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?


Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae

The Winner Takes It All Lyrics as written by Bjoern K Ulvaeus Benny Goran Bror Andersson

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

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The Winner Takes It All song meanings
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  • +3
    General Comment

    This song is basically about giving up to the person who she's been competing with, the person who won her lover's heart. Their love may have been great, but it's in the past now, it's history. She gave him everything she could, she "played by the rules," and remained faithful to their relationship but destiny (the gods) prevented it and let the other win instead. Although she still loves him, she knows that he's no longer hers, and so she must "abide" to remain what destiny proclaims. However, she remains hopeful, a "spectator of the show," that if their relationship fails, then she too will finally claim victory.

    arleenhon November 21, 2013   Link

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