Mr. Write's Page

As a big fan of rock music, and a person often disdainful of lesser genres, I am loath to feature a song by ABBA as a Tune o’ the Day. But the thing is, this tune from 1976 is pretty darn good.

I’ve always liked a good story song, and this one is first-rate — a tale of two aging veterans of the Mexican Revolution reminiscing about a lost battle.

When I heard “Fernando” for the first time, I didn’t know or care that I was listening to a disco group from Sweden. I just knew the song was terrific, from the story to the melody to the harmony to the orchestration.

The “Fernando” I know and love is not the original version. The Swedish original was called “Hernandez.” In it, the narrator tries to console a heartbroken friend who has lost his true love.

Sample lyrics: “Propose a toast! Long live love, Hernandez!”

Sounds pretty blah to me. On the other hand, the Mexican Revolution, the roar of cannons, crossing the Rio Grande at night — now, that’s a story. No matter who tells it. 

Fernando

By ABBA, 1976
Written by Benny Andersson and Björn 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 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.
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.
Yes, 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.