Popular musicians know that in their songs, fans will definitely look for a connection with the incidents in the lives of their idols. Many artists willingly throw new topics for fans to discuss, but often deny that the songwriting stories have anything to do with their personal romances, divorces, illnesses and other events. There are many examples of this, and one of them is the famous track The Winner Takes It All by ABBA.
The story behind of creation and the meaning of the song The Winner Takes It All ABBA
Team members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog were married for almost eight years, but gradually the relationship of the spouses deteriorated, and in early 1979 they divorced. Some time later, Ulvaeus and Andersson wrote the song The Winner Takes It All, which tells about the breakup of relations, and Agnetha sang the main part in it.
Is it any wonder that everyone decided that The Winner Takes It All is dedicated to former spouses, who have recently become only bandmates. However, they strongly denied such allegations. Specifically, Bjorn explained that the song “talks about the experience of divorce, but it is fiction.” They say, no matter what others think, it has nothing to do with the real situation, and in their case “there was no winner or loser.”
At the same time, he did not hide the fact that it was difficult for him to write The Winner Takes It All. Although he usually does not drink alcohol while working, during the creation of this song, Bjorn from time to time took a bite of a bottle of brandy, which was always at hand. When composing the text, he imagined a man wandering around an empty apartment, from which his wife had removed the furniture.
Ulvaeus claimed that he was originally going to sing The Winner Takes It All himself, but Agneta’s performance of the song sounded more touching. They say that after she first sang it in the studio, they even shed a tear.
Release and achievements
The Winner Takes It All was the first single from Super Trouper (with Elaine on the back). The song topped the British Singles Chart and topped the charts in many other countries. It peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The British, who participated in a poll conducted by Channel Five, recognized The Winner Takes It All as the best ABBA song and the best breakup song.
Video of The Winner Takes It All by ABBA
The video for The Winner Takes It All by ABBA was filmed on the Swedish island of Marstrand.
Cover versions of The Winner Takes It All
Subsequently, the composition was recorded by many performers and groups working in various genres: Mireille Mathieu, Kylie and Dannii Minogue, McFly, Trizna, RiffRaff and others.
Interesting Facts
- Agnetha Felstkog has repeatedly said that The Winner Takes It All is her favorite ABBA song.
- “The Winner Takes It All” can be heard in the film and musical “Mamma Mia!”.
The Winner Takes It All Lyrics by ABBA
I don’t wanna 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 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…
Lyrics of The Winner Takes It All by ABBA Alternate
I do not want to talk
About what we’ve been through
Though it hurts me
Now it’s all in the past
I played all the cards
And you did the same
Nothing more to say
And there are no aces left
Winner takes it all
The loser is content with little
Stay without victory
Here is her fate
I was in your arms
Thinking that there I am in my place
I thought it made sense
Build a fence for me
Build houses for me
Thinking I’ll be strong there
But I was stupid
When I played by the rules
Gods can roll dice
Their minds are cold as ice
And someone down here
Loses someone dear to him
Winner takes it all
The loser is forced to fall –
It’s simple and clear
So why should I complain
But tell me, does she kiss
Just like I kissed you?
Do you feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must understand that I miss you
But what can I say
Rules must be followed
The judges will issue a verdict
And people like me should follow it
The audience at this show
Always stay in the shadows
The game has started again
Lover or girlfriend
important or insignificant
Winner Takes All
I do not want to talk,
If it makes you sad
And I understand
You came to shake my hand
I am sorry,
If you get upset
When you see me so tense
insecure
But you understand
Winner Takes All
Winner takes all…
Song quote
The lyrics are very personal and the music is second to none. Singing it was like playing a role. I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the best of me. Only after some time I realized that we had created a small masterpiece.
Agnetha Fältskog
