“Our Last Summer,” a melancholic yet hopeful track from ABBA’s 1980 album Super Trouper, takes us on a bittersweet journey through a past summer romance.

The song’s origins lie with Björn Ulvaeus, one of ABBA’s songwriters. Inspired by a teenage memory of his own, Ulvaeus crafted the lyrics around a summer love affair [1]. However, the final product isn’t a direct reflection of that experience. Instead, it’s a fictionalized narrative sung from a woman’s perspective [1].

The melody, a collaborative effort between Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, ABBA’s other songwriter, perfectly complements the lyrics. Upbeat and bright verses transition into a wistful chorus, mirroring the protagonist’s emotions as she reminisces about a passionate summer contrasted with a more ordinary present.

“Our Last Summer” became a fan favorite, praised for its ability to capture the fleeting beauty of summer love and the power of nostalgia. Interestingly, the song almost had a second life. A portion of the melody found its way into the musical Chess, composed by Andersson and Ulvaeus after ABBA disbanded [2]. However, it seems the magic truly belonged with the original lyrics, making “Our Last Summer” a cherished part of the ABBA legacy.

So, as the first notes of “Our Last Summer” play, prepare to be transported to a Parisian summer filled with laughter, strolls along the Seine, and cherished memories, all tinged with a touch of longing.

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