ABBA – I Can Be That Woman

About The Song

In the realm of pop music, few bands have achieved the enduring legacy and global recognition of ABBA. The Swedish quartet, comprised of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious melodies, energetic stage presence, and undeniable fashion sense. Their music, a blend of pop, disco, and Europop, transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, making them one of the best-selling music groups of all time.

Amongst ABBA’s extensive discography, the song “I Can Be That Woman” stands out as a poignant and emotionally charged ballad that showcases the group’s maturity and depth as songwriters. Released in 2021 as part of their album Voyage, “I Can Be That Woman” marked ABBA’s first studio album in nearly four decades, and it did not disappoint. The song quickly became a fan favorite, resonating with listeners for its raw honesty and exploration of complex themes.

“I Can Be That Woman” opens with a melancholic piano melody, setting the stage for a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. The lyrics, penned by Björn Ulvaeus, paint a vivid picture of a relationship in its twilight years, where the spark has dimmed and resentment has taken hold. The protagonist, weary from years of unfulfilled expectations and unspoken disappointments, confronts her partner, expressing her desire to break free from the cycle of pain and rediscover her own identity.

Key themes of “I Can Be That Woman” emerge throughout the song, each verse adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. The protagonist’s longing for a deeper connection and her yearning for her partner to be the man she once fell in love with are palpable. She acknowledges her own shortcomings and the ways in which she may have contributed to the relationship’s decline, yet she ultimately asserts her right to happiness and fulfillment.

The bridge of the song offers a glimmer of hope, as the protagonist declares, “I can be that woman now.” This powerful statement signifies her newfound determination to break free from the shackles of the past and embrace her true potential. She recognizes that she has the strength and resilience to rebuild her life and find the love and happiness she deserves.

“I Can Be That Woman” concludes with a sense of quiet resolve, the protagonist’s voice filled with a newfound strength and determination. The song’s message of self-empowerment and the courage to seek happiness is one that resonates with listeners of all ages, particularly those who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.

ABBA’s “I Can Be That Woman” is a testament to the group’s enduring artistry and their ability to craft songs that are both emotionally resonant and musically captivating. It is a song that speaks to the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of self-discovery. With its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, “I Can Be That Woman” is a song that will undoubtedly continue to touch the hearts of listeners for generations to come.

Video

Lyric

You’re asleep on the couch with Tammy
And she looks straight up at me
The reproach in her eyes is imagined
But the pain that I feel is real
She jumps down and her tail is swishing
Like a feather right under your nose
And then you wake up and you’re bleary-eyed
I say I’m sorry, I can see you’ve cried

You look frail as you stand before me
Then you curse and kick a chair
And the dog, bless her heart, licks my fingers
But she jerks every time you swear
I feel sick and my hands are shaking
This is how all our fights have begun
You say you’ve had it
And you say, “screw you”
I say, “I love you”
And I know it’s true

You’re not the man you should have been
I let you down somehow (not the one I could have been)
I’m not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman)
But I can be that woman now

You’re confused when you turn to face me
Is it true or is she drunk?
But it’s clear that I’ve hit my rock bottom
I’m aware of how far I’ve sunk
And the dog is the first to feel it
There’s a shimmer of hope in your eyes
You can’t believe it
But you’re close to tears
Oh God, I’m sorry for the wasted years

You’re not the man you should have been (I let you down)
I let you down somehow (not the one I could have been)
I’m not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman now)
But I can be that woman now