ABBA
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Here's to us, one more toast, and then we'll pay the bill
Deep inside, both of us can feel the autumn chill
Birds of passage, you and me
We fly instinctively
When the summer's over and the dark clouds hide the sun
Neither you nor I'm to blame when all is said and done
[Verse 2]
In our lives, we have walked some strange and lonely treks
Slightly worn, but dignified, and not too old for sex
We're still striving for the sky
No taste for humble pie
Thanks for all your generous love and thanks for all the fun
Neither you nor I'm to blame when all is said and done
[Interlude]
[Verse 3]
It's so strange, when you're down, and lying on the floor
How you rise, shake your head, get up and ask for more
Clear-headed and open-eyed
With nothing left untried
Standing calmly at the crossroads, no desire to run
There's no hurry anymore when all is said and done
[Outro]
Standing calmly at the crossroads, no desire to run
There's no hurry anymore when all is said and doneEmbed
ABBA is a legendary Swedish pop group known for their catchy tunes and heartwarming lyrics. Their songs have influenced generations of music lovers for over four decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of their most iconic tracks, "When All Is Said and Done."
About When All Is Said and Done
"When All Is Said and Done" is a song by ABBA. It was written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and released on their 1981 album, "The Visitors." Comparing this song to the earlier breakup song "The Winner Takes It All" shows the direction in ABBA's work that "The Visitors" took.
The lyrics of "When All Is Said and Done" describe a mature and amicable parting of two people who know their relationship is over. The opening verse conveys the sense of nostalgia that often accompanies the end of a relationship, as the singer reminisces about the good times they shared: "Here's to us one more toast, and then we'll pay the bill. Deep inside, both of us can feel the autumn chill."
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer comes to terms with the fact that the relationship is over, but also acknowledges that it was not a waste of time: "When all is said and done, we're not the only ones who take the fall and trip and stumble, who fall in love and make mistakes, and fools and little children play."
The song's bridge section contains some of the most powerful lyrics in the entire track, as the singer reflects on the lessons they have learned from the relationship: "Learning how to love and how to lose, and how to choose." The repetition of the phrase "how to" emphasizes the idea that these lessons are not just abstract concepts, but real skills that the singer has acquired through experience.
The final verse of the song acts as a resolution, as the singer acknowledges that it is time to move on, but also expresses gratitude for the time they shared with their former partner: "There's a time for everyone if they only learn, that the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn. There's a time for everyone if they only learn, that the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn."
The overall tone of "When All Is Said and Done" is one of acceptance and maturity. Unlike "The Winner Takes It All," which dealt with the pain and bitterness of a failed relationship, this song offers a more nuanced perspective on the end of a romance. The lyrics acknowledge the pain of parting, but also celebrate the memories and lessons that the relationship provided.
The Legacy of "When All Is Said and Done"
"When All Is Said and Done" was not one of ABBA's biggest hits, but it has endured as a fan favorite over the years, thanks in no small part to its message of acceptance and maturity. The song has been covered by several other artists and has appeared in a number of films and TV shows. Its timeless lyrics and catchy melody continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Overall, "When All Is Said and Done" is a song that encapsulates the essence of ABBA's music: upbeat, emotionally resonant, and impossible to forget. It reminds us that even when a relationship comes to an end, the memories and lessons we gain from it can stay with us forever.
- Release Date: December 31, 1981
- Artist: ABBA