I first heard this song on a television special for UNICEF called ‘A Song For UNICEF’ in January 1979 where among other artistes Abba provided this song and agreed to give half of the royalties from its sale to UNICEF. Among the other acts I also remember the BeeGees singing ‘Too Much Heaven’ and Donna Summer but it was this song by Abba that stood out.
In interviews with Abba, I have come to learn that they loved the idea of using ‘international’ concepts in songs such as well known phrases and words like “Hasta Manana” and “S.O.S’’ for example but the Spanish word ‘Chiquitta’
(which means ‘little girl’ in Spanish) is remarkably apt for such a wonderful song.
It seemed entirely befitting that this was the song chosen for the UNICEF benefit concert in 1979 when I was still ten years old and helped to raise funds for the children’s fund.
As mentioned before Abba were so talented that they recorded songs in Spanish as well and so you can listen to the song in both Spanish and English….
Now listen to the song (sung in English)…
And Spanish….
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