About the song
ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” stands as a poignant ballad that delves into the complexities of a fractured relationship. Released in 1980 as the lead single from their seventh studio album, Super Trouper, the song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics have solidified its place as a timeless classic.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a melancholic undercurrent, exploring the aftermath of a breakup from the perspective of the heartbroken party. Agnetha Fältskog’s emotive vocals convey a sense of longing and regret, as she grapples with the realization that her former lover has moved on. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has dwindled, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and lingering pain.
While ABBA has often been associated with upbeat pop anthems, “The Winner Takes It All” showcases their ability to craft deeply resonant ballads. The song’s arrangement, featuring a haunting piano melody and lush orchestral accompaniment, creates a melancholic atmosphere that complements the poignant lyrics. The juxtaposition of the major key with the song’s sorrowful themes adds a layer of complexity, hinting at the bittersweet nature of love and loss.
The composition of “The Winner Takes It All” is a testament to the songwriting prowess of Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. The duo’s ability to capture the emotional nuances of a broken relationship is evident in the song’s lyrics, which resonate with listeners on a personal level. While Ulvaeus has denied that the song is directly autobiographical, the raw emotion conveyed in the lyrics suggests that it was likely inspired by the personal experiences of the band members.
In the years since its release, “The Winner Takes It All” has continued to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions has solidified its status as one of ABBA’s most beloved and iconic songs.
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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?