Sad songs

[Adam J. Thornton]

> It is a curiousity of rock music (and probably other popular
> forms such as the blues) that a lyrically mordant or despairing
> song will frequently be set to a rollicking beat (as counterweight
> or yin-yang balance?).

This is precisely what makes (hold onto your stomachs here, foax) Abba
(yes, I said it, Abba) such a great band.  Look no further than "Our Last
Summer" on _Super Trouper_.  The tune is your basic happy Abba-disco-pop.
But the words (this is the last verse, after a few about the bittersweet
joys of the couple's last summer in Paris):

"Now you're working in a bank
A family man, a football fan,
And your name is Harry.
How dull it seems, yet still
You're the hero of my dreams."

Or even the title track:
"I was sick and tired of everything
 When I called you last night from Glasgow.
 All I do is eat and sleep and sing..."

If Abba sang mostly happy songs to their happy disco beats, who would ever
listen to them?

Adam
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