ABBA

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus 1]
The winner takes it all
The loser's standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus 2]
The gods may throw the 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 seems plain)
Why should I complain? (Why complain)
[Verse 3]
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

[Chorus 3]
The judges will decide (They decide)
The likes of me abide (We 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)

[Verse 4]
I don't wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand, you've come to shake my hand
I apologise
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense, no self-confidence
[Bridge]
But you see, the winner takes it all
The winner takes it all

[Outro]
(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)
(Why complain)

The Winner Takes It All by ABBA is one of the most iconic and emotionally powerful songs of the 1980s. Released in 1980 as a single off the album Super Trouper, the song quickly became a mega-hit around the world, earning critical acclaim and solidifying ABBA's status as one of the most influential and beloved pop bands of all time.

About The Winner Takes It All

The Winner Takes It All is a poignant ballad about the ending of a relationship, with lyrics that are universally relatable and emotionally resonant. The song was written by ABBA's primary songwriter, Benny Andersson, and tells the story of a woman who is coming to terms with the fact that her relationship has ended and her partner has moved on with someone else.

The song's lyrics are incredibly powerful, using vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the raw emotions of heartbreak and loss. From the very opening lines, the song grabs the listener's attention and draws them into the story of a woman who has been left behind:

"I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history"

The lyrics continue to explore the woman's feelings of betrayal and sadness, as she watches her former partner move on with someone else:

"The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny"

These haunting words capture the essence of the song and have helped to make The Winner Takes It All one of the most iconic pop songs of all time.

Although the lyrics are undoubtedly the most powerful aspect of The Winner Takes It All, the song's musical arrangement is equally noteworthy. The track features long, sprawling vocal lines that build in intensity and emotion as the song progresses, with a soaring chorus that is impossible to resist.

Throughout the song, ABBA's signature blend of catchy melodies and intricate harmonies is on full display, and the instrumentation is expertly crafted to support the song's emotional core. From the driving piano chords to the swirling synth lines and soaring guitar solos, every element of The Winner Takes It All is designed to draw the listener in and keep them engaged until the very end.

When it comes to iconic pop songs of the 1980s, few can match the lasting impact and emotional power of The Winner Takes It All by ABBA. With its unforgettable lyrics, powerful vocal performance, and expertly crafted musical arrangement, this song has earned its place as a true classic of the genre, and is sure to continue captivating music lovers for generations to come.

• Release Date: July 21, 1980
• Artist: ABBA