Threnody

Snippet

Lyrics
Lilacs blossom just as sweet
Now my heart is shattered
If I bowled it down the street
Who’s to say it mattered
If there’s one that rode away
What would I be missing
Lips that taste of tears, they say
Are the best for kissing

Eyes that watch the morning star
Seem a little brighter
Arms held out to darkness are
Usually whiter
Shall I bar the strolling guest
Bind my brow with willow
When, they say, the empty breast
Is the softer pillow

That a heart falls tinkling down
Never think it ceases
Every likely girl in town
Gathers up the pieces
If there’s one gone whistling by
Would I let it grieve me
Let her wonder if I lie
Let her half believe me

Credits

Words by Dorothy Parker
Music by Per Gessle
Published by Jimmy Fun Music

Produced by Lasse Lindbom. Arranged by Gyllene Tider. Recorded by Björn Boström at EMI Studios 1 and 2, Skärmarbrink, Stockholm, Sweden between February and June 1982. Mixed by Lasse Lindbom, Björn Boström, Per Gessle and Mats MP Persson at EMI Studio 2, Skärmarbrink, Stockholm, Sweden. Vocals: Per Gessle. Bass: Anders Herrlin. Drums, percussion and backing vocals: Mickey Andersson. Acoustic and electric guitars: Per Gessle and Mats MP Persson. Grand piano, Farfisa and Hammond B3 organs: Göran Fritzon.

Comments

Originally a poem by American poet Dorothy Parker. Written for Frida (of ABBA) who recorded it for her "I Know There's Something Going On" album produced by Phil Collins. Per is still very proud that Phil kept Per's arrangement.
Gyllene Tider also recorded it, and it ended up on the compilation "Radio Parlophone vol. 2."