ABBA is a Swedish pop group known for their catchy melodies and harmonious vocals.
Rising to fame with hits like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia, they became one of the best-selling music acts of all time, selling over 385 million records worldwide.
ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, had multiple No. 1 hits, and their music continues to influence pop culture through films, musicals, and chart-topping re-releases.
About the Song
The Winner Takes It All is an emotional ballad about love, loss, and heartbreak. With powerful vocals and touching lyrics, it remains one of their most iconic songs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | July 21, 1980 |
| Album | Super Trouper (1980), Thank You for the Music (1994) |
| Writers | Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson. |
| Producers | Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson. |
The Winner Takes It All Lyrics by ABBA
Verse 1: Agnetha Fältskog
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
Chorus: Agnetha Fältskog
The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That’s her destiny
Verse 2: Agnetha Fältskog
I was in your arms, thinkin’ 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
Chorus: Agnetha Fältskog & Anni-Frid Lingstad
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 (Yes, it’s plain)
Why should I complain? (Why complain?)
Verse 3: Agnetha Fältskog
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
Chorus: Agnetha Fältskog & Anni-Frid Lingstad
The judges will decide (They decide)
The likes of me abide (We abide)
Spectators of the show (Of the show)
Always stayin’ 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)
Bridge: Agnetha Fältskog
I don’t wanna talk if it makes you feel sad
And I understand, you’ve come to shake my hand
I apologise 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
Outro: Anni-Frid Lingstad
(So the winner takes it all)
(And the loser has to fall)
(Throw a dice, cold as ice)
(Way down here, someone dear)
(Takes it all, has to fall)
(Yes, it’s plain, why complain?)
Similar Songs Like The Winner Takes It All
These songs show ABBA’s ability to create emotionally charged and catchy pop music.
- “Knowing Me, Knowing You“: A deep and emotional song about the pain of a breakup and the realization that a relationship has come to an end.
- “The Name of the Game“: This song combines pop and rock influences with ABBA’s signature storytelling style. It expresses self-discovery in love and the uncertainty that comes with opening up to someone.
- “I Wonder“: It is a soft and reflective ballad about dreams, love, and longing, capturing a feeling of uncertainty and change.
Similar Groups Like ABBA
These groups have similarities to ABBA with their catchy melodies, smooth harmonies, and pop-driven sound.
- Bee Gees
Genre: Disco, Pop
Top Albums: Saturday Night Fever (1977), Spirits Having Flown (1979) - Ace of Base
Genre: Pop, Reggae
Top Albums: Happy Nation (1992), The Sign (1993) - Roxette
Genre: Pop, Rock
Top Albums: Look Sharp! (1988), Joyride (1991) - Modern Talking
Genre: Eurodance, Pop
Top Albums: The First Album (1985), Ready for Romance (1986) - First Aid Kit
Genre: Folk-Pop
Top Albums: The Lion’s Roar (2012), Palomino (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Story Behind The Winner Takes It All?
While Björn Ulvaeus has denied that the song is autobiographical, many believe it reflects his divorce from Agnetha fältskog, adding to its emotional depth.
Was The Winner Takes It All a Successful Song for Abba?
Yes, It was a global hit, reaching #1 in several countries.
Has Abba Performed The Winner Takes It All Live?
Yes, Abba performed it several times during their tours, And it remains one of their most memorable live performances.
