About the song
ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” is a classic pop ballad that has stood the test of time. Released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Super Trouper,” the song quickly became a worldwide hit, topping charts in numerous countries. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody have resonated with audiences for decades.
At its core, “The Winner Takes It All” is a song about the bittersweet aftermath of a failed relationship. The lyrics explore themes of regret, longing, and the realization that sometimes, even in the face of love, one person must ultimately walk away. The song’s title, a seemingly celebratory phrase, is ironically used to convey the sense of emptiness and loss that can accompany victory in a battle of love.
The song’s introspective nature is further enhanced by its musical arrangement. The soft, melancholic piano chords create a sense of longing and nostalgia, while the soaring strings add a touch of grandeur and drama. Agnetha Fältskog’s powerful vocals deliver the song’s message with raw emotion, capturing the pain and heartache of a broken heart.
“The Winner Takes It All” has been praised for its timeless appeal and its ability to evoke strong emotional responses in listeners. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the song’s universal themes, its relatable lyrics, and its unforgettable melody. It remains a classic of the pop genre and a testament to the enduring power of ABBA’s music.
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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?