The Day Before You Came

ABBA's "The Day Before You Came" is a poignant reflection on the monotony and routine of everyday life before a significant change, presumably the arrival of a transformative love. The lyrics, delivered with a sense of nostalgia and introspection, detail the protagonist's daily routine in a meticulous and almost mechanical way, emphasizing the predictability of their life before this pivotal event. The repetition of 'I must have' suggests a distance from the past, as if the narrator is struggling to remember the details of a life that now feels foreign in the wake of change.

The song's mood is one of melancholy and contemplation. It's not just about the routine itself, but the realization of how colorless and aimless life seemed before meeting someone special. The arrival of this person has brought a new perspective, making the narrator's previous existence seem dull in comparison. The use of mundane activities, such as reading the paper or having dinner while watching TV, underscores the ordinariness that was once the narrator's reality. The mention of rain, both at the beginning and the end of the song, could symbolize the dreariness of the past or the cleansing nature of the new relationship.

ABBA, known for their catchy pop tunes and vibrant performances, here presents a more subdued and introspective piece. The song's narrative style and lack of a traditional chorus give it a storytelling quality that is both haunting and evocative. It's a testament to the band's versatility and ability to capture a wide range of emotions in their music. "The Day Before You Came" invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how significant events and people can alter our paths and perceptions.