Meaning of “Fernando” by ABBA
Fernando is a song by the pop group ABBA. The lyrics of Fernando are about two friends, one of whom is called Fernando. These friends, who were once freedom fighters, on a starry night, share their memories of a guerilla war they fought in several years ago in Mexico.
That said, it is worth taking note of the fact that the song, which was recorded in three different languages (Swedish, English and Spanish), has different lyrics and meanings. The Swedish-language version of the song, which was the original version, has lyrics that deal with love. It is basically about a man named Fernando who has lost his love and is being consoled by the singer. According to Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, he wasn’t too impressed with that love theme of the lyrics of the Swedish version of Fernando since he found it too “banal”. Owing to this, he decided to change it into something more profound, hence the birth of the very moving story of the two freedom fighters reminiscing about the war they participated in when they were young.
The lyrics of the Spanish language version of Fernando have the same meaning as the lyrics of the English language version of the song. The only difference is that the lyrics are in Spanish.
Facts about “Fernando”
- Fernando was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and the group’s manager Stig Anderson.
- Stig Anderson wrote the lyrics of the Swedish language version of the song.
- Benny and Björn handled the production of the song.
- The working title of the song was Tango.
- The name “Fernando”, which eventually became the title of the song, was given to the band by Peter Forbes who worked as their driver.
- Fernando sold over 10 million copies across the globe, making it one of the most successful singles in the entire history of music. It is also one of ABBA’s biggest hits.
- The song (the Swedish version) was first released by ABBA member Anni-Frid Lyngstad as a single from her second solo studio album titled Frida ensam (which in English means Frida Alone) in 1975.
- The song reached number one in several countries across the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Australia. On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number 13.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Fernando”
Q: Did Fernando win a Grammy Award?
A: Despite being one of the world’s most successful singles ever released, the song was never nominated for a Grammy Award. The only major award it won was the “Best Studio Recording of 1975” prize, which was also the first international honor of the group’s career.
Q: Which films and TV series has this song appeared in?
A: The song has appeared in such films as 1977’s ABBA: The Movie, 1993’s The Adventures of Priscilla , Queen of the Desert, and 1994’s Muriel’s Wedding. With regard to television series, Fernando has been used in a number of TV series, including on Epidemiology, the sixth episode of the American comedy television series Community and Water Park, episode 16 of season 1 of the American hit television sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.
Q: Which artists have covered “Fernando”?
A: Several recording acts have covered this song since it came out in the 1970s. Some of these artists include Ramón Orlando, Perla, Lotta Engberg, Audrey Landers, E-Rotic, the Olsen Brothers, and Pamela McNeill.
hi
Hi to you too Randi
I’ve always loved the song Fernando. I thought it was about a woman reliving the war she and her lover once were a part of. Fir a Swedish group to sing this is amazing. It has a timeless meaning and is a beautiful song.
So did i
It could also be about a woman singing to her man because in Mexican wars women have taking active participation.
(second time I’ve wrote this) I’ve always loved this song. I though it was about a woman singing about her man during this war and perhaps both of them fought as revolutionaries. Whatever, it is a wonderful song depicting real events. Sings to your soul.
Anita Biers, thanks so much for your contribution. We absolutely agree with you when you say this song is a “wonderful song”.
The fact that the song recalls crossing the Rio Grande would seem to indicate they were invading what is now The United States of America. That seems to imply the singer is recalling the Mexican-American War which was fought to determine which country would legally claim Texas. I am trying to use neutral language to avoid offending any citizens of Mexico. At the time, both America and Mexico were laying claim to Texas. I suspect that there may be some lingering ill feeling about the topic, and I wonder what motivated the song.
It is a beautiful song, and I hate to think of it as representing an American war.
I wouldnt assure they were crossing to invade the US… in Mexico the river is called Rio Bravo. Rio Grande is the US name… dont know why its called different in both countries, but I guess the Texas war might be the reason.
So maybe, they were crossing to Mexico to fight the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917… in any case, I’ve been sang this theme for all my life, not knowing exactly what it was talking about. As you guess, my name is Fernando. I found this song to be so more interesting now that I know its meaning.
Could it be the Rio Grande river in Spain, and about the Spanish civil war? To me some of the lyrics reflect more this struggle .
You are correct on several counts. The song says the lost! Huerte was defeated meaning that Revolution was one. Not once but twice, although Huerte took control after the first. I realize our Mexican neighbors would like it to be about them and they can believe this if they wish, but it is a bout Spain circa 1936.
Remember, ABBA are from Europe. the fact that “Western” history would be in their knowledge bank is extremest slim at best.
Bjorn was a reader and certainly any of the group could have had access to material on the Mexican Civil War as Sweden is a highly educated country.
Here’s what the guy who wrote the song says he’s talking about. The English version, with completely different lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus, presents a vision of nostalgia for two veterans reminiscing in old age about a long-ago battle in which they participated. “I wrote all the songs as little stories. ‘Fernando’ was about two old freedom-fighters from the Mexican Revolution. I was lying outside one summer night, looking at the stars and it suddenly came to me”. “I knew that the title ‘Fernando’ had to be there, and after pondering a while, I had this vivid image in my mind of two old and scarred revolutionaries in Mexico sitting outside at night talking about old memories”.
They are crossing Rio Grande, going to Texas.
You seem to contradict, without making any real argument, a linguistic fact about how the river is referred to in two different ways depending upon nationality.
Rio G rande is not English word, it war of us and Mexico, when USA inveded to take lands belong to Mexico. It lost half of it land to us.just after it won independence from Spain. Most population of Mexico spoke spanish.
Texas was part of Mexico and the US wanted the territory. Mexico had invited US citizens to settle and work land
America had a policy called Manifest Destiny that justified going to war to annex Mexican territory.
U.S. didn’t want Texas because it would increase the slave states. Lincoln argued against Texas joining the union for that very reason. I suspect the song is about Mexico’s war for independence from Spain.
Actually, if it’s about Mexico, it’s probably about their independence from France. Cinco De Mayo.
Mexicans were living in TX when settlers came and were warmly welcome by the Mexicans ! THEN, USA STOLE TX from the Mexicans and drew a border line ! & USA killed 450 Natives tribes = ( 500 MILLION people) ” & locked the remaining few in “reservations” = OUTDOOR PRISONS !!!!!!! OMG !!!!!!!!!! @FACTS!!!!, not HISstory!!!!
People have been fighting for land throughout history. Nothing new here. Doesn’t make it right but it is what it is.
I take offense to your statement!!! Being a native texan…we fought and WON our independence from Mexico….they killed three hundred men at the Alamo knowing that they outnumbered us three to one…we kicked their backsides at San Jacinto. We were a republic for a few years before they U S asked if we wanted to be part of the US…so if you don’t live here and know our states history then we would appreciate it if you would get your facts straight…And yes I would love to see Texas seceed from the US.
Me, too, before it becomes more purple.
Thanks for that. A lot of history nobody wants to talk about.
Okay I don’t want to offend anyone, but after the Texan Revolution there were 2 borders, for Mexico the border was the Nueces River and for the Texans in was the Rio Grande (or Rio Bravo) which was further on the south, so the land between this 2 rivers became disputed territory and when the US annexed Texas it had the same territory dispute, the US-Mexican War started in 1845 when president James K. Polk sent a division of 80 men across the border to the disputed territory with Mexico, the men were gunned down inmediatly by the Mexican Army which as the perfect excuse for Polk for declaring war on Mexico and saying the Mexicans invaded US land and shed “American” blood upon “American” land.
So no, Mexico did not invade the US it had no reasons for doing so, Mexico just had 20 years of independence and already had 2 wars with great powers, Spain and France (the US supported France in the pastry war in order to weaken Mexico), Mexico was so unstable and the US just stabbed Mexico in the back when it was most vulnerable.
So I guess either these 2 friends were Mexicans who lived in Texas before the revolution and moved to Mexico or they were some of the first men to fight the US when they invaded Mexico from the north.
You are wrong. México we’re not claiming Texas. Texas usted to be México and the invaders we’re the “Usonians”
What is the message of the song?
Correction it is not America and Mexico it is Mexico and the United States, since Mexico is also part of America North America that is. And then you got Central America and South America.
Before I read this I always thought the song was about the Spanish civil war but in hindsight could refer to any “brothers in arms” theme.
Beutiful song never the less.
I agree, I always imagined more the Spanish Civil War for some reason. Maybe because Abba is a European Band.
The song is more likely about the Mex Revolution roughly from 1910 to 1920 … Pancho Vila.. Zapata etc.. Nothing to do with USA except that it often spilled across the border (Rio Grande) as Guerilla fighters like Fernando fled or hid from Federales.
I agree. The song mentions bugles and drums. Military organizations in the 19th century used bugles and drums to provide direction on the battlefield. Not so in the 20the century. It’s unlikely that the opposing
armies in the Spanish civil war used drums and bugles to direct action on the battlefield.
Wow, very interesting to read everyone’s take on this song. I’ve always liked this song and speculated on it meaning. However my take was totally different. I thought it was about the Alamo. There were many who fought that battle who weren’t “white” Americans. Many Mexicans wanted independence from Mexico and fought to win it. Unfortunately that battle was lost but sparked a cry (Remember the Alamo!) that led to independence for Texas. That’s always been my take on the song. Don’t know if it’s right but whatever.
Being a student of American history, my best guess is they were crossing into Mexico to fight with Pancho Via during the Mexican revolutution as many did. Freedom fighter, socialists or mercenaries, they were all there.
I always assumed it was about the Spanish Civil War. There is a Rio Grande in Spain as well.
Björn Ulvaeus, presents a vision of nostalgia for two veterans reminiscing in old age about a long-ago battle in which they participated. “I wrote all the songs as little stories. ‘Fernando’ was about two old freedom-fighters from the war between Texas and Mexico. I was lying outside one summer night, looking at the stars and it suddenly came to me”.
With only a few minor changes of words, it could also represent the Irish Troubles.
Unfortunately, although it appears to be a Mexico, it is NOT.
It is about the Spanish Civl War of 1936.
So why do I say this.
The lyric “crossed the Rio Grand”
Mexican freedom fighter in the EARLY 20th Century, did not cross from USA into Mexico and obviously would not be coming into USA.
The Spanish Rio Grand around the area of Galacia, Spain is the Rio Grand in question.
Look into the history of the Spanish Civil War and one will immediately see the relationship.
Except, of course, the writer himself said ‘Fernando was about two old freedom-fighters from the war between Texas and Mexico.’ I typically don’t rely on pop songs to explain history.
It doesnt have to take place in the 20th century tho
In the 19th Mexico and the US went to war over texas independence
There is no Rio Grande in Spain. The main river in Galicia is the River Miño, which sets the border between Spain and Portugal in its lower half. There were no battles in Galicia during the Spanish Civil war. There were battles across the river Ebro, which has never been called Rio Grande.
I thought it was about Hernan Cortez called Fernando as well in some old books. The rifle not anymore in his hands would be making a new nation of mix race, American deeper sense. I know it is my crazy interpretation but that´s the magic of good music!
Mixed Race? What races are you referring to? Of the three races, Caucasian, Asian and Blacks where was the mixing of races? Most Mexican Indians even refer to themselves as White, although some say their heritage is Pacific Islander Asian.
Anyway, just curious.
Now it has been unequivocally established that this is about the Texas fight for freedom and not the Spanish Civil War
It’s historically incorrect
The Mexicans weren’t “freedom fighters” the Mexicans were soldiers in Santa Anna’s army, and most didn’t want to be there…given the huge attrition rate
The TEXANS were the freedom fighters…fighting for Texas Independence!
Good old Fernando is not a Tejano who fought for Texas— as many did—-the reference of crossing the Rio Grande places him as squarely as a Mexican soldier in the Army of Santa Anna
Nice song, but the writer took many “liberties” and didn’t know squat about Texas history
While the Mexican-American war was being contemplated, a group of US soldiers were killed on the “American” side of the Rio Grande, thus making it a very faithful crossing indeed. The only problem was that the border was about 90 miles to the north on both Spanish and Mexican maps at the time.
I think the freedom fighters were Texans crossing into Mexico, hence “Rio Grande” instead of “Rio Bravo”. They fled the scene of the Alamo which lost the battle, but won the war for Texan freedom. Of course artists are famous for poetic license.
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If the lyricist was thinking of the Mexican War, so be it. Who are we to argue about someone’s inspiration? The war is a back-drop (regardless of which war it was and never mind poetic license) and gives context to what the singer is saying now, many years after the fact. It’s a “remember when” moment—and we’ve all had them—that serves as prelude to confession. In spite of all the youthful excitement and resolve of fighting for something they truly believed in, the singer confesses that s/he was really very afraid of actually going into battle and dying. This is something you wouldn’t want to admit to anyone, including yourself, at the time, but the courage of passing years allows you now to talk about that fear out loud. And who else would you say it to than a comrade in arms? Yes, they lost the fight. But they kept their lives and that sense of having done the right thing; they did something that mattered. And, even now when they are old and grey, the singer, at least, can say, “Yeah, I was really scared. But I was also really brave and so were you.”
HEAR! HEAR – Great comment.
Yes, precisely… Thank you for this summary– – it is how this beautiful song moves me- it’s timeless- through ages and ages.
the only problem with the Spanish Civil War or Mexican American War is that in Mamma Mia 2 Fernando says it was in 1959, when neither of these wars was current. ??
Uh oh, that probably means communist Fidel Castro and Cuba if it was 1959. That means the name Fernando was originally Fidel. Communism takes your freedom away, an enemy to every American. This means its a commie song.
Communism should be an enemy to any people anywhere.
Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah, and more were Spanish/Mexican territories. There were no “Texans ” Tejas fighting for their freedom. Mexico asked for help from the US government in fighting off constant invasions and attacks from Native Americans. After helping them, the US government decided they wanted to keep that land and took it.
Who cares now. It’s history, and this is a great song, no need to open old wounds because it’s just a song, and not necessarily a historically accurate account of the wars. Just enjoy it.
Yes Fernando!!!
I came here to see if Fernando might be a real person but I see he is not. No matter I love the song and love even more that Frita is the lead(for the most part) I love her voice and wish that they would have written more songs for her.
I agree. ABBA are not historians. It may be a mythical war. What is important is that the song, lyrics and the singer are beautiful. It touched me right from the first time I heard it
My Dad always loved this song, and I put it to a recent photo movie for his 89th birthday.
I found it so fitting. He has Alzheimer’s and lives in his courageous path; from the family challenges he grew up in, to army-life for 2 years, going to university with 2 jobs while raising a family, moving to different jobs while continuing to raise his family of 7. He has given all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren freedom through all his actions; of course, not without the help of his wife by his side. Songs can have many meanings, depending on the individual and often how it relates to their own personal life.
Thanks for above detail and very much informative text.
Although there is historical significance to this song, the romantic in me tends to think of Fernando as not as a person, but as a young, small country fighting for liberty, with the writer /singer, giving human attributes to the country Fernando. A war for freedom was fought and Fernando lost. That is one of the many reasons I love this song.
A good songwriter most definitely draws on an experience or historical event to write a song. However, a great artist realizes and embraces the fact that his or her work can be interpreted many ways and that is what separates the average writers from the from the great ones!
Fernando is a beautiful song. My personal favorite once upon a time. ABBA never won a Grammy . Although it was on Billboard Hot 100 for weeks. Controversies aside about the Mexican and Spanish claims to Fernando, I think it is just great to listen to the song “can you hear the drums Fernando…”
Always thought it was a massive gay metaphor…
Same
Sorry, but it was about the Spanish Civil War and had nothing to do with Mexico. When put on the spot about the meaning of the song, Benny and Bjorn both equivocated because Francisco Franco was still in power in Spain and they did not want to ruffle any feathers that might have an adverse effect on sales.
No mention of how Anderssson and Ulvaeus lifted the chorus from Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps or Quizás, quizás, quizás by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés? It was blatant plagiarism of both melody and rhythmic phrasing. The “latinesque” flavor wasn’t even covering it up.
you’re 100% right. I was thinking of Quizas and was trying to find the name of it, and no lie I started looking up “spanish song that sounds like Fernando” haha
Fernando and his friend were clearly revolutionaries on the run and being pursued, so logically their destination is a border. Crossing the Rio Grande (the border between Texas and Mexico) is the way for people in trouble to escape their pursuers, if in the USA then to Mexico and vice versa. This is attested to in many songs and Western (Cowboy) movies where the bad guys make a run for the Rio Grande before they are captured by the law. So I’m more inclined to believe the Mexican rather than the Spanish connection of the lyrics.
Why does the song have to be about any specific war? It’s simply about two people (I prefer to think a man and woman.) reminiscing about their lost effort to gain “freedom” in their country. Remember, the original Swedish version is about a lost love.
The song “Fernando “and the story has become my best ever song. The song tonality, instrumentation and most powerfully the expression with emphasis trip me always anytime i listen to it. Indeed i pen copy put put on my table, before stepping from my room i have to play and sign as well. I love it. If i have opportunity of traveling is the best people i would love to visit.
“Fernando” reminds me of Che and “Tania”
Reminds me of Che and “Tania”. They were crossing the Rio Grande in Bolivia, she was shot and killed, he, shot and captured, killed later.
‘Fernando’ definitely relates to the ‘Mexican Revolution’. Both lyricist Bjorn Ulvaeus and lead vocalist on the song, Anni-Frid Lyngstad have confirmed this in interviews. The Rio Grande river on the USA-Mexico border is obviously the most famous with that name. And there was indeed skirmishing on both sides of the border, including Pancho Villa’s raid on Columbus, New Mexico, USA.
I have always felt the same as Anita… It always makes me tear up …base on that interpretation. I must add that I believe our generation had the best music
Real Truth is that its just commercial. And song is absolutely abought nothing
I rated Fernando in the 1974-1975 time period for a co in Tex who hired ppl to listen to songs for $10 or $15/hr cash! I was in Jr high and that a lot of $$ back then! I LOVED the song n jus kept pressing the highest rated button! We were also wired to give electrical body reactions too! Crazy!
On a more banal level, I find Cher’s version of this song quite exceptionally moving!
The English version has totally different lyrics and a totally different story line to the Swedish version. Bjorn Ulvaeus wrote the English lyrics. According to an interview he gave in December 2008 in Australia, Ulvaeus was painting a picture of two war veterans reliving their past when they were young fighters under Emiliano Zapata in a battle of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Apparently, Ulvaeus thought the original lyrics were too boring and sought a story line that matched the name ‘Fernando’. He said he made the story up, it is not based on anything that actually occurred during the Mexican Revolution.
Heya all,
Yep I also believe it was the story of the Mexican Civil War freedom fighters crossing the Rio Grande.
Regarding the Texas issue, I always found it odd where everyone was anti Mexican during the Alamo and Texan War of Independence where as Mexico banned slavery prior to the war and Texas was a slavery state….so who was fighting for who’s freedom I wonder?
Did Abba ever say if Fernando was a real or mythical person?
If the writer says it was a out the Mexican Revolution, so be it. It was also that he mentioned to someone it was about the Spanish Civil War, but Franco was still in power and they didn’t want to ruffle any feathers. all I know is it tears my heart out and makes me cry.
i agree with the spanish war theory because of the lines fighting for liberty the mexicans were not fighting for liberty against texas that was the texans
Technically, with the phrase “Rio Grande” the above comments are spot on. However, I just see it as freedom fighters in any part of the world, who risk their lives for freedom, and in this case, also fall in love.
I like Cher’s take in Mama Mia 2, where she sings to “Fernando” Andy Garcia. It’s nice to fantasize that they both fall in love again. Also, that both have good lives prior. A bummer if Fernando, for example, was down and out! (Then again, maybe the sequence could work that way too: Her love rekindles Fernando’s self-respect.)