Introduction
Put on Your White Sombrero: A Lost ABBA Treasure
ABBA’s “Put on Your White Sombrero” might be unfamiliar to many fans, but it holds a fascinating story. Originally recorded in 1980 during sessions for their iconic “Super Trouper” album, the song went unreleased for over a decade.
With working titles like “Spansk II” (Spanish II) and the more playful “Pig Party On Mallorca,” the song’s origins hint at a lighter, perhaps even comedic direction. However, the final lyrics paint a more complex picture.
The song features Frida on lead vocals, with Agnetha joining in for powerful harmonies. Frida portrays a woman yearning for a real connection, frustrated by a partner who seems stuck in a fantasy world. Lines like “Oh, you think our life is a movie” and “you’re such a caballero proud, never bending” suggest a desire for someone more in touch with reality.
Despite its strong vocals and intriguing story, “Put on Your White Sombrero” never made it onto “Super Trouper.” The reasons remain unclear, but the song’s arrangement was repurposed for another track, “Cassandra,” during a later recording session.
However, “Put on Your White Sombrero” wasn’t forgotten forever. In 1994, ABBA unearthed the song while compiling their massive “Thank You for the Music” box set. Finally given a proper release, the song became a hidden gem for dedicated fans, showcasing a different side of the band’s songwriting and Frida’s vocal talents.
So, while not a chart-topping hit, “Put on Your White Sombrero” offers a captivating glimpse into ABBA’s creative process. It’s a song of yearning, frustration, and the search for genuine connection, wrapped in a catchy melody and the unmistakable ABBA sound.