ABBA - The Making & Meaning of "Chiquitita" | History & Review

[@jctalks1]

I heard Chiquitita the first time when I was a dj in 1979. Spinning records the old fashion way. Abba was the absolute top of the charts back then, MAGIC!!!

[@frankly-he1kf]

I'll never forget the reaction from the audience at voyage for chiquitita....to turn and watch the sea of arms swaying in time with the music was magical.....it brought tears to my eyes.....

[@melissawillow1753]

Yes, indeed! That was truly moving. I saw Voyage twice, and both time the audience were the same. It was really magical.

[@MarkusFlorence]

There is only one other unique magic experience besides ABBA: it's listening to you, my most beloved ABBA Professor!! 🥰🥰

[@PatriciaStephen-ks2lb]

Masterpiece. I was 12 years old back then. My school teacher sang it. 45 years old. Beautiful

[@eduardooscar309]

and as for my personal experience, and that of my country, Argentina I had already bought some ABBA albums: Greatest Hits, Arrival and The Album but even ABBA had not impregnated me so much At that time I followed The BEATLES more in their solo careers, and Bee Gees, and Queen until it was the Concert for UNICEF, which was seen in my country Argentina, and it was the first time I was able to 'see' ABBA and both the premiere of "Chiquitita" and that chorus of "He is your brother" sung by all the artists, had an impact on me and remained in my memory. Personally, due to the context, I consider this ABBA performance one of the three most important of his career. (alongside Waterloo at Eurovision and Dancing Queen to the Kings of Sweden) after this concert in Argentina the success of Chiquitita was surprising and it was the moment when Buddy and Mary McCluscky, local artistic manager of the RCA Victor Recording company, travel to Sweden with an adaptation of the lyrics of "Chiquitita" into Spanish, to see the manager of ABBA and convince him that ABBA should record a version. special in spanish what followed is known ABBA did it and Chiquitita is their biggest hit in Latin America, and ABBA kept recording more songs in Spanish than in Swedish, making an entire album "Thank you for the music" and five official videos in Spanish. and special presentations in Spain performing "Chiquitita" live in Spanish, and a later one for the Aplauso program with the four of them sitting down singing "Dame dame dame" (the Spanish version of Gimme gimme gimme) For all this and much more, "Chiquitita" is so important to ABBA and for the Spanish-speaking market one more fact, about the internal context of ABBA They go to the concert, but Agnetha and Björn were recently separated as a couple this further enhances ABBA's professionalism and commitment to UNICEF Thanks again, dearest friend for a new fantastic vídeo I hope to see you did some special to "Ring Ring" album in their 50th anniversary my best regards to You from Buenos Aires Argentina 🇦🇷 South America *(the homeland of Chiquitita in spanish)

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

This song was HUGE in Canada. Its appeal was to all ages, for a simple reason: the word "Chiquitita" resembles the word "Chickadee". Canada has few Spanish speakers now, and less in 1979 when the song was released. A chickadee is a friendly little bird that frequents winter bird feeders and is beloved by all. Children enjoy its song and the bird is as immediately recognizable as a blue jay or a cardinal. I was 14 when the song was released, and though the word was pronounced slightly different to the word we knew, we immediately got the connection and allegory of a child being like a small bird that needed taking care of. The line about having "broken a feather" only added to this image.

[@marcelosandoval2130]

Well, they tell me I first heard Chiquitita while my mom was pregnant with me. My parents used to play the Spanish single over and over again. Until today ABBA has that soothing effect on me, and a deep emotional connection. In Chile, as well as in all LatinAmerica, the song was a humongous hit, until today, and was for decades the best-selling single in the continent. Glad today it has been rediscovered in Tik Tok by the new generations, so they can also make it their own and pass on the tradition. During my recent vacations in Argentina, I found and bought the UNICEF LP, and I must say that it was an amazing listening, what a treasure! Hugs BB, and I love the new series of revisits of some songs and unreleased gems' history. Waiting for Put on a White Sombrero!

[@joegoodman9232]

Marcelo,,Thanks, very well said!! Yes, ABBA is truly a one of a kind Mega Talented Band we will Love and cherish for a lifetime.. The Masters of Melody, ABBA!👍❤️🎶

[@johnlargan6045]

I love your videos, Bobby's Brother. It's always a joy to re-live these memories with you and hear your fascinating bits of info that add to the whole story! I remember being 15 years old and watching the Unicef TV special in January of 1979 with my parents. I recall being disappointed by a lot of the artist's entries. But when ABBA took the stage, not only did they stop the show with this unique and fantastic song, but the effect they had on my parents was something I'll never forget! ABBA won two genuine brand new fans that night. My Mom and Dad were from the World War 2 generation, and they fell in love with the group that night. From then on, they asked me to play ABBA records for them. It brought us closer together. I don't think I'm the only one who has had this experience.

[@dlind1985]

❤

[@thestepfordlife2015]

Chiquitita is such a beautiful song. One of their best. I always thought it was a little odd when people would equate ABBA with Disco. The bulk of their catalog is not disco. They just happened along during the late seventies and a lot of the time music critics dismissed ABBA as a disco act without checking the facts. That always frustrated me. Thanks for the wonderful video! ❤❤ - Bryce

[@David-uf8ex]

ABBA is one of the few bands that you can revisit their work and it feels like the first time all over again . I’ve recently had this with the visitors track absolutely mind blowing the arrangements and Frida,s voice I can’t remember the first time hearing Chiquitita I bought the single and remember loving Love light on the B side . I watched the New York show as it was broadcast I think it was a Friday evening here . Agnatha and Bjorn had just announced their divorce so I was very sad I remember .and scared it would be the end of ABBA

[@iangrice329]

This is one song that can bring tears to my eyes no matter what mood I'm in. I love it. This song at the Voyage concert is utterly amazing and a truly moving experience.

[@kylecompton3305]

It's their MASTERPIECE! Almost everything they do is callosal, but this is special and on another level! Thank you for sharing this - incredible!

[@paulcolwell...]

Thanks ... Always love all your post.. I have so many memories about abba .. ones sailed into Stockholm playing abba on our speakers .. the massive motor yacht called 'samar', in 2007 and we was in the local papers.. we never as crew paid for our drinks 🍸 it was a gorgeous time love Stockholm ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️

[@bobbysbrother137]

Thank you for sharing a bit of your memories, that was very nice to read. I couldn't think of a more grandiose way to enter Stockholm than that. And thank you for your regular contributions. Your support is a nice enhancement for my day-to-day life. A good salad, for example, and I have even better thoughts for my next video. Thanks to my Super Fan! All the Best, from BB.

[@arwenanduin]

I was a teenager, I already knew ABBA songs, but I was sitting in a snowbank with snow gently falling (Michigan) when Chiquitita came on my new radio I got for Christmas -- and it was all so magical it was as if time stopped. The joy of the chorus was overwhelming. This is when I bought all of ABBA's albums. A few years later in Europe I snagged Frida's Ensam and a lot of other ABBA records I couldn't find in the U.S. Super-fan here.

[@josephmckenna4068]

I first heard Chiquitita on the radio in the 1970s but I love to listen today on a good stereo system turned up loud. The vocal parts just meld together and soar bringing out the most in the lyrics. the contrast from the quiet beginning to the exultant ending is very powerful.and the final piano ride out is amazing.

[@joelsondiedrichs9543]

Chiquitita was released with the album Voules Vouz in 1979. It was a worldwide success.

[@anthonysmith8800]

I remember vividly watching the UNICEF concert (on BBC1 I think). I remember it opening with a very long camera shot, slowly zooming into Agnetha's solo. I loved it from the first second but when that huge rousing chorus kicked in, I was like WOW 😍! A great performance. I also remember hearing it for the first time on the radio and being mesmerised by it. Again, blown away when the sound of that magnificent chorus jumped out of my little radio. Capital Radio used part of the chorus on a TV advert for the Michael Aspel breakfast show. Wherever i heard it I was transported for 5 minutes in total awe of yet another Abba gold hit. It is definitely a highlight of the Voyage concert. I've been 6 times and each time is as good. The reaction to Chiquitita is spontaneous by the entire audience ❤️

[@beauregardfielding954]

Bobby …On TV in NZ on a Saturday night in early 1979….I was and still am enamoured with it ….my favourite . Beau

[@nbobrien6505]

I came across a Dick Cavett (German) special on KZbin which contains the song, ‘Two for the Price of One’ and I wondered what you might know of this song? Kia Ora! Coming to you from New Zealand, I enjoy your lilting voice and reverence for Abba. As a 10 year old in 1977 I remember really appreciating their body confidence and that everyone in the family liked them! I used to collect their bubble gum cards, and on a hot NZ summer at the beach, they made excellent trading with other kids, for the full set. I admire now that ABBA present themselves as older people and still they are great, ABBA continue to be pioneers and do it their way! Thank you for your lovely channel!

[@mikemartenson4357]

I love hearing about the back story of music and lyrics. This is my first time hearing this explanation, I applaud you for efforts to let so many know more about a song that gives it a deeper meaning.

[@azlehiatarot4704]

Chiquitita fue mi primer acercamiento real a Abba y la canción que me permitió descubrirlos en todo su esplendor. De antes los conocia por temas como Fernando, SOSy Hasta Mañana, que ne fascinaban y solía escuchar en casa de una amiga del LP Greatest Hits, pero fue cuando vi el concierto de la UNICEF en directo en el living de mi casa con mis padres en enero de 1979 cuando yo tenia 11 años, que llegó el impacto total de su imagen maravillosa y sus voces y armonías perfectas que le pusieron un nombre y un sonido a la música ,y me hizo enamorarme de ellos para siempre ,y que aún me tiene atrapada en esta historia de amor y admiración eterna. De ahí a comprarme el LP Voulez Vous, luego Greatest Hits Vol 2 y todos los anteriores hasta integrarlos a mi vida y conocer su música al revés y al derecho pasaron solo días. Mi vínculo con Abba no tiene límites Son y serán siempre lo mejor.

[@ingridrumpler9131]

❤

[@dlind1985]

💙 💛 ❤ 😍 🌻

[@cehamecki7106]

Die UNICEF Ausstrahlung hatte ich auch live gesehen. Chiquitita ging sofort ins Herz mit Tränen in den Augen. Ich liebe dieses wunderschöne Lied. War und bin immer noch ein Abba Fan. Ihre Musik ist sehr schön und hat bestimmt nicht nur mich begleitet. ❤ ♥️ Danke Agnetha ❤ ❤ Björn ❤ Benny ❤ Annifrid ❤ ❤.

[@lilianamarialobocorrea366]

I listened it on the radio by the first time. My mother and me used to listen a program that aired New songs in english. My mom adored it inmediately, Chiquitita reminded me my mom every time I listen it.

[@antoniorubianorubiano1700]

Chiquitita, fue el comienzo de mi historia con ABBA, fue la canción que más me gustó del festival de la Unicef y la única que recuerdo. Tenia 15 años

[@diananew2]

Chiquitita is a distinctive song, one of the kind for ABBA. I heard it on the radio, soon after the premiere, but I felt the real message hearing it in the Voyage concert, it was like being at a live concert, feeling is talking over you! I felt ir then, now you Bobby confirm my feeling, just like a life concert!

[@enrico8692]

I first heard that song when they aired the UNICEF Gala. I was staying up late and could see that gala. What I remember is that melancony beginning and song got more up tempo. Loved the song and after that UNICEF has become a very positive cause as it always brings me back to that feeling. It was about a sad person and finding meaning and happines. I’ve always supported UNICEF ever since and Chiquitita made me feel better and lifted me up quite often in my live.

[@lidianota3150]

Grazie Bobby.io non potrò mai andare a Londra ha vederli ascolto ciò che mi racconti tu grazie ancora.

[@aimhigh6178]

I am so grateful for your channel, you are doing a great job, Thank you. I watched Chiquitita during UNICEF telecast in 1979 in Asia, I fell in love with the song, with ABBA and above all with Agnetha. After all these years, I am still in love with all of them. I still listen to Chiquitita several times a week. Thank you ABBA.

[@lynstanford6010]

Beautiful love abba

[@strose2002]

Enjoyed the video! Can't remember when I first heard the song. Great ABBA song. Still the most underrated band/group in history!

[@helenrstephens]

Chiquita has always been one of my favorite songs. And it has excellent harmonies and great ending with Benny's piano. And also great cause that supports young children and young women. And for UNICEF and that all the royalties go to UNICEF

[@TheFridaFan]

Chiquitita is one of my favorite ABBA songs!

[@AzoreanZionist]

The first time I heard "Chiquitita" was on 10th January, 1979, when the UNICEF concert aired on television. I immediately loved it. I was 16 at the time, and had been an ABBA fan since 14, so by this time, I was a big fan and would buy every single they released, and would buy every new album. We had a TV Guide, and I would check all the programs, and would check to see if ABBA would be appearing on a TV show like: Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, The Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack, American Bandstand, The Dinah Shore Show, Saturday Night Live, The Dick Cavett Show, etc., etc.....I remember TV commercial ads for the album (by Ronco), "The Magic Of ABBA", and they showed a small segment of the Chiquitita video, because that particular compilation album included the song Chiquitita. I also remember buying the single in Spanish, and the album "Gracias Por La Musica". I also remember a LaserDisc of "Greatest Hits Vol. 2", which had all the videos from that album.

[@alexioverdo5225]

European television was kinda Abba's empire since they were massive but USA tv must have been hard to see Abba in such a frequency.What about it there how do you remember it?

[@alexioverdo5225]

I just remember the popular USA 'Solid Gold' chart music show presented by Dionne Warwick anouncing Abba and 'The Winner takes it all' around February 1981 and it was the reshown studio scenery of the one that was shown in the German television(Show express i think).And i vividly recall that episode( i saw in European television ) the song wasn't s provided in full.Twas edited/silenced right before Agnetha's almost talking 'apologetic' part.How rude.

[@AzoreanZionist]

@@alexioverdo5225 🙂I remember Solid Gold too.

[@AzoreanZionist]

@@alexioverdo5225 I remember ABBA came to America in 1978, to do a TV Special with Olivia Newton-John, and some shows would show video clips of ABBA. They did live concerts in U.S.A. and Canada in 1979, during their European & North American Tour. Even though ABBA were never very big here in America...........but they still managed to sell millions of albums and singles here. I'm originally from Europe, so I have always appreciated ABBA.

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@AzoreanZionist thanx for the additional infos.Yes indeed i knew May 1978 was organised as Abba month in the USA but I also have the sense that they were kinda more 'welcomed' in Canada.

[@kingmarshmusic]

Perfect song for UNICEF! Classic Abba magic!

[@craigstevenprentice4426]

Radio stations near me {Large Philly Radio Market} hardly ever played this . In owning several albums by ABBA , in 1980 I decided to play this song . I was affected BIG TIME . For personal reasons , this song has ALWAYS brought tears for me . I soooooo LOVE THIS SONG .

[@thunderbird2426]

🙌💫Abba💫🌻🙌have nice songs to sing along to. 🙌🎶Beautiful songs and melodies🎶🙌It is interesting to hear the voices once without music. Really nice voices and they hit the right notes. It's nice that Abba also works for children who don't have it so well.❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌻💫🙌🙏✌️

[@009isabel]

Gracias por este video, me encantó, hace mucho que sigo tus videos, pero esta vez me gustó tanto que me motivó a escribir. Chiquitita es mi canción preferida, sigue emocionándome como la primera vez que la escuché en 1079 en la transmisión del Concierto de Unicef. Ya los conocía y era muy fan de ABBA y tenía los LP que se habían llegado a Uruguay, pero cuando escuché esta canción, me emocionó hasta las lágrimas, la letra, la melodía, las voces de Frida y Agnetha, una canción perfecta. Tack så mycket.

[@alexandrospatsikos2549]

The amazing thing about growing up with ABBA, is that I kept changing my mind about which of their songs is my favorite. As a child in the 90's, when I first listened to "GOLD", I had other favorites. But this past decade (currently in my mid 30's) 'Chiquitita' has definitely been my favorite by far. Years before I even get married I knew that if I ever had a child I wanted it to be a girl and this song always had me tearing up even imagining it. Who knew that years later, I would end up moving to NYC, marrying a Spanish-speaking partner and have a daughter on the day of the 'Voyage' album release, in NYC, few miles away from where this historic concert was held! BONUS crazy coincidence: while pregnant, we kept putting different songs on my wife's belly to see if the baby will kick, and she finally did for the very first time, when we put 'Chiquitita'!!!

[@joegoodman9232]

I love this awesome story of you and your lovely family. Your Daughter has a beautiful memory to last forever. Be well! my friend. ❤️🎶

[@alexandrospatsikos2549]

@@joegoodman9232 oh thank you so much! Appreciate the wishes! Be well!

[@sylvierau3208]

J'ai entendu cette chanson pour la première fois au concert pour l'UNICEF et plus tard dans le show télévisé en Suisse . Je l'aime beaucoup , c'est une de mes nombreuses chansons préférées de ABBA ❤️ . Merci Bobby pur cette jolie histoire de cette excellente chanson

[@StereoSound...]

As a child I first heard the song Chiquitita (Spanish version) on the radio and later my parents bought the vinyl record of the single in 45rpm. I had no idea that around the year 2002 I would become a fan of ABBA.

[@carlcruz3736]

I loved your ABBA video so much! I first heard Chiquita on the radio back in1979 & also live in their Radio City Music Hall concert I went to on October 2 1979, before ABBA performed in the United Nations! That concert was the highlight of my life! Little did I know that would be the one & Only time I would Ever see ABBA live in concert!!

[@hunterluxton5976]

Superb analysis. In 1979 I was 11 and started secondary school. I was subconsciously aware of it over the years, without thinking about the name etc. It was one of those songs which is like a sort of background music to ones youth. I recently saw the official video snd song and fell in love with it. This time with my musical ears fully open. This led me to you. ❤ the background to it is very interesting.

[@ofirt5903]

i heard it as a child. still believe this is their best song. i think i heard it somewhere from Beni /Bjorn themselves . btw if im not wrong i wrote somewhere that Agnetha and Bjorn were on a very bad relationship by that time. before their divorce. and she came to the studio where the recorded the clip' with a tears in her eyes. but they they start filming - like a reall professional, she did it in her amazing regular professional way. as always, thanks for the info Bobby !

[@fatenjabbour8137]

Chiquitita one of my favorite and loveliest song I like when I was teenager and this song was the key to follow all ABBA songs .. really ABBA are legend band 🌷

[@pierre-olivierturmel1705]

I was 8 at the time and remember hearing it on the radio and liked it instantly! I bought the 45's! I'm from Montreal, Quebec, Canada (the French part of Canada) and here, we had our own version in French sung by René and Nathalie Simard, who are brother and sister singers who were very popular at the time, especially with children. This version is called "Tous les enfants du monde" with translate in "All children of the world". I think that the instrumental backing tracks are ABBA with the added French vocals. This version profit were given to the UNICEF too, and I bought that single too, as I was a fan of the Simard during my childhood!

[@danzel8604]

I remember getting abba gold on VHS I watched there videos non stop! I ❤ ABBA

[@B4iCQ]

Benny's fingers dance while the music plays itself. I'm wondering if he goes into a trance state and channels the music from heaven because it is unworldly and great! Brilliantly unique, how he weaves cultures together.

[@MrWagnerac]

Conocí a ABBA por Chiquitita en español a los 5 o 6 años de edad por la radio, fue tan famosa que la tocaban 2 veces por y por mas de 1 año en la radio emisora de mi ciudad. Hoy a los 48 años de edad todavía me encanta 🥰

[@sibionic]

The story is an absolutely stunning verse - with the best two part singing Agnthea and Frida recorded together - and a slightly overblown schlager chorus.

[@ingridrumpler9131]

Oh ja, ich liebe es! ❤ Abba forever

[@lupitasilva1454]

I saw it on TVdirectly during the concert it really touched my heart and still does.

[@miknes12345]

Chiquitita is my alltime favorite ABBA song. I can listen to it again and again. I feel it is is like no other ABBA song by having this South American influence inspired from El Condor Pasa. I can not say when I heard it the first time, but I think it was on tv when I was a child in the early 1980s. I think I remember seeing the snowman !

[@mikehigbee2320]

I've listened to this song since it first came out, hearing it first on American radio. I never knew any of this. Thanks. I didn't think I could respect and admire ABBA any more than I did, but now I do! I have every one of their albums. Their music is the sound of joy to me.

[@Festfolket]

I remember watching the show ten. I was 12. It was the most captivating song even there were other chart topping songs like "Da Ya Tink I'm Sexy" from Rod Stewart. Perfect choise by ABBA. Ihad only heard it a few times on radio and it already seemed it would have a higer impact than "Summer Nigt City" a few months before. Btw this UNICEF concert I once read was watched by way more people than Eurovision in 1974.So definetely an important performance.

[@Chowchowtanman]

I first heard this song while getting the Disco at which I was working, during my Collage days, ready for another big evening.... Honestly, it hit myself, and all 3 of the opening waitresses, so hard that we all stopped and just listened to the entire song...and believe it or not, It still, to this day, stops me in my tracks, and happily captivates my full attention for every note and word of this beautiful song!!! Thank you...Benny, Anni, Agnethan, and Björn!!!

[@eduardooscar309]

special details of the official videos of 'Chiquitita" and its importance in the music of ABBA and for the fans 1) at a general level it is the only official video of ABBA not filmed in Sweden actually it was when ABBA went to Switzerland for the TV special 'ABBA in Switzerland' with guest artists 2) that video in the snow in Switzerland is the fourth with the most views of ABBA on KZbin, almost 219.000.000 views 3) the first lyric video of the new ABBA series is by Chiquitita and is the most viewed, with more than 8,700,000 views and growing, close to 10 million 4) Of the new 'ABBA in Concert' videos, Chiquitita's is also the most viewed, with almost 1,300,000 views

[@fritziepisarski8681]

Hey Hey Bobby, I wonder if they realized how much money it would eventually generate for UNICEF . Their unselfishness have made so many children’s life a little better. In that era can’t recall any other artist giving of themselves and having such an impact.🇺🇸

[@ukestudio3002]

Excellent back story. As a native Spanish speaker was also very impressed with their "non" accent in the Spanish version.Thank you for this video.

[@xxx6765]

Great job Bobbys Brother One of the things that has always been so speical about this song is the many different interpretation of the lyrics that people have given it. The song has a true story to it as Bjorn stated on youtube Xfactor in 2006 when Leona Lewis sings Chiquitita . And I can personally testify to that fact. I decided to give everyone a little insight into the lyrics. In the Chiquitita song when Agnetha sings "Chiquitita you and I know how the heartaches come and they go and the scars there leaving" This is when Agnetha shared with me that her and Bjorn were now divorced in real life. The events or story that Bjorn used as his insperation for this song is when I met Agnetha and the events that had taken place in my life. I have always thought of this song as bittersweet . Now you might want to listen to the song " I Still Have Faith In You " by ABBA

[@alexioverdo5225]

I kinda listened to it more carefully in the 'Voulez -vous' album since i had missed the 7 inch release. Twas a grower and stayed in me for good up to now and maybe as long as i will exist here.All family loved it when i played this at home or in the car.I had bought this album 3-4 times in vinyl and cassete cause of being played too much and got scratched,so i wanted it to sound 'unscratched' and look 'new'again lol.

[@williampaganucci1084]

Hello again BB. You already know I play the end of Chiquitita on my channel but since you mention Benny's instrumental at the end of the song, I figured I'd mention my most viewed video again. Thanks 🎹 👍

[@AzoreanZionist]

👏👏😀Very well done, Bobby's Brother❗

[@theoschewe2286]

Chiquita is the song, why I became a huge ABBA fan, in summer 1979... I love this song

[@jimmykross9409]

"Baby sing some more, the way you used to do before". Yeah!! Finaly, after all these years I know what they sang!😁😁 Thanks again!!

[@guspeter]

An absolute gem from ABBA. Chiquitita is my all-time favorite from ABBA. It was probably in 1981 or '82 that I was introduced to this song. I had a collection of their songs including - apart from Chiquitita - Mama Mia, Super Trouper, I have A Dream, Fernando, Dancing Queen, Nina Pretty Ballerina, Ring Ring etc.

[@abbascots]

Thankyou BB Its lyrics are sad yet so optimistic as with many of ABBAs complexity within there songs 😉🥰 I agree 💯 with your comments as always ❤

[@vincentchampion1183]

I still have my original 7" single. It's always been my go to song when i feel broken by life. The upbeat lyrics give me the strength to keep going. Also have to mention b side Lovelight, another absolute gem.

[@joegoodman9232]

Yes BB what a glorious inspiring upbeat song. Definitely my Fav. And what a great moment for UNICEF and to celebrate this awesome upbeat masterpiece. Thanks BB for your interesting ABBA information on the creativity and importance of Chicquitita. Thanks and be well ! 🌞

[@novelideas1]

I first heard Chiquitita on TV during the UNICEF concert. I was 11 years old and had been a fan of the group’s since the age of 7. At the time, my mom commented that Chiquitita was the most appropriate song for the cause it was raising money for, although John Denver’s “Rhymes and Reasons” came in a close second. I have to agree.

[@ivyseal5161]

I heard it on an Australian music television show called count down and it became no 1 on the Australian charts my parents went and got the single and it was a huge hit in Australia

[@melissawillow1753]

Me too, I saw the Switzerland version on Countdown.

[@RickDanner]

this song always lifts me up nice video great work

[@hamishperkins2307]

Thank you for such an interesting story behind Chiquitita. I knew of the Unicef donation and in fact, I watched the concert on TV when it happened! If I remember correctly, all of the artists joined in with Abba when they sang "He Is Your Brother". It was very exciting when Abba was releasing new music via TV specials, particularly in Australia. The Specials were so popular, they were often repeated a week or so later. They were great times....

[@RickDanner]

great video i love all of it love the piano solo at the end . Agnethas vocals and vocal range in the intro is amazing she soars i just adore this womens voice

[@janesmith6925]

I first heard the tune this year when Karolina Protsenko played it on the violin. Then I just had to find the original version.

[@migsjalv583]

Great and interesting video yet again!

[@rowanrogersnewtonparkmetho8884]

Great video. Great song.

[@danielbryan7378]

My dad bought the Voulez Vous album when I was 5 years old. I was mesmerised by the production, there were only really ABBA and ELO at the time who were multi layering vocals to create that rich sound. Chiquitita for me was so beautiful to listen to but now I've heard it broken down into its separate parts thanks to various vocalist on here it just adds to its complexity. Agnetha's sometimes shrill soprano is tempered by Frida's rich mezzo and the combination of the two vocals is exquisite. ABBA proved beyond doubt that TWO female harmonies (lower and higher) were the perfect combination. Also it reminded the world that it's not always about how high one can get as a vocalist but how rich the tone of Frida and others... (Shirley Bassey, Cher, Helen Shapiro, Brenda Lee, Alison Moyet, Donna Summer, Barbara Dickson Elkie brooks (a bit more raspy but still a mezzo) Freya Ridings, and Whitney and her cousin Dionne Warwick. ) do I have to carry on? All great mezzos and altos. The lower end of the female register isn't celebrated enough in my opinion. Bev Knight, she's another Mezzo who can get way low. Jeez the list is endless.

[@helenrstephens]

I first heard this song on the radio

[@wongleckmin1018]

Unknown music came from the player next door, the melody that charmed me. I don't have any music education, but I can't live without music ever since. im About 12 years old in 80s. chiqitita is the source of my foreign language music. from malaysia.

[@conradcollege6119]

I would love for you to analyze more ABBA songs.

[@BrunoTettamanti]

Wonderful video ! Thanks !

[@AlexisMillan-l2f]

Beautiful song.

[@markusschneider969]

Thanks BB for your highly informative and very enjoyable videos on everything related to ABBA. At 5:37-38 is a great picture of them that I am trying to get hold of, at least in a decent quality. Could you help with that by any chance ?

[@bobbysbrother137]

You can find the photo in this quality on raffem.com, as given as a source in the left corner of the video. Go to the website, then on the left "ABBA", then "the story", then "1979", and you'll find it in Chapter 2, "ABBA in New York - January 79". It's a good website with wealth of ABBA photographs. I hope I could help, and many thanks for your kind feedback.

[@markusschneider969]

@@bobbysbrother137 An impressive speed of answer , BB , you could brand yourself as the Abba Instant Helpdesk . And superefficient too. Thanks ever so much !!

[@jayamahacar]

I never knew this hit was donating to Worthy cause of UNICEF. Shows greatness of ABBA

[@наргизаильхомовна]

i lived in USSR/all ABBA' s songs came later to us/i heard this song in 19986 year/My impression from this item-i thought that they sing about themselves.and i thought that it is very beautiful intresting song/i was young but i had a mad love to ABBA/Some times i think that their songs as psychotherapy for person /they sung about problems in their lifes and it is a way to decided this problems when we talk about them/all elements of their songs-music,lyrics,nice voices -help to leave a sadness and tears in past life

[@alexioverdo5225]

I think that there's one more reason that they finally dismissed the fab 'IF it wasn't for the night' as the next release.They had already given out a disco song (single 'Summer Night city').And 'Chiquitita' was both great and different and Abba were usually releasing on purpose 'diverse' singles one following the other.But imo it would have been fine if they could release both songs as double A sided single .

[@crabsy6452]

If it wasn’t for the nights is my favourite song from Voukez-Vous

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@crabsy6452 fantastic work- harmonies/melody/beat/instrumentation.

[@TheFridaFan]

Chiquitita definitely fit better for UNICEF. The two are a perfect match. If It Wasn't for the Nights is such a GOOD song though, enough that I think they should have just released it as an additional single. To me, it's right up there with Dancing Queen.

[@alexioverdo5225]

@@TheFridaFan Absolutely agree on everything you wrote.

[@punchingpillow]

Just to point something out. Before voyage, Abba had 19 million str/m on spotify. Since Voyage 21. Since Angeleyes on tiktok 23. And now 28! Do you have any idea what's happened?

[@albertoortiz3574]

Great! Thanks!!

[@antonioroleira8159]

You are amazing!

[@lasyngwieeeiiilarsen7510]

Magic❤😢😊

[@dragpalace]

I saw the show on TV where ABBA performed this song for the first time. That's when I heared it, and to be honest, I wasn't impressed at first. In that time I was 11 years old and prefered uptempo music more. And the expectations were very high because I remember that in 1980, ABBA didn't have a new song for quite a while. But when I listened to the track more , I discovered the complexity of the vocal arrangement and I started to love the song.

[@PerryCJamesUK]

I love this

[@lupitasilva1454]

Do you know the Origin for Fernando's song....

[@Kevin-1969]

The other version with Frida on lead should be released

[@user-pg8sv8kx1q]

I'm sure , Björn ate bananas when he wrote the lyrics to this song..😉

[@fintonmainz7845]

The best version of this song was done by Sinéad O Connor.

[@ferdinandvanzyl1500]

🇿🇦

[@jph4852]

Interestingly, in Spanish "chica" = young lady; "chiquita" = small/little/young girl; "chiquitita" = very small/young girl (or a banana)

[@MichaelDeaguero]

😂😢😮😅😊😊😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jesusgonzales9497]

Chiquitita and ABBA will live for ever❤❤❤❤.

[@contestariando]

Gracias por el subtitulado en español 😊

[@GomersPile01]

Hi BB. Just in case you have never seen it. This is the video of one of the first TV appearances of Abba in Australia. v=LrXM2wiiPx8 "The Don Lane Show" was a nightly variety show. It was the number 1 most watched show in Australia in 1976. I remember waiting for this segment because it had been advertised for a few days. One of the things I remember was my mum watched the segment while drinking her evening cup of tea and after the segment she remarked to my dad something like "They seem like really nice people". At that time ACDC were making waves in Australia and my mum did not like them at all. So she was quite pleased I was keen on ABBA!