Experience the Nostalgia: “The Way Old Friends Do” by Agnetha Fältskog (2016) – A Poignant Tribute to Friendship and Time
Agnetha Fältskog, beloved by millions as one of the golden voices behind the iconic group ABBA, has long possessed the ability to evoke a wide range of emotion through her music. In 2016, she teamed up once again with her equally talented former bandmate Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida) for a heartfelt live rendition of the cherished ballad “The Way Old Friends Do.” This performance, held at the historic Berns Salonger venue in Stockholm, was far more than a nostalgic moment—it was a celebration of enduring bonds, crafted with grace, warmth, and sentimentality that only a seasoned artist like Agnetha can convey.
Originally introduced to the world on ABBA’s 1980 album Super Trouper, “The Way Old Friends Do” has long been regarded as one of the band’s most moving compositions. However, it was during this 2016 performance that the song found new life. Now sung not by a pop group in its prime, but by two friends who had shared decades of life’s highs and lows, the lyrics took on a richer, more reflective meaning. Time and maturity added a deeper hue to their voices, revealing nuances that perhaps weren’t as evident in their younger years.
Agnetha’s delivery is especially compelling. Known for her crystalline tone and expressive phrasing, she sings here with a quiet dignity and refined strength. As the melody unfolds, there’s a touching vulnerability in her voice—one tempered by assurance and understood by anyone who has walked the long road of friendship and reunion. Joined by Frida in harmonies that are both tender and resonant, the two create a moment that feels as intimate as it is grand.
What distinguishes this performance is not only its musical execution but also the feeling it encapsulates. In a world often in a rush, this song invites listeners to slow down and reflect. It’s about loyalty, resilience, and forgiveness—about standing with those who knew us when we were whole, or broken, or uncertain, and doing so with gratitude rather than regret. This is not merely a song—it is a quiet mirror held up to the soul, gently reminding us of what truly matters.
In revisiting “The Way Old Friends Do,” Agnetha Fältskog and Frida do more than perform a beloved tune—they illustrate the enduring beauty of shared history. Their voices may have matured, but their harmonies remain as captivating as ever, a comforting sound to longtime fans and a beautiful discovery to those less acquainted with their work.
Video: Agnetha Fältskog – Check it out: Frida & Agnetha singing “The Way Old Friends Do” live in Berns, Stockholm, June 2016.