The Winner Takes It All

ABBA

About The Winner Takes It All

"The Winner Takes It All" is a song recorded by the Swedish pop group ABBA. Released as the first single from the group's Super Trouper album on 21 July 1980, it is a ballad in the key of F-sharp major, reflecting the end of a romance. The single's B-side was the non-album track "Elaine". It was the group's first single after a seven-month hiatus and peaked at No.1 in several countries, including the UK, where it became their eighth chart-topper. It was also the group's final top 10 hit in the United States.  


Year:
2008
4:56
218 
#2

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I don't want to talk
About the 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 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
The loser has to fall
It's simple and it's plain
Why should I 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
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always staying low
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all

I don't want to 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 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 to me

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ABBA

ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1972, comprising Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. ABBA is an acronym of the first letters of the band members' first names and is sometimes stylized as the registered trademark ᗅᗺᗷᗅ. They became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of pop music, topping the charts worldwide from 1972 to 1982. They are also known for winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, giving Sweden its first victory in the history of the contest and being the most successful group ever to take part in the contest. more »

14 fans

Written by: Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K Ulvaeus

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"The Winner Takes It All" was released on July 21, 1980.
Chart performance
It became a significant worldwide success, reaching number one in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium and top three in many other countries including Sweden, Germany, and the U.S.
Composition
It is composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, two members of ABBA, with lyrics written by Ulvaeus.
Inspirational Source
Rumor has it that the lyrics were inspired by Ulvaeus' divorce from fellow ABBA member Agnetha Fältskog, but Ulvaeus has denied that the song is about their personal life.
Interpretation
Although the song is not conversational, it's interpreted as a monologue by a woman who insists that a romantic relationship has ended.
Vocalist
Lead vocals were performed by Fältskog, who allegedly cried during the recording sessions.
Critical Reception
"The Winner Takes it All" is often recognized as ABBA's finest moment and one of the greatest break-up pop songs ever recorded.
Cover versions
Various artists have covered the song, including The Shadows, John Barrowman, Meryl Streep in the film adaptation of "Mamma Mia!", and Cher.
Recognition
In 1999, the song was voted Britain's favorite ABBA song in a poll for ITV's "The Nation's Favourite ABBA Song".
Music Video
Its music video was filmed in Marstrand, Sweden and directed by Lasse Hallström, who directed most of the band's videos.
Legacy
Despite its heartbreaking lyrics, the song has endured as a fan favorite and remains one of ABBA's most frequently played and best-known songs.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

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