About the Song

Released in 1980 as part of their album “Super Trouper,” “The Winner Takes It All” is a powerful ballad that explores the complexities of heartbreak and the aftermath of a failed relationship. The song’s poignant lyrics and ABBA’s signature harmonies create a melancholic yet empowering atmosphere, capturing the raw emotions of loss and the determination to move forward.

The Meaning Behind the Music

A Reflection on Heartbreak

“The Winner Takes It All” is a poignant reflection on the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to let go of a lost love. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of longing and regret, while also acknowledging the need for closure and acceptance.

A Celebration of Resilience

Despite its melancholic tone, “The Winner Takes It All” also celebrates the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. The song suggests that even in the face of heartbreak, it is possible to find strength and resilience.

A Critique of the Winner Takes All Mentality

The song challenges the notion that there must be a clear winner and loser in a relationship. It suggests that both parties experience pain and loss during a breakup, and that there is no true “winner.”

A Timeless Exploration of Human Emotion

The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and resilience have ensured its enduring popularity. “The Winner Takes It All” continues to resonate with audiences who have experienced the complexities of heartbreak, offering a sense of comfort and understanding.

A Cultural Touchstone

“The Winner Takes It All” has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements. The song’s ability to evoke strong emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level has solidified its place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

I don’t wanna talkAbout things we’ve gone throughThough it’s hurting meNow it’s history
I’ve played all my cardsAnd that’s what you’ve done tooNothing more to sayNo more ace to play
The winner takes it allThe loser’s standing smallBeside the victoryThat’s her destiny
I was in your armsThinking I belonged thereI figured it made senseBuilding me a fence
Building me a homeThinking I’d be strong thereBut I was a foolPlaying by the rules
The gods may throw a diceTheir minds as cold as iceAnd someone way down hereLoses 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 kissLike I used to kiss you?Does it feel the sameWhen she calls your name?
Somewhere deep insideYou must know I miss youBut 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 talkIf it makes you feel sadAnd I understandYou’ve come to shake my hand
I apologizeIf it makes you feel badSeeing me so tenseNo self-confidenceBut you see
The winner takes it allThe winner takes it all
So the winner takes it allAnd the loser has to fallThrow the dice, cold as iceWay down here, someone dearTakes it all, has to fallAnd it’s plain, why complain?