What About Livingstone?
ABBA · Waterloo [1974]
And then I heard them laugh and say
Look, they're gonna go flying way up to the moon now
Hey, what's it good for anyway?
So I said
Fellas, like to ask you a thing if I may
What about Livingstone?
What about all those men?
Who have sacrificed their lives to lead the way
Tell me, wasn't it worth the while
Travelling up the Nile
Putting themselves on test
Didn't that help the rest?
Wasn't it worth it then?
What about Livingstone?
And all of those fellas at the local news - stand
Didn't know what to answer or what to say
So I told them about him, that he was just like
One of those spacemen in his way
And if you laugh at them
Then there's only a thing I can say
What about Livingstone?
What about all those men?
Who have sacrificed their lives to lead the way
Tell me, wasn't it worth the while
Travelling up the Nile
Putting themselves on test
Didn't that help the rest?
Wasn't it worth it then?
What about Livingstone?
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
What about all those men?
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
Who have sacrificed their lives to lead the way
Tell me, wasn't it worth the while
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
Travelling up the Nile
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
Putting themselves on test
Didn't that help the rest?
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
Wasn't it worth it then?
What about Livingstone?
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
What about all those men?
(Didn't he do it, well didn't he?)
{fade}
What About Livingstone?
ABBA's "What About Livingstone?" stands as a standout track from their 1974 album *Waterloo*, showcasing the group's signature blend of pop sensibilities and theatrical flair. Released during their peak commercial success, the song features the distinctive vocal harmonies that defined their era, with lyrics exploring themes of existential questioning and the futility of seeking answers from the past. The track exemplifies the Swedish pop sound of the mid-1970s, characterized by its polished production and catchy melodies that transcended cultural boundaries. As part of their extensive discography, this recording remains a testament to ABBA's ability to craft emotionally resonant pop music that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.