"Now and then combined". They might not look the same, they sure sound it. The lyrics are amazing, Agnetha's voice is full of pathos, and this song is as good as anything they put out first time around.
I feel that this song could have easily been on the Voulez-Vous album... Sounds very much like the sound they had on there with songs like, " If It Wasn't For The Nights" or "The King Has Lost It's Crown"... This song could have slipped in between those.
My perception is that the song is about Abba coming back onto the scene and that they are not the same as they used to be and to give them a chance. They will dominate the world again.
I think the lyrics is also about personal relations, and specifically about their love lives (remember they were two couples initially). The reference to the apartment, and others, show well this very intimate dimenson of the lyrics. But probably it is also about their coming back. Only the Gods, that is is they, know! :))
I like your analysis. People change as they age ‘now and then combined’. Don’t expect them to be the same. That’s something everyone will face during their lifetime. I can relate to these lyrics.
They certainly didn’t make the avatars to resemble themselves as they look now People were confused initially thinking they had not changed/aged. It also frees them from having to perform in person constantly. I guess the writers know the meaning behind their words, very clever lyrics.
@@markfangrad5628 Working together for a decade some 40 years ago, also being married to your co worker would bring all sorts of good days bad days nice words not so nice words, etc etc,, towards the end of the Visitors cd Frida was heart broken that Benny had been cheating and found a new partner, so as you can imagine their last few weeks and month of working together were not nice for any of the members of ABBA. I'm sure this is what Bjorn refers too however it applies to all of them each one....
As an older man I cant say, "back in my day that was music! not the stuff now days" now days we have abba back, so today's youngsters can enjoy what we had🤩🤩🤩
I cried tears of sorrow whenever I heard "under attack" their last song in 1982. NO MORE ,my tears now are of joy in the new songs and rebirth they bring to me and the world.
I am a HUGE ABBA fan, 54yo, and when I heard their first song in 40 years "I still have faith in you" my body literally shut down. It was like my family coming back from the dead or me being in an alternate universe or something...and I wept tears of joy. I've never experienced this in my life before.
@@jcb561Y'm a fan since late 1978 Same feelings here.As if my beloved ones came back from heaven for the kiss of life.A breathtaking nostalgic big hug of consolation.7 months later,i still feel chills.
Iove your reaction. This is a real stomper of a song. I've been a fan since 1977 and that love for them has not diminished. Couldn't ask for more from them with the 2 new songs. The other one, I Still Have Faith In You is completely different but so poignant and beautiful.
Thanks very much! I appreciate it. Yeah they are band that will go on and on and will never get old. I'm really looking forward to the album now and I may even make a second reaction for that song"I Still Have Faith in You". Thanks for watching!
I so love this song. Can listen to it time after time... I love the vividness of the imagery, the music, the metaphors as well as the direct romantic story, the maturity behind the lyrics, the lush arrangement.... and on and on....
What the double meaning means is this! It’s the Agnetha’s ABBATAR that is singing. I’m then and now combined. Reloaded, decoded. Because all the group were mocapped and we are hearing their voices and seeing their actual movement its a big part of them, so they are asking us to have an open mind! I love how Bjorn managed to achieve this extra layer of meaning!
The big global news of this 21st century for the music world is the return of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA to the recording studios after more than 35 years (the last was "The day before you came") and the edition of his new songs after 39 years (the last was "Under attack") and a new album after almost 40 years (the last was "The Visitors") Beyond that these three data are for the Guines Book of records (I believe that No Group or Singer or Artist can come close to these incredible brands), the most remarkable thing is How they returned, with what level of quality And I must say that ABBA overcame all fears, doubts and expectations Their return is shocking and his quality is still valid "Don't shut me down" it's another surprise from ABBA A pop song was expected, but there were reservations and fears for what it could be (and here I include doubts to the voices of the girls due to their age) And we find a magnificent work The beginning is with Agnetha's voice attacking with the pleasant company of the piano. What Agnetha does in that introduction is anthology, exquisite modulating and using different nuances with her mature voice. Until Benny's signature piano glint (nod to the mega hit "Dancing Queen") and ABBA's typical pop song is with us, with the fans, because the lyrics speak to us. and Agnetha assumes that decoding of almost four decades and gives us her beautiful voice as the strings grow and lead to a memorable chorus with Frida reliving the historic third voice of ABBA But it doesn't end there, the second part adds hooks and a xylophone is added to the bells (a nod to the marimba in "Mamma Mía"), and the pre-chorus has more force with Agnetha and Frida and the violins anticipate the elevation to a chorus triumphant final anthology reminiscent of his greatest hits And it ends with a soft and sweet Agnetha voice and piano melody (as the begin, a double nod to "Thank you for the music") Thank for your great reaction and for Your respect to ABBA music and we are waiting for the new album Voyage un next November 5 and see in next ABBA vídeo GOD bless You with your family
The lyrics specifically talk about a former lover asking for a second chance; however, you can certainly interpret the words to apply to ABBA asking their fans not to shut them down.
Take a Chance on Me was my introduction to ABBA (and pop music in general) and I never looked back. I knew then that their music was finely crafted and meaningful and I never was ashamed to be a super fan. This day is one I never thought would come and now a whole new generation knows what it is like to hear a new recording from these great artists. The fact that they are again friends and doing this because they want to makes it all the better! I’m glad you understand the significance.
Björn said that they lyrics are about a poor avatar that had finally been fired up and doesn't want to be shut down, but the again I've also heard him say that it doesn't matter what they think the lyrics mean because everyone is going to interpret it uniquely from their personal point of view anyway. Personally I see both songs as anthems of how we should look at life. We are constantly transforming through then to now, in every moment in fact, and to me these are songs about acceptance of oneself and each other while at the same time asking others to be open minded and embrace the change. Completely genius! Together with the music and the use of tiny bits reminding us of some of the old songs the intelligence of Björn and Benny's songwriting skills are off the charts. So cleverly created songs that move us out of our fear filled minds and into our thriving, loving hearts. Brilliant! Thanks for the reaction! 🥰🙏
Yeah that's the beauty in music and lyrics. To the songwriter it may mean one thing, but to the fans and people listening it could interpret a completely different meaning for them. You make a great point there actually! 😁
Yes, I Think you are right. They have matured, gained other insights about life, healed their previous break-ups and are now finally appearing as a stronger unit/group capable of giving us the very best because there are no unresolved issues between them.
1st timer watching your vid. Initially wasn't convinced, but total respect to you as your reaction was dam good. On point and good commentary. I'm glad I watched right through :-) It sure is Classic-modern ABBA!!
@@blizzardz9797 - lol - thumbnail is totally fine. To me the lyrics are saying "life has moved on. We have come to terms with "what was" and we are now ready for "what is". Don't be too judgemental and enjoy the moment with us. Just my thoughts.
Hey Blizzardz, I'm a decades-long ABBA obsessive who's been an emotional wreck for six solid days since the new songs came out, and I've been constantly searching for truly appreciative new reactions and not just clickbait. I'm glad to say I LOVED this reaction of yours! Genuinely appreciative, and some real thought in terms of the lyrics (your poor Eurovision knowledge aside haha). You've had some rude comments on here and have been such a gentleman replying to them, so I just want you to know that you clearly *get* this song, and you don't need to apologise to anyone for your reaction! Also: SUBSCRIBED!
Thing is I actually love eurovision and I watch it every year, its just I couldn't think if they came onto eurovision another year and sang another song or not 😂 but i appreciate it slashdisco and I've been talking to you in the comments of the other video so we are caught up a small bit but nonetheless thanks again for the feedback and I hope to hear from you in the next video 😂
The lyrics are talking about their show ABBAtars where they are the digital version of their old self. They are fired up as in a digital form and asking to have an open mind and don't shut them down, as in a computer. It's part of the storyline of their new musical show.
Great review. Bjorn said, maybe half joking that the song is about a poor little ABBAtar left sitting outside in the rain. Personally, I think this, like I Still Have Faith In You is very autobiographical. Agnetha (71), Bjorn (76), Benny (75) Anni-Frid (76) all know they arent young and wouldnt perform as they used to. Plus the ladies dont live being on stage or in the public eye much so, the newly launched ABBAtars are ABBA as they were in the lte 70's and thats how they want to be remembered. "They're not the same this time around", they're here in the image of the ABBAtars but the bonus is we get a whole new album 40 years after their last one.
Message for the fans: A while ago, I heard the sound of children's laughter (we used to be here, but time has passed by). Now it's quiet, so I guess they left the park This wooden bench is getting harder by the hour The sun is going down, it's getting dark I realise I'm cold, the rain begins to pour As I watch the windows on the second floor The lights are on, it's time to go (ooh) It's time at last, to let him know (now is the time and we're ready)! I believe it would be fair to say, "You look bewildered" (You won't believe it, but we're back). And you wonder why I'm here today And so you should, I would When I left, I felt I've had enough But in the shape and form, I appear now (In the shape of ABBATARS we're able to continue). I have learned to cope, and love and hope is why I am here now (We've missed you and that's why we're back). And now you see another me, I've been reloaded, yeah (We're ABBATARS from now on). I'm fired up, don't shut me down I'm like a dream within a dream that's been decoded (It's finally possible to meet again). I'm fired up, I'm hot, don't shut me down I'm not the one you knew, I'm now, and then combined (We're still the same, yet different). And I'm asking you to have an open mind (and I won't be the same) I'm not the same this time around (ooh) I'm fired up, don't shut me down Will you leave me standing in the hall or let me enter? The apartment hasn't changed at all (The world looks the same). I've got to say, "I'm glad" Once these rooms were witness to our love My tantrums and increasing frustration But I go from mad, to not so bad In my transformation And now you see another me, I've been reloaded, yeah I'm fired up, don't shut me down (don't shut me down) I'm like a dream, within a dream, that's been decoded I'm fired up, I'm hot, don't shut me down I am not the one you knew (I'm not the one you knew) I'm now, and then combined And I'm asking you to have an open mind (now, I'll not be the same) I'm not the same this time around (ooh) I'm fired up, don't shut me down You ask me not to leave Well, here I am again And I love you still and so I won't pretend I have learnt to cope, and love and hope is why I am here now
Hey Don’t know how missed this reaction 😙 Your wise words are definitely spot on regarding this song and ABBA in general I like that bit I like that bit 👍👍👍 This song is in my top 3 faves with Voyage release 🤘 It’s so quintessential ABBA the lyrics the production ect ect ….. You instantly capture the lyrics they reach into your soul and I feel with maturity there’s a new depth to ABBA The combination of voices are amazing especially in the chorus 😇 🙌 welcome back ABBA
New to your channel. What a great video. I think you are right. They were already absolutely amazing, but with this and what will come next they reached Immortality - and in a very pratical sense also: their avatars/holograms will live forever with their super and unique look of the 1970s combined with their Wisdom now. THANK YOU ABBA!
Thats some reallly good analysis. I agree with you that the line “Im like a dream within a dream thats been decoded” is deep and cryptically crafted lyric. I cant help but wonder if it refers to their “Abbatars” in some way? That they have reloaded their consciousness into the cyber world via the motion suits and have been born again and can reach a new generation of tech savvy fans? That this song is a smash hit already, combining it with the CGI launches them into the stratosphere in a new way.
Actually you may be onto something there, I like that thought and the more I think about it the more I think that's what they had in mind when writing that lyric. The song is really well put together and the album is going to be fantastic!
The irony is that the song was written long before any idea of the CGI experience was dreamed up. Nonetheless, the two new songs, the upcoming album and the CGI experience coming in May are all groundbreaking and historic! I could never have imagined all this was going to happen? Who could? It couldn't have happened to nicer people....and by that, I mean the band members as well as billions of other folks around the world.
Let's remember that ABBA consists of two couples that both got married and divorced and also the band themselves split in early 80s. Such a brilliant song in so many ways.
I have never had a song make me react like this one does. it's a happy song... on the surface ..... yet it's a really sad song... once you listen to its lyrics..... iv listened to it a few dozen times and god it's so sad! ... I cry every time.
Agree with your analysis, resume of the opera, with Don't shut me down, Abba ask us a second chance to be part to our lifes ... for me ... I'm ok hahahaha
Hi Blizzardz. Another +ve comment for your style of reaction/annalysis. I watched this one first then saw your video for Abba's I Still Have Faith in You. Thanks for all you're doing be yourself not a clone and I don't worry about your knee. You look relaxed and tuned in to the task. Great intelligent and thoughtful comments about melody, vocals, lyrics, instrumentation etc. Constructive points not just tearing down as life seems to be mostly about today. Pity we all can't take on board a little more the thoughts behind both these recent new releases. Can we all try to learn to cope, love and hope as Abba seem to have. All strength to you and I look forward to your further reactions and incites as more ABBA tracks get released.
Please check this cover version from an incredible 18 year old Swedish fan - Emilia Sjoholm - who produced this cover (with video!) 3 days after it was released - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GdCsMIRsyrg.html - and not surprisingly it got noticed and 200k views in 10 days. Is Emilia going to be the Next Generation? Discuss... (she also has a considerabel catalogue of work already, including originals with great promise ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UgcOFII-LaM.html ). You may have to modify your view that ABBA cannot be matched for performance? If that's not enough, Emilia is close to being a doppleganger for Millie Bobby Brown. Talk about got it all going on...
I wondered if they were referring to the Abbatars 'I'm not the same this time around'. 'The apartment hasn't changed at all' thats got to be referring to their musical style - they have come back but the style is just the same as it was and thats a good thing! 'Now and then combined' thats the Voyage show, they are singing current music as their old selves as Abbatars. So much in here with double, triple meanings - amazing stuff! When I first heard this after all these years and that '3rd voice' they are famous for in a new song brought me to tears!
It's not about ABBA (the group) like 'I Still Have Faith in You' but about a relationship! She was waiting in the park before going back to the apartment where they lived together! :)
Yes, it is. It's an allegory about them re-connecting with the fans who have been wishing for them to come back for so long. The light has been left on for them for decades but there was a degree of uncertainty in how they would be received after being gone for so long. They've finally overcome that reluctance (especially Agnetha) and that is what this song is about.
@@frossbog You go, hunty - believing that! I've seen and read everything about the two new songs and nowhere they mention that about 'Don't Shut Me Down'. On the other hand, 'I Still Have Faith in You' is about that, being back together in the studio as a group! ;)
Bjorn always writes with layers! Multiple meanings for sure :)) Same thing with I still have faith in you - which Bjorn confirms on an interview - might have been with Apple music. But we've known this about his writing for awhile anywho. More than 40 years :P
I think this song is Agnetha singing to Bjorn. Saying she's different now. There's water under the bridge. I'm over the breakup. She's a different woman... she's now and then combined. She still loves him. Even the beginning in the park, it seems she's been sitting there for hours gathering the courage to confront him after all these years. And she knows it's time to finally go talk to him when it gets dark and she sees his lights on in the apartment.
I never understood why reactors talk over the music. Oh well. At least you understand the song and like it and get it. I just have to not let it bother me that you talk too much.
very nice reaction bro, I like your analysis of this music, and you are right, no one can ever come close to the original abba sound, if they try to imitate...
I’m not sure this song is necessarily about them. ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ definitely is and that’s been confirmed, but they aren’t going to be autobiographical with every track. Of course their lives will influence the lyrics but I take this one to simply be a story.
nice to see a reaction from a young person who is prepared to talk about ABBA past and present. many young reactors may like their music but does know about the group as a whole. i thought the same thing about this song that it spole to their fans but it also could be about a relationship that ended and the woman goes to meet her X to say she has changed and have an open mind lets try to see one another again. . so this song could have a double meaning. kudos to bjorn for writing stellar lyrics and bennys impeccable music and the brilliant vocals by agnetha and frida. viva ABBA forever!!
They are simply explaining through their song that the young ABBA and the now old ABBA are combined and let's embrace them as who they are now. So many things have changed, they are physically limited in terms of vocal range but they are still ABBA in flesh and spirit so even if they are old now, let's still give them another chance and don't count them out yet as they can still kick ass.
I think this relates to them coming back as you say but there is a bit more to it I think . The wording fired up shut me down Im hot are computer terms and may well relate to these concert type shows they are doing . Keep an open mind . Im now and then combined .They have used new recordings for the shows but are using old images of their younger selves . .This is what some of this means to me as well as what you say .
"I am now and then combined" meaning that ABBA are new? No way! The strength of their comeback is that they are very much the ABBA we have always loved! There's no 21st-century appropriation of production techniques or song style in a desperate attempt to be "relevant."The only difference is that now they're in their 70s. Which artists in music history have ever made a comeback after 40 years with the strong material they have? I can't even think of any artist that have been away that long and even attempted it. Then again it could reasonably be important to all the new fans this event will bring.
Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance, baby! Sounding good, B! Listen, you stay true to your originality and always give us something special, too. This reaction was no different! Love seeing you getting wrapped up in the music. I also think you’re pretty damn good at decoding lyrics (regardless of what you say!). Abba sounds really good on this song, for sure. Please react to the other one! I’ll catch you in the next one…..
Yanno what.. I will react to the other one for sure, because I was so taken back by this song and I'm looking forward to hearing what the other one has in store! 😁
It is not surprising the quality of the good musicans of ABBA more with the amount of bad music and what the current ones should learn greetings from COSTARICA🇨🇷
I think this lyric makes the most sense knowing that they'll be appearing as avatars in their new stage show. Keep an open mind and don't shut them down ;)
I saw dozens of reactions to this song but yours is the ones that moved me the most. Very realistic and sentimental. Besides that you perfectly understood the meaning of the lyrics. I really liked your work. I'm going to start following you. Greetings from Argentina.
I appreciate that Paul! Yeah all my reactions are fresh takes and I don't like when RU-vidrs listen to the tune and then make a fake reaction as that just gets rid of all the excitement and suspense. Thanks again!
@@blizzardz9797 Thank you for sharing your emotions with us. They are the same as those of us who were surprised to hear ABBA with new songs after 40 years.
This song is #10 with a bullet in the US. #9 in the UK. #1 in Sweden (duh!). The album, “Voyage” comes out in November. Preorders for the album are smashing all existing sales records. (We’ve ordered multiple CDs, and one vinyl for my hubby). FYI: The CD at Target is $12.99!
