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Related: About this forumOn April 6, 1974, "Waterloo" was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.
Waterloo (ABBA song)

US single of the English version
Released: 4 March 1974
Recorded: 17 December 1973
Studio: Metronome Studios, Stockholm
"Waterloo" is the first single from the Swedish pop group ABBA's second album, Waterloo, and their first under the Epic and Atlantic labels. This was also the first single to be credited to the group performing under the name ABBA. The title and lyrics reference the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, and use it as a metaphor for a romantic relationship.
On 6 April 1974, the song was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. The victory began ABBA's path to worldwide fame. The Swedish version of the single was backed with the Swedish version of "Honey, Honey", while the English version usually featured "Watch Out" on the B-side.
The single became a No. 1 hit in several countries. It reached the U.S. Top 10 and went on to sell nearly six million copies.
At the 50th anniversary celebration of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, it was chosen as the best song in the competition's history. It received the same honour in a 14-country open vote in the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, placing first above Loreen's "Euphoria" and Måns Zelmerlöw's "Heroes".
{snip}

US single of the English version
Released: 4 March 1974
Recorded: 17 December 1973
Studio: Metronome Studios, Stockholm
"Waterloo" is the first single from the Swedish pop group ABBA's second album, Waterloo, and their first under the Epic and Atlantic labels. This was also the first single to be credited to the group performing under the name ABBA. The title and lyrics reference the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, and use it as a metaphor for a romantic relationship.
On 6 April 1974, the song was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. The victory began ABBA's path to worldwide fame. The Swedish version of the single was backed with the Swedish version of "Honey, Honey", while the English version usually featured "Watch Out" on the B-side.
The single became a No. 1 hit in several countries. It reached the U.S. Top 10 and went on to sell nearly six million copies.
At the 50th anniversary celebration of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, it was chosen as the best song in the competition's history. It received the same honour in a 14-country open vote in the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, placing first above Loreen's "Euphoria" and Måns Zelmerlöw's "Heroes".
{snip}
Waterloo

Studio album by ABBA
Released: 4 March 1974
Recorded: 24 September 1973 20 February 1974
Studio: Metronome Studios, Stockholm
Waterloo is the second studio album by the Swedish pop group ABBA, and the first released internationally. It was originally released in Sweden on 4 March 1974 through Polar Music. The album's title track won ABBA the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became a global hit, launching the group's career.
{snip}

Studio album by ABBA
Released: 4 March 1974
Recorded: 24 September 1973 20 February 1974
Studio: Metronome Studios, Stockholm
Waterloo is the second studio album by the Swedish pop group ABBA, and the first released internationally. It was originally released in Sweden on 4 March 1974 through Polar Music. The album's title track won ABBA the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became a global hit, launching the group's career.
{snip}
Tue Apr 9, 2024: On April 6, 1974, "Waterloo" was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.
This had already been pointed out (in 2024), but I posted anyway, to keep my records up to date.
Hat tip, riversedge
Sun Apr 7, 2024: Abba thanks fans for 'steadfast loyalty' on 50th anniversary of Eurovision win
Mon Mar 4, 2024: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."
Sat Mar 4, 2023: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."
Thu Feb 9, 2023: On this day, February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.
Fri Mar 4, 2022: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."
Hat tip, This Day in Music
What Happened Today In Music
March 4th
1974 - ABBA
ABBA released 'Waterloo' the first single from their second album and the first single to be credited to the group performing under the name ABBA. It later became the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and a No.1 hit in several countries. It reached the US Top 10 and went on to sell nearly six million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles in history.
March 4th
1974 - ABBA
ABBA released 'Waterloo' the first single from their second album and the first single to be credited to the group performing under the name ABBA. It later became the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and a No.1 hit in several countries. It reached the US Top 10 and went on to sell nearly six million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles in history.
Mon Apr 7, 2014: How did the 70s get framed as the ultimate bad time?
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On April 6, 1974, "Waterloo" was the winning entry for Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. (Original Post)
mahatmakanejeeves
Apr 9
OP
mahatmakanejeeves
(64,358 posts)1. On February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.
1974? But that was ... fifty years ago.
Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 1974
Eurovision Song Contest 1974
Country: Sweden
National selection
Selection process: Melodifestivalen 1974
Selection date(s): 9 February 1974
Selected entrant: ABBA
Selected song:"Waterloo"
Selected songwriter(s): Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson,
Finals performance
Final result: 1st, 24 points
Sweden in the Eurovision Song ContestTue Apr 9, 2024
◄1973 1974 1975►
The Swedish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest was called Melodifestivalen 1974. It was, by far, won by the group ABBA, consisting of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Their song was called "Waterloo", which was written by Björn and Benny. It was originally written in Swedish, but for the ESC final, it was translated into English, which the rules allowed the years 1973-1976.
ABBA was one of the favorites to win ESC, held in Brighton, United Kingdom. They sang as #08. In the voting, they received high points from the first jury to vote (Finland), but it was a close race until the second last jury, Switzerland, which gave Sweden enough points to practically secure victory. Sweden got a total of 24 points, compared to runner-up Italy's 18. This was Sweden's first victory. In 2005, in the 50th anniversary show Congratulations, Waterloo was chosen the best Eurovision song ever.
{snip}
Eurovision Song Contest 1974
Country: Sweden
National selection
Selection process: Melodifestivalen 1974
Selection date(s): 9 February 1974
Selected entrant: ABBA
Selected song:"Waterloo"
Selected songwriter(s): Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson,
Finals performance
Final result: 1st, 24 points
Sweden in the Eurovision Song ContestTue Apr 9, 2024
◄1973 1974 1975►
The Swedish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest was called Melodifestivalen 1974. It was, by far, won by the group ABBA, consisting of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Their song was called "Waterloo", which was written by Björn and Benny. It was originally written in Swedish, but for the ESC final, it was translated into English, which the rules allowed the years 1973-1976.
ABBA was one of the favorites to win ESC, held in Brighton, United Kingdom. They sang as #08. In the voting, they received high points from the first jury to vote (Finland), but it was a close race until the second last jury, Switzerland, which gave Sweden enough points to practically secure victory. Sweden got a total of 24 points, compared to runner-up Italy's 18. This was Sweden's first victory. In 2005, in the 50th anniversary show Congratulations, Waterloo was chosen the best Eurovision song ever.
{snip}
This is from "Muriel's Wedding," a funny and great movie.
Muriel's Wedding (3/11) Movie CLIP - Waterloo (1994) HD
247,933 views Sep 30, 2011
Movieclips
55.9M subscribers
Muriel's Wedding movie clips: http://j.mp/1CPbM1N
BUY THE MOVIE: http://amzn.to/txJ3rT
Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr
CLIP DESCRIPTION:
Muriel (Toni Collette) and Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) enter the talent contest while their old classmates tear each other apart in jealousy.
FILM DESCRIPTION:
A socially inept young woman slowly learns to overcome her insecurities in this sleeper hit from Australia. The unconventional Muriel (Toni Collette) is deeply unsatisfied with her life, stuck in the nowhere town of Porpoise Spit and feeling rejected by her friends and family. Believing herself unattractive and worthless, she seeks meager solace in ABBA songs and fantasies of gorgeous weddings, with herself as the bride. Muriel's life takes a turn for the better, however, when she befriends the carefree Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), who encourages her to take control of her life. Together, the two women travel to Sydney, where a series of liberating experiences help Muriel develop self-esteem and take the first steps towards maturity.
CREDITS:
TM & © Miramax Films (1994)
Cast: Sophie Lee, Roz Hammond, Toni Collette, Belinda Jarrett, Pippa Grandison, Rachel Griffiths
Director: P.J. Hogan
Producers: Michael D. Aglion, Lynda House, Tony Mahood, Jocelyn Moorhouse
Screenwriter: P.J. Hogan
WHO ARE WE?
The MOVIECLIPS channel is the largest collection of licensed movie clips on the web. Here you will find unforgettable moments, scenes and lines from all your favorite films. Made by movie fans, for movie fans.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MOVIE CHANNELS:
MOVIECLIPS: http://bit.ly/1u2yaWd
ComingSoon: http://bit.ly/1DVpgtR
Indie & Film Festivals: http://bit.ly/1wbkfYg
Hero Central: http://bit.ly/1AMUZwv
Extras: http://bit.ly/1u431fr
Classic Trailers: http://bit.ly/1u43jDe
Pop-Up Trailers: http://bit.ly/1z7EtZR
Movie News: http://bit.ly/1C3Ncd2
Movie Games: http://bit.ly/1ygDV13
Fandango: http://bit.ly/1Bl79ye
Fandango FrontRunners: http://bit.ly/1CggQfC
HIT US UP:
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1y8M8ax
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ghOWmt
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/14wL9De
Tumblr: http://bit.ly/1vUwhH7
247,933 views Sep 30, 2011
Movieclips
55.9M subscribers
Muriel's Wedding movie clips: http://j.mp/1CPbM1N
BUY THE MOVIE: http://amzn.to/txJ3rT
Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr
CLIP DESCRIPTION:
Muriel (Toni Collette) and Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) enter the talent contest while their old classmates tear each other apart in jealousy.
FILM DESCRIPTION:
A socially inept young woman slowly learns to overcome her insecurities in this sleeper hit from Australia. The unconventional Muriel (Toni Collette) is deeply unsatisfied with her life, stuck in the nowhere town of Porpoise Spit and feeling rejected by her friends and family. Believing herself unattractive and worthless, she seeks meager solace in ABBA songs and fantasies of gorgeous weddings, with herself as the bride. Muriel's life takes a turn for the better, however, when she befriends the carefree Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), who encourages her to take control of her life. Together, the two women travel to Sydney, where a series of liberating experiences help Muriel develop self-esteem and take the first steps towards maturity.
CREDITS:
TM & © Miramax Films (1994)
Cast: Sophie Lee, Roz Hammond, Toni Collette, Belinda Jarrett, Pippa Grandison, Rachel Griffiths
Director: P.J. Hogan
Producers: Michael D. Aglion, Lynda House, Tony Mahood, Jocelyn Moorhouse
Screenwriter: P.J. Hogan
WHO ARE WE?
The MOVIECLIPS channel is the largest collection of licensed movie clips on the web. Here you will find unforgettable moments, scenes and lines from all your favorite films. Made by movie fans, for movie fans.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MOVIE CHANNELS:
MOVIECLIPS: http://bit.ly/1u2yaWd
ComingSoon: http://bit.ly/1DVpgtR
Indie & Film Festivals: http://bit.ly/1wbkfYg
Hero Central: http://bit.ly/1AMUZwv
Extras: http://bit.ly/1u431fr
Classic Trailers: http://bit.ly/1u43jDe
Pop-Up Trailers: http://bit.ly/1z7EtZR
Movie News: http://bit.ly/1C3Ncd2
Movie Games: http://bit.ly/1ygDV13
Fandango: http://bit.ly/1Bl79ye
Fandango FrontRunners: http://bit.ly/1CggQfC
HIT US UP:
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1y8M8ax
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ghOWmt
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/14wL9De
Tumblr: http://bit.ly/1vUwhH7
This is longer, but it is not licensed, so it might get removed.
Muriel's Wedding [1994] - Waterloo (1974)
14,548 views Apr 28, 2019
Leti De Rezende
379 subscribers
Dance scene with Muriel Heslop and Rhonda Epinstalk.
Movie: Muriel's Wedding (P. J. Hogan, 1994)
Music: Waterloo (Stikkan Anderson, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, 1974)
Cena da dança com Muriel Heslop e Rhonda Epinstalk.
Filme: O Casamento de Muriel, do diretor P. J. Hogan (1994)
Música: Waterloo, de Stikkan Anderson, Benny Andersson e Björn Ulvaeus (1974)
Movie
Muriel's Wedding
14,548 views Apr 28, 2019
Leti De Rezende
379 subscribers
Dance scene with Muriel Heslop and Rhonda Epinstalk.
Movie: Muriel's Wedding (P. J. Hogan, 1994)
Music: Waterloo (Stikkan Anderson, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, 1974)
Cena da dança com Muriel Heslop e Rhonda Epinstalk.
Filme: O Casamento de Muriel, do diretor P. J. Hogan (1994)
Música: Waterloo, de Stikkan Anderson, Benny Andersson e Björn Ulvaeus (1974)
Movie
Muriel's Wedding
Finally, the official music video:
#ABBA #Waterloo #Remastered
Abba - Waterloo (Official Music Video)
68,443,513 views Feb 23, 2010
ABBA
3.39M subscribers
REMASTERED IN HD! UP TO 4K!!
Listen to the new album: https://abba.lnk.to/VoyageAlbum
Listen to more music by ABBA: https://abba.lnk.to/musicID
Follow ABBA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABBA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abba/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abba
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abba
Read More About ABBA: http://www.abbasite.com/
Video produced by: Lasse Hallström
#ABBA #Waterloo #Remastered
Lyrics:
My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender
oh yeah, and I have met my destiny
in quite a similar way
the history book on the shelf
is always repeating itself
Waterloo I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo couldnt escape if I wanted to
Waterloo knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa, wa, wa, wa, Waterloo finally facing my Waterloo
My, my, I tried to hold you back but you were stronger
oh yeah, and now it seems my only chance
is giving up the fight
and how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose
Waterloo I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo couldnt escape if I wanted to
Waterloo knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa, wa, wa, wa, Waterloo finally facing my Waterloo
So how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose
Waterloo couldnt escape if I wanted to
Waterloo knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa, wa, wa, wa, Waterloo finally facing my Waterloo
(Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson)
© 1974 Polar Music International AB
Published by: Universal/Union Songs AB
#ABBA
Music in this video
Learn more
Listen ad-free with YouTube Premium
Song
WATERLOO - VIDEO
Artist
ABBA
Writers
Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson
Licensed to YouTube by
BMI - Broadcast Music Inc., LatinAutorPerf, UMPG Publishing, UMPI, Sony ATV Publishing, UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA - UBEM, LatinAutor, CMRRA, LatinAutor - UMPG, and 14 Music Rights Societies
Abba - Waterloo (Official Music Video)
68,443,513 views Feb 23, 2010
ABBA
3.39M subscribers
REMASTERED IN HD! UP TO 4K!!
Listen to the new album: https://abba.lnk.to/VoyageAlbum
Listen to more music by ABBA: https://abba.lnk.to/musicID
Follow ABBA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABBA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abba/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abba
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abba
Read More About ABBA: http://www.abbasite.com/
Video produced by: Lasse Hallström
#ABBA #Waterloo #Remastered
Lyrics:
My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender
oh yeah, and I have met my destiny
in quite a similar way
the history book on the shelf
is always repeating itself
Waterloo I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo couldnt escape if I wanted to
Waterloo knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa, wa, wa, wa, Waterloo finally facing my Waterloo
My, my, I tried to hold you back but you were stronger
oh yeah, and now it seems my only chance
is giving up the fight
and how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose
Waterloo I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo couldnt escape if I wanted to
Waterloo knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa, wa, wa, wa, Waterloo finally facing my Waterloo
So how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose
Waterloo couldnt escape if I wanted to
Waterloo knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa, wa, wa, wa, Waterloo finally facing my Waterloo
(Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson)
© 1974 Polar Music International AB
Published by: Universal/Union Songs AB
#ABBA
Music in this video
Learn more
Listen ad-free with YouTube Premium
Song
WATERLOO - VIDEO
Artist
ABBA
Writers
Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson
Licensed to YouTube by
BMI - Broadcast Music Inc., LatinAutorPerf, UMPG Publishing, UMPI, Sony ATV Publishing, UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA - UBEM, LatinAutor, CMRRA, LatinAutor - UMPG, and 14 Music Rights Societies
From Eurovision 1974:
ABBA Waterloo Eurovision 1974 (High Quality)
17,756,971 views Apr 7, 2009
mozpiano2
134K subscribers
35 years to this day (6th April 1974) ABBA won with this performance of Waterloo. Enjoy!
More information on this clip can be found here -
http://www.abbaontv.com/1974/descript... {File Not Found}
17,756,971 views Apr 7, 2009
mozpiano2
134K subscribers
35 years to this day (6th April 1974) ABBA won with this performance of Waterloo. Enjoy!
More information on this clip can be found here -
http://www.abbaontv.com/1974/descript... {File Not Found}
Tue Mar 4, 2025,: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."
Mon Dec 16, 2024: On this day, December 16, 1946, Benny Andersson of ABBA was born.
Tue Apr 9, 2024: On February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.
Fri Feb 9, 2024: On this day, February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.
Thu Feb 9, 2023: On this day, February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.
Fri Mar 4, 2022: On this day, March 4, 1974, ABBA released the single and the album "Waterloo."
Wed Feb 9, 2022: On this day, February 9, 1974, ABBA won Melodifestivalen 1974.
riversedge
(75,106 posts)2. and ABBA continues to be amonst my Most Favorite bands.