Introduction
Hasta Mañana: An ABBA Song That Almost Went to Eurovision
ABBA’s “Hasta Mañana” (“See you tomorrow” in Spanish) is a catchy song with a surprising history. Here’s a glimpse into its journey:
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Birth of a Song: Originally titled “Who’s Gonna Love You?”, the music was composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus in December 1973. Stig Anderson, their manager, penned the lyrics while vacationing in the Canary Islands, inspired by the frequent use of “Hasta Mañana” around him.
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Eurovision Contender: “Hasta Mañana” was in the running to represent Sweden in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. However, ABBA ultimately chose “Waterloo” which launched them to international fame.
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Finding its Voice: Agnetha Fältskog took the lead vocals, but initially struggled to find the right approach. Inspiration struck when she experimented with a style reminiscent of singer Connie Francis, injecting the song with the emotional depth it needed.
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Beyond Eurovision: Despite not making it to Eurovision, “Hasta Mañana” found a place on ABBA’s 1974 album “Waterloo.” The song remained largely unknown outside of Sweden until 1976.
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Unexpected Success: Featured on the popular “The Best of ABBA” TV special, “Hasta Mañana” became a surprise hit in Australia and New Zealand. Interestingly, in the US, a cover by Debby Boone (the B-side to her chart-topping “You Light Up My Life”) brought the song mainstream recognition in 1977.
“Hasta Mañana” may not have been ABBA’s Eurovision entry, but its catchy melody and Agnetha’s powerful vocals secured its place as a fan favorite. So, next time you hear this song, remember the twists and turns it took before finding its way into the hearts of audiences worldwide.