ABBA – Spanning Generations

BritMumInNZ

There is so much music that spans generations and holds a special place in the hearts of families.

I was born in the early 1970’s in the height of ABBA mania. Every Thursday evening I’d stay up to watch ‘Top of the Pops’ and dance around my parents living room. Of all the songs I remember most from my childhood – Super Trouper is the one that rings in my ears. You know how children feel every emotion with every cell of their body? How they express feelings with so much movement and expression. Well, Super Trouper and its, ‘lights are gonna find me, shining like the sun, smiling, having fun, feeling like a number one…’ made me feel as though the sun’s beams had filled every living cell in my body and as though I could walk in the clouds and never feel blue.

Since Dan brought home ‘Mamma Mia’ DVD the other week the songs of ABBA have once again filled my heart. Charlotte and Sophie are enthralled by the magnetic beats and catchy tunes. We’ve been dancing our socks off and singing our hearts out. It feels me with so much joy to share this music with them, that meant so much to me as a child.

Today a package arrived from my dear Mum and Dad, which I was told I could open prior to Christmas! Inside, was the music to ABBA and a note to say it was sent a little early so I would have some time to practice before Christmas! And practice I will!

I’ve spent this evening in a world of music and escapism. There are two things in this world that make me feel most at peace and connected with something bigger than I can describe – music and nature. Well, today, I’ve been blessed with both and I can’t thank my parents enough for their never-ending support and love.

Related posts

6 thoughts on “ABBA – Spanning Generations”

  1. I have to admit it, I just walked over to the piano and picked out the first bars I could see in the photo! I don’t really like ABBA as music to listen to (Pete does) but the songs are catchy and great to sing to. Nostalgia for me to play and sing to,(when I’m alone)consists of Dylan, Cohen,the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Donovan and (swoon, swoon) James Taylor. But for complete escapism, it has to be Lord of The Rings.

    Hi Ruta, Super Trouper is actually not as appealing played alone on the piano – and, as you will have seen, is quite an easy piece. I also love Lord of the Rings music to play and it comes across beautifully on the piano. Sarah

  2. Your house sounds a heck of a lot like mine right now. I too took the leap and bought the dvd after my friends took me out to see it at the movies a couple of weeks ago. Jboo and Baa are now both great abba fans and we have all been singing the songs with or without the dvd playing. Maybe we should get together, I can’t play the piano but I can sing!! we could create a revival band (too many of those around though!)!

    Ah, dear Kate, yes, I could do with some help on the singing front – I give it my best and it feels so good to sing… but I’m not so sure the neighbours love it! It’s wonderful when music brings a family together and gets them dancing and singing – good old fashioned fun! Boogie on down! Sarah x

  3. For me too, hearing any ABBA song sends me back in paroxysms of nostalgia. Fernando, Dancing Queen, Waterloo. I was born in the early 60s, so this was the soundtrack to my early teens. I must get the DVD!

    Oh, Louise, you must! And we’ll be able to hear you singing from the hill tops of Italy!

  4. Whow…that music travelled fast over the sea to a lovely home….enjoy every moment of it and no doubt you’ll soon be note perfect!! Charlotte and Sophie can accompany you with great gusto with their lovely range of percussion instruments and Dan can ‘play’ the fool in the nicest possible way singing and dancing. Have fun our wonderful family.

    Thanks Mum and Dad – we’re having so much fun with it already (except I can’t play the pieces fast enough to keep up with the singing yet!). The girls are also insisting on practicing ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’ – with lots of bell ringing! Lots of love, Sarah xx

  5. I have an admission. I do like ABBA and listened to it intently as a kid, and when it comes on the radio love a sing-song… but, you know, I’ve not seen Mamma Mia yet! A friend has a girls night planned… should be fun.
    I love that you fill your house with music playing the piano… I play the flute, and although it is relaxing and can sound gorgeous, it is not the same as being able to sit side by side with someone on a stool and have a hearty sing-song! Enjoy….
    And bless your Mum & Dad for such a great gift (and for letting you open it early)!
    Alina x

    Hi Alina, thanks for dropping by and enjoy your girls night! I love to hear the flute played, it takes me away to a far away place – there’s something to ethereal about it. I find myself thinking along the lines of the Mists of Avalon… where’s my head going whilst I’m writing this… off on a tangent now! Love, Sarah x

  6. I’ve been contemplating goals for next year and getting pianon lessons was on my list of things I started and never finished. I played at school (in the 1970s) but we weren’t allowed to play ABBA songs. Come to think of it we weren’t allow to play ABBA at all – records, radio or otherwise!

    Maybe you could record your piano planning so we can see for real!

    Hi Julie, oh I know, lessons were so traditional back then… I got to the age of 16 and started to beg my teacher for a bit of jazz. I’m sure you’ll be able to find a teacher that will steer you in the right direction of the music that gives you the most joy. Now, about the piano playing… mmmm, give me a chance to practice and maybe, just maybe, I might reveal how very amateur I am – but it’s a hell of a lot of fun! Sarah x

Comments are closed.