ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

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 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.

So, the winner takes it all,

and then 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.

• Artist:ABBA
• Album:er Trouper (1980)