ABBA and Medea

There are many similarities between the ancient text of Euripides’ Medea and the song Angel Eyes written and sung by the band ABBA. Both tell a story of a women who fell in love with a man who would later leave them and continue to seduce other women. In the song by ABBA they sing, “And I saw him together with a young girl, And the look that he gave her made me shiver, ‘Cause he always used to look at me that way.” This lyric reveals the romantic relationship the women had with the man, and how he is continuing on with another woman which makes her upset. Medea also reveals how her former husband had moved on, “I wish I could see him And his bride crushed, house and all, for the wrong that – unprovoked – they dare to inflict on me” (line 163-165) . Both women talk about how they were deeply in love but also deeply wounded. ABBA sings, “Look into his angel eyes, One look and you’re hypnotized, He’ll take your heart and you must pay the price, Look into his angel eyes, You’ll think you’re in paradise, And one day you’ll find out he wears a disguise.” Medea similarly warns, “I know that many men are really haughty, some where none can see them, others openly. – People do not behave justly in hating Another on sight, with no injury done, Without learning the person’s character” (line 215-221). Medea talks about “paying the price” with how the loss of love is, “Destroying my soul. I’m ruined. The joy of living Is gone for me” (line 226-227). ABBA sings, “Sometimes when I’m lonely I sit and think about him
And it hurts to remember all the good times, When I thought I could never live without him. – Every time when I see him, will it bring back all the pain.” ABBA is similar to Medea in that they are constantly hurt when they think of their loved one. It can be interpreted from Medea, that every time she sees her children, she is reminded of her husband: “Accursed Children of a hateful mother! Perish with your father!” (line 111-113).

However, ABBA is singing about how they are still reminiscing about how good their relationship was, even though they are saddened by the separation. ABBA’s song is also a warning to girls to be careful of men with “Angel Eyes” who will give you “paradise” but then leave you in pain. Medea on the other hand is only constantly cursing her husband, and appears to not see a possible future without him. This is similar to when ABBA sings, “When I thought I could never live without him”, but it can be inferred that they are healed now and have regained control of their emotions, which Medea has obviously not. Maybe Medea should take some pointers from ABBA. 

Euripides’ Medea:
“I wish I could see him And his bride crushed, house and all, for the wrong that – unprovoked – they dare to inflict on me” (line 163-165).

“I know that many men are really haughty, some where none can see them, others openly. – People do not behave justly in hating Another on sight, with no injury done, Without learning the person’s character” (line 215-221).

“Destroying my soul. I’m ruined. The joy of living Is gone for me” (line 226-227). 

“Accursed Children of a hateful mother! Perish with your father!” (line 111-113).