About the song
“The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA is a poignant ballad that remains one of the group’s most emotionally charged and enduring songs. Released in July 1980 as the lead single from their seventh studio album, *Super Trouper*, the song was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. With its heart-wrenching lyrics and soaring melody, it quickly resonated with audiences worldwide.
The song’s narrative is a deeply personal one, detailing the aftermath of a broken relationship. Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA’s lead vocalist, delivers a powerful performance that captures the pain and resignation of someone who has lost in love. The lyrics, which Ulvaeus has often noted were influenced by his own divorce from Fältskog, explore themes of loss, regret, and the finality of separation. Despite its origins in personal turmoil, the song’s universal appeal lies in its raw honesty and emotional depth.
“The Winner Takes It All” achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number one, becoming one of ABBA’s biggest hits. It also reached the top ten in the United States, where it climbed to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was not confined to English-speaking countries; it topped charts across Europe and was particularly popular in ABBA’s native Sweden.
Critically, the song received widespread acclaim. It was praised for its mature and introspective lyrics, a departure from the more upbeat and dance-oriented tracks that ABBA was known for. The sophisticated arrangement, featuring a prominent piano accompaniment and lush orchestration, further underscored the song’s melancholy tone. Fältskog’s vocal performance was singled out for its emotional intensity and vulnerability, making it one of her most memorable performances.
“The Winner Takes It All” is often considered a highlight of ABBA’s career and a defining moment in their discography. It marked a period of transition for the band, as they began to explore more mature and introspective themes in their music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the timeless quality of its composition.
In addition to its commercial and critical success, “The Winner Takes It All” has left a lasting impact on popular culture. It has been covered by numerous artists across different genres and continues to be a staple in ABBA’s legacy. The song’s inclusion in the hit musical and film *Mamma Mia!* introduced it to a new generation of fans, ensuring that its emotional resonance continues to be felt decades after its original release.
In conclusion, “The Winner Takes It All” stands as a masterpiece of pop music, showcasing ABBA’s ability to craft deeply affecting songs that resonate on a personal and universal level. Its success and lasting impact are a testament to the group’s unparalleled talent and their place in the pantheon of great musical acts.
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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?