Meaning of “Mamma Mia” by ABBA

Mamma Mia is one of the most popular songs performed by the legendary Swedish pop band ABBA. The lyrics of the song are about the demise of a romantic relationship and the pain of having no other option than to let one’s significant other go despite the fact that one still has strong feelings for them.

What’s the meaning of the phrase “mamma mia”?

The phrase “mamma mia”, which is not only one of the most popular phrases in the song, but also the title of the song, is Italian for “My mommy” or “My mother”. It is mainly used as an interjection, and just like all interjections, it is used to express strong emotions such as excitement and surprise.

Facts about “Mamma Mia”

• The song was written by two members of ABBA – Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, along with Stig Anderson, who is best known as ABBA’s manager. The team wrote the song in the home of ABBA members Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog, who were at that time married to each other.
• Stig Anderson contributed only to the writing of the song’s lyrics and not the music.
• The band offered this song to be performed by the English pop group Brotherhood of Man, but they turned it down.
• The song was released in September 1975 as one of the 7 singles from the band’s third studio album titled ABBA.
• The song performed very well in many European countries, including in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 1. On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the song peaked at number 32.
• Being a very famous song, Mamma Mia has been covered by numerous artists over the years. One of the most popular cover versions of the song was done by the Swedish pop group A-Teens in 1999.
• Contrary to popular belief, the catchy instrument that plays at the beginning of the song isn’t a xylophone, but rather a marimba.