About the song
**Introduction to “Take a Chance on Me”**
“Take a Chance on Me” is a quintessential track by the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, released in January 1978 as the second single from their fifth studio album, *ABBA: The Album*. The song is a vibrant testament to ABBA’s innovative pop sound, featuring a blend of catchy melodies and intricate vocal arrangements. It showcases the shared lead vocals of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, with Fältskog taking the spotlight in two distinct bridge sections. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm solidified its place as one of ABBA’s signature hits.
Originally, the track was known under the working title “Billy Boy,” and a snippet of this version was later included in the 1994 box set *Thank You for the Music*. The creative process behind “Take a Chance on Me” was notably influenced by Björn Ulvaeus’s habit of using a “tck-a-ch” rhythm to pace his running, which evolved into the song’s signature beat. This rhythm, combined with Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’s songwriting prowess, created a track that was both energetic and memorable.
The single was released with “I’m a Marionette” as its B-side, the latter being part of a mini-musical performed during ABBA’s 1977 concert tour. The song was a substantial commercial success, becoming ABBA’s seventh UK number one and their final chart-topping single of the 1970s in that country. It also achieved significant success in other regions, reaching number three on the charts in the United States, Canada, and West Germany.
“Take a Chance on Me” has been widely acclaimed for its sophisticated production and engaging vocal harmonies. Billboard described it as “one of ABBA’s most busy, fast-paced productions,” while Cash Box praised its “intricately arranged vocals” and “wall of sound.” Record World highlighted its captivating a cappella opening as one of the finest in pop music. The song has not only garnered critical acclaim but also left a lasting impact on fans and critics alike. In 2017, Billboard ranked it as the second greatest ABBA song, and Rolling Stone placed it at number nine on their list of the top 25 ABBA songs in 2021.
The personnel on this track include Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad on vocals, Björn Ulvaeus on acoustic and electric guitar and vocals, and Benny Andersson on keyboards and synthesizers. Additional musicians included Rutger Gunnarsson on bass, Roger Palm on drums, and Malando Gassama on percussion.
With its dynamic sound and memorable chorus, “Take a Chance on Me” continues to be a beloved classic in ABBA’s extensive catalog, exemplifying the group’s ability to create timeless pop music.
Video
Lyrics
If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down
If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best and it ain’t no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try
Take a chance on me
(That’s all I ask of you, honey)
Take a chance on me
We can go dancing, we can go walking, as long as we’re together
Listen to some music, maybe just talking, get to know you better
‘Cause you know I’ve got
So much that I wanna do, when I dream I’m alone with you
It’s magic
You want me to leave it there, afraid of a love affair
But I think you know
That I can’t let go
If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down
If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best and it ain’t no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try
Take a chance on me
(Come on, give me a break will you?)
Take a chance on me
Oh you can take your time baby, I’m in no hurry, know I’m gonna get you
You don’t wanna hurt me, baby don’t worry, I ain’t gonna let you
Let me tell you now
My love is strong enough to last when things are rough
It’s magic
You say that I waste my time but I can’t get you off my mind
No, I can’t let go
‘Cause I love you so
If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down
If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best, baby can’t you see
Gotta put me to the test, take a chance on me
(Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me)
Ba ba ba ba baa, ba ba ba ba baa
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best, baby can’t you see
Gotta put me to the test, take a chance on me
(Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on me)
Ba ba ba ba baa, ba ba ba ba baa ba-ba
Honey, I’m still free
Take a chance on me
Gonna do my very best, baby can’t you see
Gotta put me to the test, take a chance on me