Dancing Queen by ABBA

Album: Arrival (1976)

Charted: 1 1

Get the Sheet Music License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

songimage

Songfacts®:

This was written by ABBA members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. According to ABBA's official site, it was conceived as a dance song with the working title "Boogaloo." They drew inspiration from the 1974 George McCrae disco hit "Rock Your Baby," and from the drumming on the 1972 album Gumbo by Dr. John. Their manager Stig Anderson came up with the title "Dancing Queen," and after several months working on the track, ABBA came up with arguably the world's first europop disco hit.
ABBA recorded this about a year before it was released. It was written and recorded around the same time as "Fernando," which was chosen as the single. They knew "Dancing Queen" would also be a hit, so they held it until the album was released before issuing it as a single.
ABBA performed this song on June 18, 1976 at a televised tribute to Queen Silvia and King Gustaf XVI of Sweden, who were married the next day.
This was the only one of ABBA's 14 US Top 40 hits to make it to #1.
Regarding the lyrics, "Night is young and the music's high," many listeners interpret this as a statement that the music makes you feel high. In ABBA's part of the world, however, it simply means that the music is loud.
Along with many other ABBA songs, this was featured in Muriel's Wedding, a hit Australian movie starring Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths. >>
Suggestion credit:
Katie - Australia
According to the BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, when this song was played at a Windsor Castle event Queen Elizabeth said: "I always try to dance when this song comes on because I am the Queen and I like to dance."
This song also reached #1 in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Rhodesia, South Africa, Sweden and West Germany. >>
Suggestion credit:
Jerro - New Alexandria, PA
When Benny first played Frida the song's backing track, she burst into tears. "And that was before me and Agnetha had even sung on it!" she smiled to The Guardian. "I knew it was absolutely the best song Abba had ever done."
This came top of a 2014 poll conducted by Blinkbox concerning the most commonly misheard lyrics in Pop. 22% of the people polled admitted they had mistaken the lyric "See that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the dancing queen" for, "See that girl, watch her scream, kicking the dancing queen."
Chris Stein of Blondie says that his group's 1979 hit "Dreaming" is "pretty much a cop" of "Dancing Queen."
U2 covered this during the band's Zoo TV tour in 1992, and were joined onstage by Bjorn and Benny when the show hit Stockholm. "ABBA have a purer joy to their music," Bono explains in the documentary ABBA: The Winner Takes It All, "and that's what makes them extraordinary."
The American disco singer Carol Douglas covered this song in 1977, taking it to #110 in America. The other two covers to chart are by ABBA clones A*Teens (#95 in 2000) and the Glee Cast (#74, 2011).

Comments: 62

Dug from Seattle, WaAccording to numerous radio reports in 1976, Abba said they would never tour the US until they had a #1 hit there. Dancing Queen was the next release and triggered their landing in the US for their only tour in 1979
Glenn from Vancouver CanadaDancing Queen in my humble opinion is probably the finest piece of music ever written,the joyous emotions that it produces in the listener is testament to its genius,the blend of those two women's voices is quite simply angelic.No other song produces such joy and is filled with so much joy,something today's music has sadly lost.Vocally it is a masterpiece,as are most ABBA tracks due to the incredible range and talents of both women.I am incredibly thankful that I lived at the moment when ABBA's magic was given to this world,as there music has truly been the soundtrack of my life. In these very strange times a lyric like "He is your brother" should be used as the anthem and song for a world in crisis.
Seventhmist from 7th HeavenIt was their biggest US hit, but I never cared much for it. This was, in part, because (as Peter said below) it was played to death on radio, but also because of its scanty lyrics and overtly disco sound.
Paulina from NetherlandsFun Fact: John McCain is not the only Republican ABBA fan. Former Speaker Gingrich had an ABBA ringtone on his cell phone. Type the words 'gingrich abba' in the google machine, you'll find loads of articles. NY Mag for instance. http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/05/newt_gingrich_has_a_thing_for.html

Regards,
Paulina
70s Flashback from Staten Island, Ny, NyEveryone loves this song. Upbeat and happy.
Edward from Henderson, NvSongwriters are taught to keep their melodies within a one octave range, so that untrained voices can sing along. The dreaded "Star Spangled Banner" covers an octave and a half (...and the rocket's RED GLARE). "Dancing Queen" stretches two full octaves (...havING the TIME OF your LIfe) - above and beyond the reach of an untrained voice; a number one song that most fans cannot sing!
Nacho from Guadalajara, MexicoHey, George, from Louisville, KY Yours is one of the most moving comments I've seen posted anywhere. I want to dream with you!
Rick from Belfast, MeI was in the Marines stationed at Okinawa and the Philliphines when this song came out....probably the best song that came out in "76
Michael Scott from Punta Gorda, FlDon't know which I like more.. this is the best for dance, but for talent..."Winner Takes It All" has flawless vocals, I think by the brunette.
George from Louisville, KyI was mister macho in the 70's, or so I thought. Disco wasn't for me. That crap you could keep. Only years later did I realize what an upbeat and great song this really was. I could listen to it over and over. Another great song that I would have nothing to do with back then was YMCA. Man did I miss out. 2 great songs. Now if I could just go back and do it all over again. Maybe I wouldn't be so macho!!! Excuse me while I dream awhile. Can you dream with me?
Lisa from Milwaukee, Wi, WiOne night at a party with several adults, and their kids we played this song probably fifteen times in a row and EVERYONE was dancing. Song created one of my best memories. I think of my friends every time I hear it. OBSCENE?? what are you smoking?
Ed from Canton, OhI hated disco, but, man, I loved this song.
John from Grand Island, NyWonderful band, great track with flawless harmonies. Their music is timeless much in the same way the Beatles music is. Whether it is 1964's I Want To Hold Your Hand or 1976's Dancing Queen, the sound is right at home in 2009 and beyond.
Keith from London, United KingdomProof is in the pudding. No.1 in 13 countries, 6 weeks at the top of the UK charts - also No.1 in USA. I guess a lot of people liked it, including me.
Stefan from Stockholm, SwedenDancing queen an obscene song? LOL. You are probably joking or where have you otherwise been the last 30 years. Ever heard a rap-song? or the more Abba-contemporary "I love to love or "Yes sir I can boogie".
You would probably have been among those who wanted to ban Elvis too...
If Dancing Queen is too much I can recommend the most beautiful lovesong ever written: Abbas Andante, Andante...
Vinita from Chennai, IndiaSince my childhood days, I've been listening to ABBA. They've been awesome, really. Dancing Queen is good, but not my favorite. I love Tropical Loveland, Nina Pretty Ballerina, Eagle, S.O.S, Honey, Honey; I've been waiting for you.
Syed from Lakewood, Caif there was ever a song that embodied sheer bliss, incomparable exhilaration and overwhelming joy when you hear it on the radio, at a disco, played at home in your living room, this is the one. ABBA was sheer genius, the masterful songwriting of Benny and Bjorn and the Angelic vocals of Agnetha and Annifried. The group will go down as one of the greatest of all time and this song, their signature tune, is arguably the finest composition ever recorded in musical history.
Sara from Silver Spring, MdMamma Mia recently was made into a film with Meryl Streep. Dancing Queen is sung to her character by Julie Waters and Christine Baranski when she is feeling down and she becomes happy again by becoming the Dancing Queen!
Kerry G. from Detroit Rock City, MiThis song is real boss, and also Muriel's Wedding is like the best movie ever. (that I watched with my mom)
Yvonne from Northwest Corner, CtSure my friend Rick would get angry when I dedicated this to him, played it over and again while singing poor Rick would sometimes leave and hide, but as the years past Rick came to understand the song will outlast time. Now Rick will dance, maybe just a few steps at a time, but thats a good start, The Dancing Queen is with us another year, Happy Birthday Rick, and my gift is to keep the song alive. BB too
Ryan from Farmer City, IlMy friend sang this song at his school, and then he became known as "Queen".
Fulu Thompho from Limpopo, South Africai really think it makes 17-year old ladies feel much high
Peter from Brisbane , Australiain 1980,i was 7 and lived in melbourne australia. Abba was played endlessly on the radio and on countdown. I loved them then and I still love them now. I don't like "dancing queen" nearly as much as their others because it was played to death then and now.My favourite is"The winner takes it all"
The reason why Abba was more popular in aust is because moly meldrum played dancing queen on countdown constantly, so when Abba came to australia in 1978 nealy the whole country turned out to see them
Big Moe from Miami, FlI'm definitely not gay and whenever I hear this song it makes me think of my youth and my little sister who used to dance to this song, it makes me almost tearful with joy. This song has special meaning to many.
Phil from New York, United StatesABBA is only considered "gay" in the U.S. The appeal of this group was global. They were not a disco group althought they delved into it as well. Dancing Queen is just plain pop classic. It's stuff we do not have anymore! :-(
Kenny from Clydebank, ScotlandThis Abba song has the most comments. Let me tell you why....it's great!!!! Such a charge to it, like The Beatles' I Want to Hold Your Hand. The fantastic keyboard intro, the moment you hear it you know you're in for something special. A lot of people knock Abba. They say only gay people listen to them. How sad is that? 'If you see the wonder of a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail,' from that other great song, I Have a Dream. A charming foursome from the lakes and forests of Scandinavia.
Madison from Norway, MeNever one of my favorite ABBA songs. Maybe because I've heard it so much over the years...
Chris from Claremont, CaSounds exactly like it could be about Studio 54
Terri from Noneya, United StatesAs someone stated above, this song has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE QUEEN OF SWEDEN. Get over it people.
Christopher from Colorado Springs, CoThis is truly one of the greatest pop songs ever.
Pete from Nowra, Australiayeah what Djoko said i agree 100 % ,couldn't have said it better my self
Jeff from Liverpool, Englandbjorn and benny started their songwriting careers as part of swedish folk group the hep stars then later met up with agnetha and anni frid when they were in the hootenannay singers also anni frid is the odd one out of the four as she was born in narvik norway
Camille from Toronto, OhABBA was a Swedish pop group active from 1972 until 1982. The quartet was formed through the friendship of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and their respective girlfriends Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog.The name "ABBA" is an acronym formed from the first letters of each group member's given name.

Benny and Björn had known each other since they met on the road with their respective bands -- the date was June 5th 1966 -- and in March 1969, Benny met Anni-Frid, and by May they were living together. Björn likewise met Agnetha during a TV show filmed in May 1969, and soon they too were living together.

During the early recording sessions, Benny brought a tape home with the backing track of "Dancing Queen" on it and played it to his future wife Anni-Frid, who started crying when listening. Quote: "I found it so beautiful".
Joseph from Alabama, Aldude man this song blows
Nadine from Riverside, CaCan't say that I'm the biggest ABBA fan, but I definitely think this is the best disco song.
Rebecca from Houston, TxNot my fave of the ABBA collection but still decent enough to dance to
John from Oslo, NorwayThis song was in fact written long before the King of Sweden married Silvia, and the composers have repeatedly stressed the song even being inspired by the Queen-to-be. By BjÃ¶rk declared as the best pop song ever recorded. Recording began August 4th 1975 and the song was premiered on tv in january 1976 -the wedding was in august '76 :)
Caitlin from Upper Township, NjA*teens did a rendition of this.I thought it was okay, but I really think Ateens is rather stupid.
Michelle from Darlington, EnglandDefinitley not the best of abba but still good.
Leah from Brooklyn, NyThis song is the principal theme tune in the ABBA-music based musical, MAMA MIA
Jim from Cocoa Beach, FlWell...

The lyrics are a little contrived. You can tell the lyricist is not a primary English speaker. I often wonder what this would sound like performed by someone with a really good voice and an accoustic guitar...

Jim, Cocoa Beach, FL
Rodney from Mountain Home, ArBjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the dynamic duo created a gem with "Dancing Queen"-a favorite of the foursome. After ABBA's breakup, Bjorn and Benny went on to write the rock opera "Chess" -though never achieved broad appeal, still has great material worth checking out. It is somewhat ironic that years later their ABBA music drew Broadway success with the production of "Momma Mia".
Dennis from Chicagoland Burrows, IlWhenever I hear this song, I immediately picture Mira Sorvino and John Leguizamo duking it out for who's driving the car home. Summer of Sam is the best movie, and its the only reason why this song isnt trash
Bernard from Caracas, South AmericaI love this song...also I think it made me gay after listening to it over and over when I was 10 yrs old or so...
Alfred from Sidmouth, CoThis song is rubbish
Djoko from Cimahi, Chinasaya suka lagu ini.
-djoko,cimahi
Dawn from Beloit, WiThis song is the best!! I was and still am a big ABBA fan.
Gustaf from Shweden, United Statesin my country of greece we used to love abba, then we discovered vodka, so... tough luck pansies.
Gareth from Athens, GreeceIn my country of Greece, ABBA were hated for many years. Now they are loved and stay in the hearts of the Greek people!
Dazza from London, EnglandIf you want to get a party moving than this is the song to put on, you can bet that everyone will be up on the dance floor, it never fails.
Casie from Denver, CoIm not really into Abba but my mom is and I hear Ateens thats like a copy of Abba and I guess their songs are pretty goodf.
Shana from Detroit Rock City, CanadaEveryone's gotta love this song
Tanya from Rotterdam, NetherlandsHey, Billy, I also saw your messages at Nirvana. Are you scanning this whole website with the idea everybody is waiting for your plain opinion on every song there is in this world? Wrong!
Moya from Zoutleeuw, BelgiumI love ABBA, even if they are from before 'my time'. En inderdaad wij zijn het roerend eens =)
Tanya from Rotterdam, NetherlandsMoya, we zijn het roerend eens;-)
Moya from Zoutleeuw, BelgiumI agree this is the greatest piece of music ever produced, but then again so is almost everything by ABBA... Because, their music sounds so simply, yet in reality it isn't easy to bring live at all. They often played live with a live ochestra behind them. Further more is "Dancing Queen" a very hard song to bring, because Frida & Agnetha (the girls) have to go high, low, high quite fast and that isn't easy.

ABBA's music would've sounded so different without the wonderful soprano & mezzo-soprano voices of Agnetha & Frida!
Tanya from Rotterdam, NetherlandsThis song always makes me happy, regardless of how down I am. Only ABBA can achieve that.
Khalifa from Reading, Englandthis song makes me feel ill
Calum from Edinburgh, ScotlandWho would have thought that the pinnacle of mankind's musical achievement(see below)would include the lines -

You're a teaser, you turn 'em on
Leave them burning and then you're gone

Fair enough!
Arthur from What Cheer, IaAnother fact about this song: it is the greatest piece of music ever produced by mankind. I brought this to the attention of the website's moderators but they said, "That's not a fact, that's just your opinion," but I still think I'm right.
Jonathan from Natchitoches, LaAppeared in Season 1 Episode 15 of Cold Case on CBS. The name of the episode is "Disco Inferno."
Pete from Nowra, Australiai play this at a 70's 80's disco night at the local pub , the crowd loves it. it goes off

see more comments

More Songfacts:

The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)Betty Everett

After Cher revived "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" in 1990, Salt-N-Pepa released "Shoop" and Whitney Houston had a #1 hit with "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)."

Year Of The CatAl Stewart

The title of Al Stewart's "Year Of The Cat" comes from Vietnamese astrology. The Year of the Cat comes every 12 Years: 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023...

Mercedes BoyPebbles

"Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles is about a real guy she fell in love with - they both drove Mercedes when she wrote it.

SailAwolnation

"Sail" by AWOLNATION had a remarkably slow climb up the Hot 100. It was the first ever song to spend over a year on the chart before entering the top 20.

Tall Cool OneRobert Plant

After the Beastie Boys sampled a bunch of Led Zeppelin songs, Robert Plant did it himself on his 1988 solo hit "Tall Cool One," which sampled "Whole Lotta Love," "Black Dog" and "The Ocean."