ABBA - The Winner Takes It All Lyrics
ABBA - The Winner Takes It All 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 the 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 seems 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
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
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
It seems plain, why complain?
Here’s an analysis of ABBA's song "The Winner Takes It All," focusing on its themes, emotions, key terms, notable lines, and overall message:
### Themes
1. **Heartbreak and Loss**: The song revolves around the emotional aftermath of a relationship's end, encapsulating feelings of sorrow, betrayal, and vulnerability.
2. **Acceptance of Fate**: The lyrics reflect a resigned acceptance of the situation, suggesting that life and love involve chance and unpredictable outcomes.
3. **Competition and Power Dynamics**: The idea that “the winner takes it all” symbolizes the competitive nature of relationships, where one person’s gain often means another's loss.
### Emotions
- **Sadness**: The speaker expresses deep sorrow over the loss of love, highlighting the emotional pain associated with memories and past connections.
- **Resignation**: There is an underlying sense of acceptance of the situation, as the speaker acknowledges that the rules of the "game" must be followed.
- **Nostalgia**: Reflecting on the past, the speaker recalls moments of love and belonging, tinged with regret for what could have been.
### Key Terms and Notable Lines
- **"The winner takes it all"**: This phrase underscores the central theme of competition in love, emphasizing that relationships can often feel like a game with clear victors and losers.
- **"I've played all my cards"**: Suggests that the speaker has invested everything into the relationship but is left with nothing to show for it.
- **"Does she kiss like I used to kiss you?"**: A poignant line expressing jealousy and longing, showcasing the speaker's unresolved feelings and attachment to the past.
### Overall Message
The song conveys a powerful narrative about the complexities of love and loss. It reflects on the inevitability of heartache and the emotional toll of endings. The metaphor of a game illustrates the unpredictability of relationships, where not everyone can emerge victorious. Ultimately, "The Winner Takes It All" captures the bittersweet essence of love, emphasizing that while one may win, it often comes at a significant cost to another.
This analysis highlights the emotional depth and lyrical intricacies of the song, offering insight into its lasting impact and resonance with listeners.
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