The Visitors (Crackin' Up)
by ABBA

Album: The Visitors (1981)
Charted: 63
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about dissidents of the Soviet Union and their fate. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sarah - Canada
  • In the UK, this was not released as a single in its own right, but was the B-side of "Head Over Heels," which peaked at #25 on the UK charts, ABBA's lowest chart placing since 1975 - starting the decline of the group's popularity. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - London, United Kingdom

Comments: 4

  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenBeyond dark, especially for such a once bubblegummy group, with explosively grim instrumentals, but that alone makes it one of my favorites.
  • Crüe from Chelmsford, United KingdomA song about paranoia...surely?
    A civil war?
    Very dark. Abba are not about silly musicals!
  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxVery dark song for this group, but that alone made it a welcome change. It was banned in Russia, so its message ruffled a few of the feathers it was aimed at. Be sure to look for the album version, not the single that cut a minute and a half off it.
  • Celine from Orange County, CaThis song is amazing. You HAVE got to listen to this song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.