#imagine slipping through my fingers by abba playing this while you read

[lafirechicken]

Johanna being an artist is something that makes me genuinely insane. Like it just makes so much sense. And I can't stop thinking about her drawing Hilda and capturing moments of her daughter and how you can see Hilda grow up through Johanna's art. Like people always talk about artists drawing their lovers and watching that love grow and mature over the years and seeing that reflected in art of them. But what if the artist is a mother who has such an overwhelming love and protectiveness for her daughter. And she gets to capture these moments of her daughter growing up through her art before the moment slips through her fingers. LIKE LIKE IT LITERALLY MAKES ME INSANE. And imagine years down the line Johanna looking over her old sketches of her daughter from when she was young. It's like reminiscing over a family photo album but even more meaningful when you know the care you put into drawing each line of the artwork to capture that moment.

[larryfanficwriter98]

Chapter Eleven

*Fake It Until You Make It Real*

**I've been asked and here it is! This story has a playlist on Spotify under the same title as the story made by Kelly with the same profile picture! If you have any trouble let me know. There will also be one for my other story Falling In Love Through The Phone**

*playlist link (I think)*

Louis walked into the kitchen confused as he looked around the house. Harry was only in the Halloween sleep pants he had slipped on after they decided to get out of bed.

"Where is everyone?" Louis asked walking up behind Harry and wrapping his arms around his waist.

"Oh, Liam and Niall offered to take the dogs on a walk and Freddie asked if he could go too. I told them I didn't know how you'd feel considering you just met them, and Zayn and Amy offered to go along so I agreed. And before you worry, they completely understood and were not offended at all. They left about ten minutes ago. Freddie has taken to Niall though; Niall was showing him my guitars and how to play them. Niall has already promised a kid guitar as a Christmas gift for both the kids."

"Anyway, we can convince him to take it back and claim he couldn't find any?" Louis asked.

"Afraid not. Freddie was too excitedly about it and I don't break little hearts."

"Only little ones?" Louis teased.

"Well, you are little- Ow! Not the nipples." Harry said turning to face Louis and wrap his own arms around him, "come on I have a surprise for you."

"Oh, you do. What is it?" Harry didn't answer just kept his arms around him as he led them towards the second living room making Louis walk backwards. Louis tried to look but Harry turned him around and covered his eyes, "what? Harold!"

"Relax you'll be fine." Suddenly he was stopped and shifted around then the hands were removed. When he looked, he noticed they were in the small sunroof with breakfast laid out on a blanket and candles that filled the room with a beachy scent and a record player playing at a low volume.

"What is this?" Louis asked.

"It's breakfast silly. Don't mind the half-eaten waffle Freddie demanded it." Louis laughed as he watched Harry grabbed the plain half eaten waggle off a plate and toss it into the main hall as if it never was there, "I really hope that wasn't in the photos I took."

"It adds character." Louis said grinning as he kissed Harry's cheek, "thank you this is great if with the decor Freddie added makes more special."

"Look I'm trying to impress you I don't need Freddie to show me up with his talents." Louis shook his head as he led Harry into the room by his hand making him sit down first then he slotted himself between his legs leaning back against his chest, "look I even dug out my fancy tea set." Harry said excitedly as he showed off his baby blue floral teacups and saucers.

"Very fancy. I practically feel like royalty." Louis said grinning widely, "since I'm royalty i absolutely cannot pour my own tea you'll have to simply do it for me."

"Ah yes how dare I make you lift a single finger." Harry said kissing his hand that he was holding while the other hand poured the tea carefully. Louis absolutely refused to admit he giggled when Harry maybe a clinking sound on accident, "Shhh it didn't happen."

"Oh yes my mistake." Louis said grabbing a chocolate drizzled fruit kabob, "I heard not a thing."

"Exactly." Harry said pressing a kiss against his cheek as he grabbed his own kabob, "who says romance is dead with kids."

"The half-eaten waffle decor definitely says something." Breakfast was finished between laughter and sips of tea, but that apparently wasn't all Harry had planned. He was up and changing the record to something else. When the vinyl was in and the needle was moved Harry pulled Louis up to his feet.

"Dance with me."

"Dance with you to what?" Louis asked skeptically even if he did wrap an arm around Harry and slide his hand in his free one. Before Harry had a chance to respond Shania Twin filled the room and Louis grinned, "I knew I was marrying a man with good taste. Though I must say I'm shocked it's not Abba."

"Oh, don't worry they're in the list of potential wedding songs. After all we do have quite the story to tell with our first dance. Who knows maybe Abba tells it better than Shania. Hard to believe I know, but it's possible." Louis didn't even deem that worthy of a response especially when the introduction ended, and the first words started to play.

Looks like we made it Look how far we've come, my baby We mighta took the long way We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it" But just look at us holding on We're still together, still going strong

You're still the one I run to The one that I belong to You're still the one I want for life You're still the one that I love The only one I dream of You're still the one I kiss goodnight

Louis grinned as he and Harry sang along with the lyrics, Harry's voice mending with his perfectly as they did a simple step and sway slow dance. His hand slid in Harry's hair pulling him down for a soft slow kiss and neither of them noticed when the others came back and stood in the doorway. Louis pulled away and gently guided Harry into a spin making them both laugh before their lips met again then it was Louis' turn to spin. As the last words were sung, they're lips touched again with emotion that seemed too strong with how little they knew each other, but Louis pushed it aside jumping when their friends 'awww'd loudly causing both of them to turn and see them standing there. Liam had Freddie on his shoulders and Niall had his phone out recording them.

"You two are so cute. I'm sending this to your mother Harry." Niall said as he walked away typing something on his phone, "don't worry I'm sending it to you two as well."

"We should get dressed. Busy day today, you go ahead, and I'll clean up."

"You sure?" Louis asked.

"Yes, now leave." Harry said gently pushing Louis towards the door.

"Alright come on Freddie let's get you ready as well mister Jammies." Louis said taking Freddie groaning slightly, "You're getting big kid."

"Liam says I'm light."

"Yeah, for him he has biceps the size of China. We don't listen to him." Louis grumbled hearing the lads laugh as he walked away.

****

Shopping was Harry was different than he expected or imagined. Since Harry didn't worry about money Louis had assumed Harry just tossed things in without much thought process and just swiped his card without worry. Turns out he was very wrong. Everything Harry bought he had a purpose for which really shouldn't have surprised Louis now that he thought about it. Though Harry also pretended not to notice when Freddie snuck snacks into the cart and buried them under things and Louis didn't say anything wishing for Harry to stop him when it was enough. Freddie was currently on his tenth box and Harry was reading the back of a noodle box as if it weren’t just a box of noodles that he had in his cupboards at the house. When Freddie had successfully hidden it only then did Harry coincidentally finish as well and put it in the cart pretending to not notice the junk food in his cart.

"What?" Harry asked innocently when Louis continued to stare at him, "I was reading the ingredients making sure they hadn't changed it."

"Uh huh. I'm not saying anything. It’s all on you this time." Harry looked betrayed but then he sniffed and turned away from Louis.

"Fine. I can totally say no when I need to." Harry said grabbing a few different boxes of pasta before he pushed the cart down a different aisle.

"Papa." Freddie whispered tugging on Louis' hand.

"Yes?"

"Harry needs cookies."

"Oh, he does?" Louis asked looking at Harry who was humming as he quickly grabbed two of the same jams and read the backs of them as if they were different.

"Yeah, but we have to be sneaky about it. I am a break hider with Harry because he reads a lot unlike you so we can sneak in a lot I bet."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, and I reckon if we guess his favorite, he won't say no no matter how many we bring back, so I think we being back one of each."

"Wow you thought this one through. One of each you said." Louis said looking at Harry who started pushing the cart forward, "hey Haz."

"Yes, my darling?" Harry asked innocently as he looked back at them.

"Freddie and I are going to go look around you uh...have anything to say to us?"

"Have fun. Make smart choices." Harry said before he hurried down the aisle, Louis shook his head as he grabbed Freddie's hand and followed him down to the correct isle.

Harry didn't question it when Freddie practically begged that he and Louis unload the cart while Harry stood with his back to the belt. Louis shook his head glad he had sneakily snuck out the snacks he knew Freddie wouldn't miss or have eaten while Freddie and Harry had been picking fruits and vegetables. Harry didn't even question why there was ten boxes of random snacks in the produce section as he kept Freddie distracted by letting him push the cart.

"You're welcome." Louis had whispered.

"No idea what you are talking about."

"Uh huh." Harry grinned turning to peck him on his lips but never admitted to anything.

"Papa I think some things fell out but that’s okay. I think he would have noticed if we had too much." Freddie whispered.

"I think you're right. It must have fallen out when we helped rearrange the cart." Louis whispered back.

"Yeah, I think so too."

The cashier was grinned as she swiped the junk food boxes after having swiped the things Harry and Louis had picked out for dinners and lunches. The last fifteen items were obviously picked by a child and was obviously a 'secret'. She even played along by double bagging the items and sneakily handing them over the belt with a wink. Louis then pushed the cart ahead and started putting the bags in the cart while Harry paid for the groceries grinning. When everything was packed Louis moved ahead out of the way and helped Freddie put on his jacket. When Harry came over shoving his wallet and receipt into his pocket Freddie was  ready to go out to the chilly October weather. When they got to the Murano Louis got Freddie into the booster first then went around and helped Harry finished packing everything. When they were back in the Murano Louis made sure Freddie was strapped in correctly before he buckled himself.

The drive to the apartment building was short and when Harry parked, he kept the Murano running and leaned over to kiss Louis on the lips.

"I'll be back."

"Okay we'll be here." Harry got out and hurried inside the building to escape the chilly breeze that accompanied the end of October. He hurried inside the elevator and pressed the fifth-floor button and then to room 409, He pulled out his phone and went to the camera app pressing the record button then he put the phone in his shirt pocket, so the camera was visible. His lawyer told him never to talk to her about Maddie without recording the conversation whenever possible and make sure to get her face so they could prove it was her. When it was situated, he knocked on the red door and waited only a few seconds before it was opened revealing Hannah dressed in a very revealing dress that Harry quickly averted his eyes upon seeing.

"Where's Maddie?" Harry asked stepping inside the apartment when she widen the door for him to enter.

"She's in her room." Harry tensed when Hannah's hand touched his shoulder. He quickly moved away from it and looked at her, "oh come on Harry...Danny isn't here, and Maddie doesn't have to know."

"I'm not interested. I'm also not available as you know. I'm engaged. I'm just here for my daughter. Maddie!"

"Daddy!" Harry grinned turning when a door opened and Maddie came out with a small suitcase making him frown slightly, "I'm ready."

"That's great princess what all did you pack? You look like you're ready to run away." Harry teased assuming she had packed toys or something.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you you're getting her for a week because Dan and I are leaving to look at a few homes in America where his transfer will be."

"A week? That would have been nice to know before today."

"It's a week or nothing. We leave tonight and we don't have a ticket for her, so we'd drop her off as Dan's parents’ place tonight otherwise.”

“Well, no I want her. Of course, I want her I just wish you would have told me. But thank you anyway for letting me keep her for the week.”

“You could thank me in another way.” She suggested.

“Not interested. Ready to go Mads?”

“She already ate so there’s no need to feed her dinner tonight.” Hannah said stepping closer, Harry immediately stepped back and opened the door.

“Goodbye Hannah.”

“Bye Harry.” She said slowly smiling as she wiggled her fingers. Harry ignored her and hurried out of the apartment with Maddie’s hand in his and her suitcase in the other hand.

“Daddy why does mom want me to you about you two getting back together upfront of Louis?” Harry pulled his eyebrows together and looked at her.

“What do you mean?”

“Mom said I had to ask you about you and her getting back together as soon as we got in the car if Louis was in the passenger seat. I asked her why and she told me it doesn’t matter to just do it.”

“Oh well I’m not sure, but I would prefer it if you didn’t. It can cause some tension that I really would rather not have inside the car. Your mother and I are not getting back together and there is no reason to ask that, okay? I’m marrying Louis and we are planning to stay together for a very very very long time.”

“like a Happily Ever After long time?”

“Yes, just like that. You’re going to be at the wedding and Freddie will be there. He’s going to be the ring bearer and you’re the flower girl. You’ll have a sort of baby aunt to help walk down as well. She’s only a baby you like that idea?”

“Yes, I can help her walk and help her throw petals on the ground, right?”

“Right. But don’t tell Louis I’ve already got it all planned out he has to feel included too.” Harry said jokingly making her giggle as he tickled her, “Promise?”

“I promise it’s our little secret daddy.” Harry grinned before he noticed something.

“Where’s your coat?”

“I don’t have one…well I have one, but it stops here.” She said pointing to her mid forearm, “and it’s tight and I don’t like it.”

“I gave your mother fifty pounds last week to get you a new one.”

“She spent it on the jacket, but it doesn’t fit, and I told her it didn’t fit but it was the only one the thrift store had.”

“The thrift store I gave her fifty pounds for a winter coat. She didn’t have to- it’s fine we’ll get you two one for me and one you’ll keep at your mothers, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you, daddy.”

“You don’t need to thank me for getting you essential items like coats, but you’re welcome.” Harry pulled his phone out and ended the video making sure it had recorded the entire time before shoving it in his pocket. Once they got to the front doors, he made sure to have a good grip on her suitcase and her body as he lifted her up before he ran out into the cold making her squeal with laughter, “RUN RUN RUN RUN.” Harry said laughing as he got to the Murano and pulled it open as she giggled, “There we go all toasty. Get in your booster and buckle up.” Harry told her closing the door then hurrying to the driver seat.

“I told you to put a coat on.” Louis told him as he rubbed his arm.

“Tell me you were right later.” Harry grumbled as he pulled his phone out and set it in the little cubicle, “We have to go to a department store for Maddie to get her a coat. Does Freddie need one for winter?”

“No, I go shopping for the after-winter sales and get him a size up for the next winter. He has a coat and gloves and a hate. He’s all set for winter.”

“Smart man. I knew I was marrying you for a reason.” Louis rolled his eyes with a grin, but he leaned into the kiss Harry pressed against his cheek, “we need to talk when we get home for a few minutes about Hannah.” Harry whispered against his ear before pressing another kiss there to disguise it. Louis nodded letting him know he heard him, so Harry pulled back but kept one of his hands intertwined with Louis’ as he pulled out of the parking space.

********

Two hours later Harry and Louis were finally finished putting everything away and the kids were successfully distracted with each other and the toys, so Harry pulled Louis into his home office and pulled out his phone.

“My lawyer has always told me to record every conversation I have with Hannah as much as possible so that’s what I did. Anyway, I’m not worried about what happened inside the apartment for obvious reason what I want you to really focus on is inside the elevator, but I’ll let you see whole the video anyway.” Harry said handing the phone to Louis as he sat in the desk chair and Louis sat on his desk, his legs in his arm rest holes pulling the chair in closer making Harry grin at how cute he was. Harry didn’t pay much attention to the video, but he knew when Louis got to the part where Hannah started coming on to him more and more. He’d make a face and his hand in Harry’s hair would tighten briefly but then came to the part where Maddie asked about Hannah tell her to ask the question upfront of Louis. His eyebrows rose and he grinned as if he found it amusing and when the video ended Louis laughed sliding down to straddle Harry’s lap.

“Even if Maddison had asked that it wouldn’t have bothered me.” Louis said.

“You got upset with the florist commented about my eyes sparkling with artificial bluebells.”

“Yeah, because she was wrong.” Louis said with an eye roll, “Your eyes sparkled with the purple Ranunculus.”

“Right the flowers we never even went near.” Louis rolled his eyes with a grin as he stood up, “How could I have forgotten those.”

“Someone’s sarcastic today and I don’t know if I like it, Harold.” Louis said with his arms folded, “It might hurt my feelings.”

“No not your feelings!” Harry said in fake outrage before he quickly wrapped his arms around Louis and kissed his face multiple times until he was pushing him away and running out of the room. Harry grinned as he grabbed his phone and hurried after him only to see he had teamed up with Freddie and Maddie in the matter of three seconds and all three of them had nerf guns points at him.

“CHARGE!” Louis shouted as he ran up the stairs and they ran after him shooting at him.

[abbygkane]

You’re the dancing queen

While cleaning up my room, I stumbled upon my ABBA album so naturally I listened to if for like two hours (if somebody knows how to like/love something moderately and not let it consume you, show me your ways) Anyhow, when ‘dancing queen’ came on I imagined Abby dancing and singing along to the song while cleaning her room and Marcus teasing her when he catches her mid-song. I just had to write it down, so here we are. 

It’s definitely AU and they’ve been together for a while. I encourage you to listen to both of the songs while reading this, you can find a link for dancing queen here and take a chance on me here 

Just a little fluffy something to start 2017 with! 

As Marcus approaches the front door, he can hear snippets of music coming from the other side. Turning his key into the lock, he opens the door and enters their apartment.

Ooh, see that girl

Watch that scene

Dig in the dancing queen

The melody from ABBA’s Dancing Queen fills the room as he watches his girlfriend dance along, completely oblivious to his presence. Leaning against the door with a smile, he takes in her outfit and the way she’s swaying to the music. She’s wearing one of his shirts, again, not that he really minds but if she kept this up, he’d have to buy new ones because she kept claiming them as hers and a pair of shorts. Her back was towards him as her hips moved from side to side, hitting the beat of the song perfectly.

Night is young and the music’s high

With a bit of rock music, everything’s fine

You’re in the mood for a dance

Her ponytail bounced as she moves her head, humming along to the song while cleaning up the room. As the chorus comes around, Abby starts to sing out loud, causing Marcus’ smile to broaden. He has always loved her voice and hearing her sing softly along, sounding so happy and carefree, makes his heart soar with love for her.

Dancing Queen

Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah

You can dance, you can jive

Having the time of your life

Abby twirls around the room, her eyes are closed and a small smile graces her lips. Humming again, she raises her arms above her head, her body flowing in gracious movements to the beat.

You’re a teaser, you turn’em on

Leave’em burning and then you’re gone

“Well you’re certainly teasing me right now”, Marcus states, raising his voice so it can be heard over the song, smirking when Abby lets out a yelp in surprise, her eyes blinking open.

When she realizes that it’s him, her body relaxes but she still throws him a glare, moving towards her iPhone and pausing the song.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack Marcus”, she scolds him, crossing her arms across her chest.

Lifting his hands in an apologetic manner, he walks over and stops in front of her.

“I’m sorry darling, I didn’t mean to startle you”, he softly murmurs, reaching out and cupping her cheek, brushing his thumb against her skin.

Abby huffs, still looking a bit annoyed but as he continues to stroke her skin, she closes her eyes with a sigh and leans into his caress. Smirking, Marcus leans his head down and their lips connect in a gentle kiss.

“You’re still an ass”, Abby mumbles against his mouth, making him chuckle.

Pulling back from the kiss, he smiles down at her, “Let me make it up to you then”, he replies before turning to the left and picking up her phone. He scrolls through her phone for a couple of seconds until he lets out a quiet cheer and a new song begins to play. 

Abby’s eyes widen when she recognizes the song and she throws him an incredulous stare but Marcus merely shrugs and looks back at her with a broad smile.

Extending his hand, he bows and asks “May I have this dance?”

Rolling her eyes at his behavior but accepting his hand with a fond smile, Abby lets him pull her close.

If you change your mind, I’m the first in line

Honey I’m still free, take a chance on me

If you need, let me know, gonna be around

Abby links both of her hands behind his neck while Marcus puts his around her waist. They look into each other’s eyes while dancing smiles tugging at both of their mouths. He pulls her even closer and Abby lets her head rest against his chest, feeling the thump of his heart against her cheek.

We can go dancing, we can go walking, as long as we’re together.

Listen to some music, maybe just talking, get to know you better

‘Cause you know I’ve got so much that I wanna do, when I dream I’m alone with you

Marveling at the way Abby fits against him, Marcus softly hums along to the song. They’re swiveling around the room and Abby’s playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck, nails gently scraping across his skin. Bending his head until he can whisper into her ear, he starts to sing:

Let me tell you now,

My love is strong enough to last when things are rough, it’s magic

You say that I waste my time, but I can’t get you off my mind

No, I can’t let go, ‘cause I love you so

His gravelly voice washes over her, making her tighten her grip on his hair as she tilts her head until she can look in into his eyes. Gazing at each other, a loving smile appears on both their faces. Soon Marcus’ hands move from her waist, into her hair as he cradles her head and brushing his lips against hers in a soft and tender kiss. They continued to dance to song as the kiss grew more passionate. His fingers curl into her hair as her lips part and he slips his tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss.

Bodies flush against each other, they start grinding to the beat of the song until Marcus stumbles into the couch and he falls backward, pulling Abby with him as she lands on top of him with a squeal.

The fall and Abby’s weight on him momentarily knocks the wind out of him but as Marcus gazes at her and takes in the blush on her cheeks and her twinkling eyes, he can’t help but laugh. After making sure that he isn’t injured, Abby starts giggling too and soon they’re both laughing out loud, shaking their heads at the absurdity of the situation.

Tenderly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Marcus whispers, “Am I forgiven?”

Smiling down at him, Abby nods her head before leaning down with a smile, “Of course you are”, as she kisses him again.

Take a chance on me, gonna do my very best

Baby can’t you see,

Gotta put me to the test, take a chance on me

[whatevertheywant]

My Bisexual Opinion: ABBA Edition

I saw where another blogger had discussed several different ABBA songs, and given the general happiness the announcement today has given me,I’m gonna discuss some favorites of mine as well

1. Super Trouper- My favorite ABBA song! There’s something uniquely intimate yet still still fun and upbeat about it. I love Anni-Frid’s voice so much and how well she and Agnetha harmonize <3 <3 <3 My favorite lyrics are “I’ll be there when you arrive// the sight of you will prove to me I’m still alive//And when you take me in your arms and hold me tight// I know it’s gonna mean so much tonight” Everything from the backing vocals to the composition to the ladies’ always flawless voices is just so on point! Also, I totally want Anni-Frid’s jumper from the music video

2. The Winner Takes It All- A close second favorite. Oh my sweet lord! This song doesn’t get the love it deserves by a long shot. Like...sweet mother of emotional vulnerability! I know Bjorn says that he didn’t write this song about his and Agnetha’s divorce, but there had to at least be a touch of those feelings that went into it. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been, at least initially for Agnetha to know Bjorn wrote the words she was singing. You can definitely feel the raw emotion she put into it. I know the divorce was particularly hard on her. (The Meryl Streep version really puts my heart through the ringer, but I digress). There are too many examples of amazing, heart-wrenching lyrics to list them all, but the biggest gut punch is probably “And I understand...//You’ve come to shake my hand// I apologize if it makes you feel bad// Seeing me so tense// No self-confidence” then the last chorus. I just want to hug her and tell her it will all be okay.

3. Dancing Queen- An absolute bop! I don’t want to say it’s overrated because it is definitely deserving of its popularity, but I hate that the U.S. kind of slept on ABBA because they were thought to be purely a disco band because of it. Anyway, I actually sang this song for karaoke at an event a couple days ago. It’s so fun and easy to sing along to! You can’t help but feel at least a little better after you listen to it. I’m disappointed that no one sent me this song or sang it to me when I turned 17 tbh. I also associate this song with a disco tape my fourth grade teacher played for us all day every day (Yes, in the year 2005 A.D., the year of our lord. Someone always had to go flip it at least once a day.) Benny coming through with the piano! Everyone is obviously enjoying themselves.

4. Lay All Your Love On Me- Yaaaaas Angetha! Also an absolute bop! I have this song on a spotify playlist for my fiancee. I love the beat as well as the lyrics! It’s very much a mood when you’re falling fast for someone but haven’t quite made things exclusive with them yet. The subject is familiar enough for everyone to relate, but the lyrics are unique that they don’t fall through the cracks as just another vintage pop love song. “And I’m possessive. It isn’t nice// You heard me saying that smoking was my only vice// But now it isn’t true// Now, everything is you//”. Like, hell yes, intensity and love while acknowledging jealousy isn’t a cutesy part of a relationship but still natural! 

5. Mamma Mia!- Here I go again! Another fun crowd song. That piano and guitar intro/outro is just so I C O N I C. Usually,I focus more on lyrics than music as a writer, but the music is what makes this song unique and great to me. The arrangement is just. so. GOOD. The boys really brought their game to this one on all fronts. I do also love the lyrics. Very solid song, very easy to relate to. I also like the ambiguity that the song ends on. Did she go back to the guy or not? That’s the lack of resolution makes it all the more addictive imo.

6. Does Your Mother Know?- LET BJORN ULVAEUS SING LEAD MORE. I love,love, love the girls, but I need more Bjorn lead vocals! He’s a great singer, and this is such a fun, flirty song.  I like that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and there’s something amusing about the mental image of young Bjorn at a bar trying to have this conversation with a barely legal fan that’s probably throwing herself at him.

7. Thank You For The Music- I love the simplistic style of this one. It’s possibly the sweetest songs the band has ever released. At some point, everyone has thought or said, “No, ABBA, thank YOU for the music!” It really was the perfect way to say goodbye (thank fuck they came back though!). It leaves you with a sadness that is still warm and fuzzy, like watching a friend or relative graduate. It would be a good song for a grad slideshow for a music major. And for added cuteness, imagine the home videos there likely are of tiny ABBA members singing and dancing! 

8. I’m a Marionette- My best friend’s favorite ABBA song. It is a grossly underrated one! It can be a little difficult to listen to because both the music and lyrics give off an anxious or frantic feeling, much like one would probably feel being a marionette (Ghost does a good cover of this one.). The music industry is often guilty of meddling with and stifling the creative process, which can make artists feel like puppets more than people. This is another song where the music stands out to me more than the lyrics. Anyone who hears it can see why.

9.  Fernando- I am a sucker for softer sounds. I also love the Spanish influence of the song as a whole. There’s a fond sense of nostalgia. The entire chorus is so sweet and makes you feel like you’re taken back in time along with the singer. Whether you take the song as being about two former lovers remembering being young revolutionaries or the war being metaphorical, it feels like the sweeter side of a bittersweet ending. “Though we never thought that we could lose// There’s no regret// If I had to do the same again// I would, my friend” makes me think of the split between Anni-Frida and Benny (just speculation) and their split possibly being more amicable than Bjorn and Agnetha (given that The Winner Takes It All has any inspiration from their divorce). Very haunting.

10.  Slipping Through My Fingers- (the Mamma Mia! version chokes me up sometimes because I must protect Meryl Streep at all costs) The song can be emotional enough without the creator context,but knowing why Bjorn wrote it makes it more visceral for me. If you don’t know, he wrote it because he  was feeling sad about missing out on so much of his daughter’s life because of how fast she was growing up and how frequently the band was touring. Agnetha sings vocals on this one, which adds to the emotion here. Ouch, right? They both did such a great job on this one! It feels so poignant and authentic. It can tug at the heartstrings of both parents and their daughters. It’s hard to not just post all the lyrics, but here are some of my personal picks from this song: “What happened to the wonderful adventures//The places I had planned for us to go// Well, some of that we did, but most we didn't // And why, I just don't know” and “Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture//And save it from the funny tricks of time (Slipping through my fingers)”

That’s definitely not a complete list of the songs I most enjoy by them, but I figure I rambled enough for a bit. I’m just super excited! I may post more at some point, but if you actually read the whole thing, bless you.