ABBA – “On and On and On”: A Rock-Edged Anthem from Their Final Chapter
By the dawn of the 1980s, ABBA were entering the final stretch of their extraordinary career together. The world had already danced to “Dancing Queen,” wept to “The Winner Takes It All,” and sung along to “Mamma Mia.” Yet the group was not finished experimenting with sound and style. With “On and On and On,” released in 1980 on the album Super Trouper, ABBA revealed a tougher, more rock-infused side of their artistry, proving once again that they could adapt to changing musical landscapes while retaining their unmistakable character.
The year 1980 was a turning point. The disco era that had dominated the late 1970s was waning, and pop music was shifting toward rock, new wave, and electronic textures. ABBA, always sensitive to the currents of popular culture, adjusted their sound accordingly. Super Trouper balanced lush ballads and polished pop with edgier, harder-driving songs, and “On and On and On” was perhaps the boldest of these. It wasn’t just another ABBA single; it was a declaration that the group could handle the grit of rock as confidently as the glitter of pop.
What makes “On and On and On” so distinctive is its energy. Driven by Benny Andersson’s urgent keyboards and Björn Ulvaeus’s sharp guitar work, the track surges forward with the propulsion of a live band at full throttle. The rhythm section is muscular, with pounding drums and a steady bass line that give the song its rock edge. Over this foundation, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida) deliver vocals that are both playful and commanding, their harmonies adding bite to the swaggering melody. The call-and-response sections evoke the rowdy energy of a sing-along, drawing listeners directly into the song’s atmosphere.
Lyrically, the track captures the feeling of being caught in an endless cycle of nightlife and social encounters. The protagonist sings of being surrounded by chatter and noise, of conversations and flirtations that seem to go “on and on and on.” There is humor here, a touch of satire in how the scene is painted — glamorous yet exhausting, alluring yet repetitive. Unlike the vulnerability of “Chiquitita” or the wistful nostalgia of “Fernando,” this song leans into wit and irony, showing another dimension of ABBA’s songwriting.
When released as a single, “On and On and On” performed particularly well in Australia, where it became a Top 10 hit, though in other territories it remained more of a cult favorite than a chart-topper. Still, its live performances during the group’s final tours gave it a special life. On stage, it became a vehicle for ABBA’s rock instincts, allowing them to trade some of their studio polish for rawer, more immediate energy. Fans who saw those performances often remember the song as one of the highlights, proof that ABBA could hold their own alongside the guitar-driven acts of the time.
Over the years, “On and On and On” has come to be appreciated as one of ABBA’s underrated gems. It demonstrates their versatility — a reminder that they were never confined to one sound, but constantly pushed themselves into new territory. While it may not have the universal recognition of “Dancing Queen” or “Take a Chance on Me,” it shows the group’s willingness to evolve, to play with new textures, and to inject humor and grit into their music.
Today, listening to “On and On and On” feels like stepping into a snapshot of ABBA at a crossroads. The brightness of the ’70s still lingers, but there is also a sharper edge, a knowing glance toward the new decade and the challenges it would bring. It is the sound of a group still at the height of their craft, but aware of time’s passage — still playful, still inventive, still unstoppable, at least for the moment.
In the grand sweep of their career, “On and On and On” is not just a footnote but a reminder that ABBA’s brilliance lay in their adaptability. They could make you cry, they could make you dance, and, as this track proves, they could also make you laugh knowingly at the endless cycles of life, all while rocking harder than most gave them credit for.