“Eagle”
Artist: ABBA
Album: The Album (1977)
Overview:
“Eagle” is a song by ABBA from their 1977 album The Album. It stands out as one of their more ambitious tracks, with a more progressive rock influence compared to their usual pop style. The song features a mix of orchestral arrangements, dramatic lyrics, and intricate vocal harmonies, reflecting a sense of grandeur and mystery. It was released as a single in several countries but did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their bigger hits.
Song Meaning:
The song’s lyrics are somewhat abstract, but it appears to deal with themes of freedom, longing, and transcendence. The “eagle” in the song can be interpreted as a symbol of escape or liberation, soaring above the constraints of the world. It expresses a sense of yearning for something greater, with the imagery of flight symbolizing freedom and possibility.
Key Lyrics:
“I believe in angels,
Something good in everything I see,
I believe in angels,
When I know the time is right for me.”
Musical Style:
“Eagle” is one of ABBA’s more experimental tracks, featuring lush arrangements and longer instrumental sections. The song begins with a dramatic piano intro and evolves into a sweeping orchestral composition. The music builds gradually, and the lyrics are delivered with a sense of grandeur, adding to the epic feel of the track. It’s a departure from the usual pop structure that ABBA was known for, incorporating elements of progressive rock and more complex song structures.
Legacy:
Although “Eagle” was not a massive commercial hit, it remains a fan favorite and is often praised for its ambition and musicality. The song showcases the band’s versatility and ability to step outside their pop comfort zone. It was a precursor to ABBA’s later experimentation with more complex arrangements in tracks like “The Visitors.” “Eagle” is an example of how ABBA was capable of producing songs that were both commercially successful and artistically daring.
