About The Song
This is certainly the case with “Soldiers”, a track nestled on their 1981 album, The Visitors. Released amidst a period of personal turmoil within the band, The Visitors marked a shift in tone, a move away from the sunny optimism that characterized much of their earlier work. “Soldiers” perfectly encapsulates this change.
The song opens with a sense of unease. A haunting melody sets the stage, a stark contrast to the bright piano flourishes that often graced their music. Agnetha Fältskog’s vocals, usually so vibrant, take on a hushed quality, mirroring the questioning lyrics: “Do I hear what I think I’m hearing? Do I see the signs I think I see? Or is this just a fantasy?”
The listener is drawn into a world of foreboding imagery. The specter of a “beast” awakening, the “cold December” setting, and the “pale moonlight” all contribute to a sense of impending danger. This unsettling atmosphere is further emphasized by the contrast between the lyrics and the music. The lyrics speak of fear and uncertainty, while the melody maintains a stoic, almost militaristic rhythm, a reflection of the “soldiers” who “write the songs that soldiers sing.”
“Soldiers” is not a song about war in the traditional sense. It’s a song about the human cost of conflict, both on the battlefield and at home. The soldiers who march along, seemingly invincible, are ultimately just pawns in a larger game. ABBA forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that lies beneath the surface of heroism and patriotism.
The song’s message is particularly poignant when we consider the context of its release. The Cold War was still raging, casting a long shadow over the world. “Soldiers” serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of violence and the fragility of peace.
Yet, even amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope remains. The repeated refrain, “Let’s not look the other way, Taking a chance ‘Cause if the bugler starts to play We too must dance,” urges us to confront the realities of conflict and to actively work for peace. “Soldiers” is a powerful and thought-provoking song, a testament to ABBA’s ability to delve beyond the realm of simple pop music and create something truly meaningful.