“I Have a Dream” by ABBA

“I Have a Dream” is the only ABBA track that utilizes vocals outside of the four band members – that being the children’s choir of the International School of Stockholm. In more-recent times, Westlife’s 1999 cover of this song is more-popular than the original 1979 ABBA version.

The track is centered on having a strong belief system and imagination – or “a dream” – to counteract the disappointments in life as well as to assist in living victoriously. In other words, the singers accept “fairy tale(s)”, “angels” and ‘fantasies’ not only as coping mechanisms but also encouragement which empower them to reach for the future. Moreover they have a generally-positive outlook on life, which enables them to perceive the goodness in every single thing they set their eyes on.

Ultimately this track reads like an exercise in self-empowerment and positivity thinking. That is to say that by staying true to their dreams, the singers feel that the odds are in their favor in terms of being successful in life.

Quick Facts about “I Have a Dream”

• Benny Andersson wrote and produced “I Have a Dream” along with his bandmate Björn Ulvaeus.
• This track was released as a single by the band on December 7th, 1979. It was the 3rd track on their 6^th studio album entitled Voulez-Vous. The global hits “Chiquitita“, “Voulez-Vous” and “Does Your Mother Know” were also released as singles from Voulez-Vous.
• In addition to Voulez-Vous, “I Have a Dream” also appeared on multiple other ABBA albums. Some of these notable albums include: Thank You for the Music (in 1994), ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits(in 1992), and The Definitive Collection (in 2001).
• “I Have a Dream” reached No. 1 in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. The tune peaked at No. 2 in the UK.

Which artists have covered “I Have a Dream”?

• American country music singer, Cristy Lane, released a cover version of this music in 1981.
• In 1983, Greek singer and songwriter Nana Mouskouri released a French version of this track. That version was titled “Chanter La Vie”.  
• In 1999, Irish band, Westlife did a remake of this track. That version became even more successful than ABBA’s original version.
• In 2007 Connie Talbot recorded a version of this tune. A jazz edition of this song was also released in 2008 by BNB.