About the song
**Introduction to “Chiquitita”**
“Chiquitita,” meaning “little girl” in Spanish, is a beloved track by the Swedish pop group ABBA, released as the first single from their sixth studio album, *Voulez-Vous*, in January 1979. This poignant and melodious song, featuring Agnetha Fältskog on lead vocals, marked a significant moment in ABBA’s career, showcasing their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating music.
The genesis of “Chiquitita” involved several working titles, including “Kålsupare,” “3 Wise Guys,” “Chiquitita Angelina,” and “In the Arms of Rosalita,” before it was finalized and recorded in December 1978. Influenced by the Peruvian song “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” by Simon and Garfunkel, the track was developed into a beautifully arranged ballad that soon became a global hit. Initially intended as the lead single for the *Voulez-Vous* album, it ultimately surpassed the planned track “If It Wasn’t for the Nights,” becoming the standout release.
The song’s success was marked by its impressive chart performance. “Chiquitita” topped the charts in numerous countries, including Belgium, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, Mexico, South Africa, and Rhodesia. It also achieved notable positions in other regions, reaching the top 5 in ABBA’s native Sweden, the UK (where it peaked at No. 2), Australia, West Germany, and Norway. In the UK, it made an exceptional debut at No. 8, the highest debut position for any ABBA single at the time. By July 1979, it had sold 500,000 copies in Argentina, with additional sales in other countries contributing to its status as one of the most successful singles from the *Voulez-Vous* album.
“Chiquitita” is not only renowned for its chart-topping success but also for its charitable impact. Following its inclusion in the Music for UNICEF Concert broadcast from the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, ABBA generously donated 50% of the song’s royalties to UNICEF. In recognition of the “International Year of the Child,” this contribution was later increased to 100% in 2014, with the song’s royalties raising $4.8 million for the charity by September 2021.
Despite its success, “Chiquitita” did not receive a custom-made music video. Instead, the available video footage features ABBA performing the song on a snowy mountainside, recorded in Leysin, Switzerland, for a planned Christmas program. Due to the challenging weather conditions, this footage was not used in the final broadcast, but an alternate clip of the group performing in the BBC Big Top was included in the show. In March 2022, a new lyric video incorporating the original mountainside footage was released, offering fans a fresh perspective on the classic track.
With its memorable melody, touching lyrics, and philanthropic legacy, “Chiquitita” continues to hold a special place in ABBA’s discography, celebrated for both its musical brilliance and its contribution to a noble cause.
Video
Lyrics
Chiquitita, tell me what’s wrong
You’re enchained by your own sorrow
In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow
How I hate to see you like this
There is no way you can deny it
I can see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
I’m a shoulder you can cry on
Your best friend, I’m the one you must rely on
You were always sure of yourself
Now I see you’ve broken a feather
(How it hurts to see you cry)
(And how it hurts to see you sad)
I hope we can patch it up together
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
(Even though we cry, the sun is shining in the sky)
Let me hear you sing once more (so let me hear you sing some more)
Like you did before (the way you used to do before)
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
So the walls came tumbling down
And your love’s a blown out candle
All is gone and it seems too hard to handle
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
There is no way you can deny it
I see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
(You and I we know, how the heartaches come and go)
You’ll be dancing once again (you’ll be dancing once again)
And the pain will end (and all the pain you take will end)
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
(Even though we cry, the sun is shining in the sky)
Let me hear you sing once more (so let me hear you sing some more)
Like you did before (the way you used to do before)
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, Chiquitita