“Don’t Shut Me Down” is the fourth track and one of the two lead singles from ABBA’s 2021 album ‘Voyage.’ The single was released alongside “I Still Have Faith In You” to announce the return of legendary ABBA to the music scene. The new single announces the group’s return with hopes that they still get a warm welcome from their fans.
ABBA announced their long-awaited ninth studio album ‘Voyage’ to be released on November 5, 2021. This is ABBA’s first album in 39 years, following their 1981 hit ‘The Visitors.’ In 1982, the band broke off due to personal disputes among the members. Although the members shortly reunited in 2016, 2021 marks their definitive comeback to music. ABBA is one of the best-selling groups in history with sales of over 150 million units worldwide.
“Don’t Shut Me Down” is written by ABBA’s usual writers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, while vocals are performed by all four members including Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog. The song certainly has the classic ABBA-touch, with a hint of modern music tech involved.
Listen to “Don’t Shut Me Down” by ABBA
Buy ‘Voyage’ Album on Apple Music and Amazon
ABBA “Don’t Shut Me Down” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Verse 1
In the first verse of the song, ABBA paints a picture of the world closing on them. The child-like joy that held the group together started fading away. The metaphor of the sun setting is a classic example of the darkness engulfing you. The Sun stands for all life around us. And with the sun setting, life slowly fades away and sets the way for darkness.
ABBA plays with the themes of love and their career in the song. ABBA puts itself in the shoes of the girl whereas all the fans are personified as her partner.
Verse 2
In the second verse, ABBA tries to explain why they are back. It is not as if anybody questioned their return to music! But they feel obliged to explain to their fans why they are back after such a long hiatus.
When I left, I felt I’d had еnough
But in the shape and form I appear now
I havе learned to cope
ABBA says that they felt like they had enough of the music industry when they called it quits in 1982. ABBA was massive back in the day. But with fame and success, comes all the pitfalls that many have felt and suffered before. ABBA’s members’ relationships suffered during these times and it really took away from the spirit of the group. When you don’t enjoy doing something, don’t force yourself on it. You will never give your best to it anymore.
And love and hope is why I am here now
ABBA has hopes that they can make a comeback into music. The fans will let them know in time.
Chorus
In the hook of the song, ABBA shows a new fire burning inside of them. They come back with eagerness, energy, and hope now. They are reloaded. Their only request is that the fans give them another chance and not shut them down immediately.
Verse 3
Playing back and forth with the theme of lovers, ABBA wonders how the fans will accept them in their return. Will they open the door for one of the greatest groups ever? or will they leave ABBA stranded in the hallway?!
ABBA also goes on to sing that “The apartment hasn’t changed at all” meaning that the music scene has not changed from three decades ago. While music certainly has changed over the years, maybe ABBA is implying that there is certainly space for the music of the likes of ABBA still.
We are extremely happy about this return of ABBA to the music scene again. Let us fans not let them down and welcome them with our arms wide open. We all know how much we thirst for good music.
Let us hear what you think about this song by ABBA in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics on Genius.
This album is just what I (we) needed. It comes at a perfect time in my life and anyone who appreciates good music, lyrics and that beautiful Abba sound will hopefully feel as I do.
Absolutely love the new Abba music. So happy they are back
I, Richard Rodachy have always loved there music .I love the lyrics especially as they have great meaning and inspiration. There music touches my heart with emotion and its a wonderful feeling. To me their music lives on indefinitely.
Tremendous joy this is to see these four people back together. I was and still am a deeply devoted fan of Abba since my high school days in 1976. I have kept up with them on a separate level and it’s such a great thing to see them back together. I wish them much success and their reunion and looking forward to more wonderful music.
I have been a tremendous fan of ABBA since 1976 when I was in high school. It is such a joy and a privilege to be here to see these four wonderful people get back together. I have kept up with these people on a separate level and it’s truly a blessing to see them back together again. I look forward to the reunion and the possibility of more terrific music.!
Don’t shut me down, what a great song, love it. I was the perfect age for ABBA but I was too cool for them when I was 12, I was a punk… Over the years I’ve grown to love their music and now this new music, this is my current favourite new song.. Amazing group, beautiful vocals, timeless melodies and lyrics.
The two new songs and the upcoming album are such a tremendous relief for me, filling this deep-seated need in me to reconfirm that the goodness of life is very much a reality and can be actualized. Truly, hearing these two new deeply touching, musically masterful, and beautifully performed new ABBA music pieces, confirms that life is goodness and so worth living and enjoying! – ABBA is music AND so much more than music – These two new songs are somehow a language my being recognizes. It guides my soul to the open door that takes me to the source of all of life itself. – I’m at ease now. Thank you ABBA! I was so deeply touched at the 1974 Eurovision festival, watching it with my whole family in Stockholm. It had me believe. This time around, the belief has deepened to a knowing that it’s all good now.
Beautifully written and captures my love and appreciation of these new songs, album and ABBA! Thank you for the music!!!!!
Welcome back ABBA !
Just love your music, always have, always will. All the generations of our family do too !
Was music to my ears, hearing of your return. I’m sure that you won’t be let down. X
It’ s very sad, after all these life experiences their creator GOD i s not mentioned anywhere. They will die alone in their sins, unless they repent and acknowledge their only salvation is in the Son of the almighty GOD who can assure them of a new everlasting life.
I was born at 1990’s a far after 1982.
The first time I heard Chiquitita when my parents played the music in VCD has really impressed me. I started to love their songs after it until now and the musical way inspiring my instruments playing so much.
The love has grown from a CD 20 years ago, and now the love is appears right on my eyes.
Surely, you are very welcome ABBA.
Thank you ABBA for coming back. I am one big fan forever. Thank you for the music!❤❤❤
Wow love the 2 new songs from ABBA quite emotional song don’t shut me down gave me goosebumps. Welcome back ABBA it’s like youve never been away.
Its just like being brought back to the 70’s.
I think Abba are a very wise group. Using their unique sound with the help of technology for concerts is really atonishing, opening doors for many groups as well for this incredible ideia. The core, the soul, is in their new songs. It was a little pause of 40 years.
Several days ago accidentally I stumbled across not one but TWO NEW ABBA singles and I was SHOCKED, ELATED, EMOTIONAL AND EXCITED all at the same time at the significance of not only a reunion, not only two singles BUT A WHOLE DAMN ALBUM – oh F’ing #%@@ it’s just the tonic needed to shake off these somber COVID-19 years and unemployment. ABBA have saved 2021 with a heartfelt recount of their very public breakup in 1979. I was in my early teens, and I was a closeted ABBA FAN and encouraged my sister to keep playing their songs as I didn’t own any..!!! Fast forward to today and they have nine of their albums in the top 100 downloads on iTunes, and holding #1 and #2 in the singles chart with the first two releases! Come on, give the young ones a chance lol..!!! This is a monumental event the world is rallying around. “THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC” SAYS IT ALL! 🔝LOVE U ABBA 🎧♥️⭐️💫
My favourite band are back together they are just as beautiful and still have it as always I love their two new songs thank you ABBA U have bought my youth back again I love you 🤗
Loved ABBA back then and have watched all of the interviews re the come back and am loving the two new releases and the sentiment behind them. Wish ABBA would sing them on a YouTube as they look now as well.
I’m sure they will be the success they were back then 💕