Fernando by ABBA (a cover by Maria Celeste G. live on webcam April 2, 2010)

"Fernando" is Swedish pop group ABBA's 1st non-album single, released in March 1976. Lead vocals were sung by Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The track appeared on the 1976 ABBA release Greatest Hits in some countries, although in Australia and New Zealand, "Fernando" was included on the group's Arrival album. "Fernando" also features on the multi-million selling ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits compilation. This song was to become ABBA's biggest selling single of all time, selling 6,000,000 copies in 1976 alone. All in all, Fernando sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

"Fernando" was not originally an ABBA song but was written for ABBA member Anni-Frid Lyngstad. It appeared on her 1975 #1 Swedish solo album, Frida ensam. The song was written by Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Stig Anderson and carried the working title of "Tango". Preparations for recording began in August 1975.

Swedish language version
The original Swedish language version's lyrics were written by ABBA's manager Stig Anderson and differ substantially from the English language version. In the original, the narrator tries to console the heartbroken Fernando, who has lost his great love. "The sorrow can be hard to bear, but the fact that friends let us down is something we all have to cope with". The bittersweet chorus goes: "Long live love, our best friend, Fernando. Raise your glass and propose a toast to it, to love, Fernando. Play the melody and sing a song of happiness. Long live love, Fernando"

English language version
The English version, with re-written lyrics by Ulvaeus, present a vision of nostalgia for two veterans reminiscing in old age about a lost battle that they participated in during their younger days.
The B-side to "Fernando" was the song "Hey, Hey, Helen", a track from the group's 1975 self-titled album, although in some countries "Tropical Loveland" (also from the ABBA album) was used instead.

Spanish language version
The title and rhythm of the song made it an obvious choice for inclusion in their Spanish album. It was composed by Buddy and Mary McCluskey and recorded on January 3, 1980, in the Polar Music studios. The song is part of the Gracias Por La Música album and is listed as track #5, in the "ABBA Oro" album as track #1 and as a Bonus Track on the "Arrival" album. The song was released as a promotional single in Spain.

Reception

After the huge success Frida had scored in Scandinavia with the Swedish version of "Fernando", the group decided to record it in English. This was a wise step, as "Fernando" became one of ABBA's best-selling singles ever, selling over 10 million copies worldwide and topping the charts in at least 13 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, West Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa & Switzerland. In Australia "Fernando" stayed #1 for 14 weeks and spent 40 weeks in the charts, making "Fernando" one of the best selling singles of all time in Australia. "Fernando" also reached the Top 3 in Canada, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden & Zimbabwe. If Frida's #1 position in Sweden is included, (her version stayed #1 in the Swedish charts for 10 weeks) "Fernando" was actually a chart-topper in 14 countries, which probably makes this song ABBA's 2nd most sold single, after "Dancing Queen".
"Fernando" peaked at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, making it (at the time) ABBA's highest charting American single after "Waterloo". However, "Fernando" did reach #1 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart, the 1st of 2 #1's for ABBA on this chart (the 2nd being "The Winner Takes It All"). The song remains an airplay staple on North American radio stations specializing in the MOR, adult standards & easy listening formats.
"Fernando" was also chosen as the "Best Studio Recording of 1975", ABBA's 1st international prize.

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[qualqui]

Wow, another GREAT song,....Fernando by ABBA,...one of my favorite groups,...ya know my impossible luv since the first day i saw her was beautiful Anni-frid,...lol...only thing she's in beautiful Sverige and i'm here on the central plateau,...lol...sendin' ya my thumbs up sweet Cel and thankin' ya for sharin' your beautiful voice with us all! = )

[bramford7e]

Good song, great version. I was blown away by your voice. You're a future star on Broadway.

[justavideo1000]

Love YOUR voice wonda bar fernandola !!!! brAvo

you r a stAr ! very good and we mean good well done Fantastico ! fernado

[chabeworks]

absolutely astounding my dear.

[puksrung]

wow, you are very cute, sorry I mean good,,right on, keep it up

[manuelcristopher]

wow!!! amazing! may i ask if you're a filipina? ^_^

[122294leelem]

best cover ive heard so far from this song

[sevenender]

love this so !wonderfull singing!

[terrisonb]

Wow, Great job. I am really glad that I clicked on your version of this song. You have a beautiful voice. Someday you should re-record this with better equipment. You would sound fantastic. Keep up the great singing. Stop by my channel sometime when you have a few minutes to kill.

[rickmoon]

A great song in an amazing cover! Great vocal performace. I love it.

[naomilord]

all i can say is you very pretty and fantastic amazing voice and the last comment go on x factor u would win it plz go on my account aswell and comment i would be really gratful :P.S: im only 11: