About the song
**ABBA’s** “The Winner Takes It All” is a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide since its release in 1980. The song, penned by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, delves into the bittersweet emotions that accompany the end of a long-term relationship. With its poignant lyrics and soaring melody, “The Winner Takes It All” remains a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection.
The opening lines, “I was the winner, I always scored,” immediately set the stage for a tale of triumph and subsequent heartbreak. The song’s narrator, a character who has experienced the highs of a successful relationship, now finds themselves on the losing end. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a once-vibrant love affair that has dwindled, leaving behind a sense of emptiness and regret.
The chorus, a powerful declaration of acceptance and resignation, is one of the most iconic moments in the song. “The winner takes it all, the loser has to fall,” sings Agnetha Fältskog with a raw vulnerability. The line’s simple directness encapsulates the harsh reality of love’s unpredictability. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly invincible relationships can crumble under the weight of circumstances.
Throughout the song, the lyrics explore themes of regret, longing, and the bittersweet memories that linger after a breakup. The narrator reflects on the shared dreams and aspirations that once defined their relationship, now reduced to distant echoes of the past. The song’s melancholic tone is further enhanced by the haunting harmonies of the ABBA members and the lush orchestral arrangements.
“The Winner Takes It All” is a testament to ABBA’s enduring songwriting prowess. The song’s ability to evoke such profound emotions is a testament to the group’s skill in crafting narratives that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, reminding us of the universal experiences of love, loss, and the bittersweet complexities of human relationships.
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Lyrics
I don’t wanna talk
About things we’ve gone through
Though it’s hurting me
Now it’s history
I’ve played all my cards
And that’s what you’ve done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play
The winner takes it all
The loser’s standing small
Beside the victory
That’s her destiny
I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I’d be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules
The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear
The winner takes it all (takes it all)
The loser has to fall (has to fall)
It’s simple and it’s plain (it’s so plain)
Why should I complain? (Why complain?)
But tell me, does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say?
Rules must be obeyed
The judges will decide (will decide)
The likes of me abide (me abide)
Spectators of the show (of the show)
Always staying low (staying low)
The game is on again (on again)
A lover or a friend (or a friend)
A big thing or a small (big or small)
The winner takes it all (takes it all)
I don’t wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You’ve come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all
So the winner takes it all
And the loser has to fall
Throw the dice, cold as ice
Way down here, someone dear
Takes it all, has to fall
And it’s plain, why complain?