Throwback Thursday: Dancing Queen

When you’re 16, you can get your driver’s license. When you’re 18, you can vote. What about 17? What’s good about that awkward middle age, when you’re too young to be thought of as an adult but too old to get the privileges of being a child? Well, I’ll tell you what’s so great: YOU’RE THE DANCING QUEEN!!!! (Young and sweet, only 17..) And really, what more can you hope for than that? 

A lot of things pop into my mind when I hear the words “Dancing Queen,” mainly the memories of road trips with my parents during their ABBA phase; However, I think I’ve found a new image to sufficiently haunt me for the rest of my life. Click at your own risk. Ah yes, that is something I will never be able to un-see.

The hit song “Dancing Queen” by Swedish musical group ABBA was part of their 4th album “Arrival,” which hit No. 1 on the UK Charts on this day 38 years ago. It remains ABBA’s only #1 hit on the US Billboard’s Top 100, which makes no sense to me because does anyone remember “Fernando?” Maybe this life-changing scene from Malcolm in the Middle will jog your memory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMqTt9rn8L4

Kills me every time..no pun intended..(get it? Because the babysitter dies at the end? Wait what was up with that?…What even was this show?!)  

“Dancing Queen” is regarded as one of the most recognizable songs worldwide. It’s been performed by everyone from Alanis Morissette to Kylie Minogue. The album “Arrival” is their most successful one to this day, producing many of their most famous singles. If you’re 17 or 70 or anywhere between, this song will make you feel like a queen. 

And now I have a haiku because I’m feeling a little poetic:

LISTEN TO THIS SONG

IF YOU DO, YOU’RE PRETTY COOL

THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY

Thank you. I’m out. (mic drop)

By Fatema Sabir