About the song
**ABBA’s** “The Winner Takes It All” is a powerful and poignant ballad that showcases the group’s ability to craft emotionally resonant pop music. Released in 1980 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, *Super Trouper*, the song quickly became a worldwide hit, solidifying ABBA’s status as one of the most beloved pop groups of all time.
The song’s soaring melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the group’s powerful vocals make it a captivating listening experience. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of life, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships.
Musically, “The Winner Takes It All” is a beautifully crafted pop ballad. The song’s arrangement features lush strings, a driving rhythm, and the distinctive harmonies of **Agnetha Fältskog** and **Anni-Frid Lyngstad**. The group’s vocals are particularly impressive, conveying a sense of vulnerability and emotional intensity that is both heartfelt and powerful.
The song’s music video, directed by **Bo Widerberg**, perfectly complements the emotional intensity of the track. The video features the band performing in a dramatic and atmospheric setting, with the focus on the group’s powerful vocals and expressive performances.
“The Winner Takes It All” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one in multiple countries around the world. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
In addition to its commercial success, “The Winner Takes It All” has left a lasting legacy in popular culture. The song has been covered by countless artists, sampled in numerous hip-hop tracks, and featured in countless films and television shows. Its iconic status is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to continue to inspire and entertain audiences.
Video
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?