65/365 Songs: Slipping through my fingers – Abba
Today’s song is one of my favourite Abba songs. Written in 1981 for The Visitors album it was inspired by Agnetha and Björn’s daughter Linda who was seven at the time. It was also used in the Mamma Mia musical and film when Donna is helping her daughter prepare for her wedding day. The song was originally recorded in G major, but I always feel G flat major sounds that bit more ‘poignant’ so I’ve played it in G flat. You can let me know if you agree!
This song was requested by listener Mark Kerridge after my previous Abba song, My love my life. All the Abba songs I’ve recorded so far can be found here.
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Hi Mark – many thanks for doing this song and the namecheck – great rendition! I know what you mean about certain types of songs and keys which just don’t feel right. To my own ears, the original key of the song has always been F i.e. start in Bb major then go to Bb minor and so on, which is how I have always played it.
Obviously, now you have done this song, I will have to think of some more suggestions! There are probably plenty more candidates in the Abba catalogue which could be done which I am sure you will get to over the course of the year. I don’t know about you, but I have always liked the idea of going for less obvious songs, e.g. the good album tracks and the B sides which often get overlooked in favour of the hit singles which more people are familiar with.
So, next suggestion for you, and sticking with The Visitors album for the moment: how about “I Let The Music Speak” – a track I have always found a bit more of a challenge to play as it has more unusual chord patterns and frequent changes of tempo throughout the song. As far as keys go, have always played this in C minor…
All the best and keep up the good work.
I would love to dance with my son at his wedding to “slipping through my fingers” but Abba recorded it with “she”. Do you know of any recording with “he”. Schoolbag in hand, he leaves home in the early morning…..