ABBA ‘s iconic hit ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ celebrates Anniversary

On October 2, 1979, the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA released the iconic song “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight).” Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this catchy tune that not only lit up the dancefloors of the 1970s but has continued to inspire generations with its timeless melody and irresistible rhythm.

The story behind “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”

The song was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with the powerful and emotional vocals of Agnetha Fältskog. It reflects ABBA’s signature style, a blend of upbeat melodies and melancholic lyrics. The song tells the story of a lonely woman longing for companionship and love, a theme many people could relate to, especially in an era when disco culture was thriving, and nightlife was at its peak.

A milestone in ABBA’s career

“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” was not just another song; it marked an important phase in ABBA’s career. It was released as part of their compilation album Greatest Hits Vol 2 and was intended to further cement their global popularity. The song quickly became a hit, climbing the charts in many countries, including the UK, France, and Germany. In the Netherlands, it reached third place in the Top 40, reaffirming how beloved ABBA was there.

Influence and legacy

One of the most interesting aspects of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” is its lasting impact, even decades after its original release. You can think of the famous example, which is the sample used by Madonna in her 2005 hit “Hung Up.” Madonna, a big ABBA fan herself, personally convinced Benny and Björn to give her permission to use the iconic melody. This introduced ABBA’s music to a new generation of music lovers, making the song popular worldwide once again.

The song also features prominently in the hugely successful Mamma Mia! musical and film projects, proving that the appeal of ABBA’s music stands the test of time. “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” has become a symbol of the disco era and remains one of the highlights of their career.

Fun facts you might not know about ABBA

• Did you know that the original working title of the song was “Been and Gone and Done It”? The band decided to go with the catchier title “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” instead.
• Apparently the song was recorded in 1979, just before ABBA embarked on their major tour of North America and Europe. During this tour, they often performed the song live to the delight of the audience.
• “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” was also one of ABBA’s first songs to be accompanied by a promotional video, which was still relatively new at the time. The video, full of shimmering outfits and dancing lights, perfectly captured the glitzy vibe of the disco era.

The enduring magic of ABBA

Although the song was originally released in 1979, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” remains a powerful example of ABBA’s mastery in blending catchy melodies with universal themes like loneliness and longing. Even today, so many years later, it sounds just as fresh and remains a favorite on dance floors, in movies, and among fans all over the world.

Let’s take a moment today to celebrate this musical masterpiece and enjoy the timeless charm of ABBA. “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” continues to remind us how music can capture and connect emotions, generation after generation.