom in this land" and "the fateful night we crossed the Rio Grande." Although the lyric avoids an overt political message, its expression of sympathy for those fighting oppression struck a chord with many listeners around the world. The song supports this lyric with a hypnotic melody that matches languid yet heroic verses with a strong singalong chorus that tugs at the heartstrings. The resulting combination of musical craftsmanship and topical lyrics made the song a major international hit. "Fernando" also widened the group's fan base in Spanish-speaking countries thanks to a Spanish-language version specially recorded for these countries. The song has been covered over the years, but Abba's recording remains the favored version for many listeners, thanks to its careful production — keyboards and woodwinds are carefully layered to create a heavenly intro and the chorus is gently nudged along by a subtle drumming and acoustic guitars. The song remains a favorite, and its blend of unusual subject matter and sumptuous melodicism makes it one of the most memorable Abba songs. — Donald A. Guarisco

Frida Lyngstad also known as Anni-Frid Lyngstad was one of the female singers in Abba. you can read a bit about here here

Allie

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: KickyC
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 01:54 PM

That's what made me think it was the revolution also because of the mention of freedom in the land, however, I don't think crossing the Rio Grand fits that category either, so I think maybe Walrus is correct, there really isn't any background to it.

Thanks, KickyC

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 01:40 PM

The mention in the lyrics of "Rio Grande" would seem to make the Spanish Civil War theory unlikely...

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 01:29 PM

I seem to recall an intewview with one of the writers (the taller one of the two) in which this subject came up. IIRC there was no "backgound" to this song (It appears that a lot of people thoght that it was about the Spanish Civil War).

Walrus

Subject: RE: Help: Fernando
From: Declan
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 01:13 PM

Its background is either in Mexico or Texas.

I'd be surprised to hear that very much historical research had gone into any of ABBA's songs - but then again they did one about Waterloo as well !

Subject: Fernando
From: KickyC
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 01:07 PM

I am trying to find out the background information on the ABBA tund "Fernando". I know it was written by two Swedish men, but what is it referring to? I think it is probably the Mexican Revolution of 1910, but am not sure. I have a CD of Greatist Latin American Hits, or something like that, and it is actually on that CD. I have been searching the net, but all I come up with are the lyrics.

KickyC