About the Song

ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” is a timeless ballad that captures the raw pain of a love lost. Released in 1980, it became an instant classic, showcasing the group’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music.

Agnetha Fältskog’s powerful vocals deliver a heart-wrenching performance, conveying the depth of the protagonist’s sorrow. The song delves into the complexities of a failed relationship, exploring themes of regret, longing, and the bittersweet acceptance of moving on.

The lyrics are both poignant and relatable, painting a vivid picture of a love that has reached its end. The line, “I could never love again”, is a powerful statement of heartbreak, while the chorus, “The winner takes it all,” encapsulates the bittersweet reality of the situation.

Musically, the song is a masterpiece of restraint. The gentle piano melody and orchestral arrangements create a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics. The song’s simplicity is its strength, allowing the focus to remain on the emotional core of the piece.

“The Winner Takes It All” has resonated with audiences for decades, proving that the power of music to evoke deep emotions is timeless. It’s a song that has been embraced by people from all walks of life, serving as a comforting companion during times of heartbreak.

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Lyrics: The Winner Takes It 

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 playThe 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
The loser has to fall
It’s simple and it’s plain
Why should I 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
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always staying low
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner 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 a dice, cold as ice
Way down here, someone dear
Takes it all, has to fall
It seems plain to me