The Winner Takes It All
James Last And His Orchestra Lyrics
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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,
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.
James Last And His Orchestra's song "The Winner Takes It All" is a ballad that explores the complex emotions that come with the end of a relationship. The first verse sets the tone for the song, as the singer declares that they don't want to talk about the things they've gone through. They acknowledge that the breakup is hurting them but that it's now history.
The second verse delves into the heartbreak and regret that the singer feels, as they reflect on how they thought they belonged with their ex-partner. They built a life together, but in the end, it was all for naught. The singer acknowledges that the gods may throw the dice, but in the end, it's the winner who takes it all, leaving the loser to stand small beside the victory.
The chorus drives home this sentiment, with the winner taking it all and the loser falling. The singer asks if their ex-partner's new lover kisses them like they used to and whether it feels the same. They express their sadness and longing, but they know that rules must be obeyed, and the judges will decide who abides. The game is on again, and the winner takes it all.
Overall, the song is a poignant exploration of love and loss, highlighting the pain and regret that comes with the end of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna talk about things we've gone through,
I am avoiding discussing our shared past.
Though it's hurting me, now it's history.
Even though it pains me, the past is gone.
I've played all my cards and that's what you've done too,
We have both exhausted our resources.
Nothing more to say, no more ace to play.
We have nothing left to discuss or offer.
The winner takes it all,
The successful individual claims the reward.
The loser standing small beside the victory, that's her destiny.
The one who lost must accept their fate and feel diminished in comparison to the winner.
I was in your arms thinking I belonged there,
I believed I was in the right place, held securely by you.
I figured it made sense, building me a fence,
I thought self-protection was a smart move.
Building me a home, thinking I'd be strong there,
Creating a stable, comfortable environment to increase my resilience.
But I was a fool, playing by the rules.
I was naive, following the expected path.
The gods may throw a dice, their minds as cold as ice,
Chance and circumstance are unpredictable and impartial.
And someone way down here loses someone dear.
Someone below the top loses a valuable person or possession.
The winner takes it all, the loser has to fall,
The loser suffers in defeat while the winner gains everything.
It's simple and it's plain, why should I complain.
The outcome is straightforward; there is no reason to protest.
But tell me, does she kiss like I used to kiss you,
I want to know if the new person treats you the same way that I did.
Does it feel the same when she calls your name.
Does hearing your name evoke similar feelings now?
Somewhere deep inside you must know I miss you,
You cannot deny my intense longing for you.
But what can I say, rules must be obeyed.
Nothing can be done because rules must be followed.
The judges will decide the likes of me abide,
Others will judge whether or not I have met the required standards.
Spectators of the show always staying low.
The observers remain uninvolved and quiet.
The game is on again, a lover or a friend,
A new situation has arisen, involving either romance or friendship.
A big thing or a small, the winner takes it all.
Regardless of the stakes, only one person can come out victorious.
I don't wanna talk if it makes you feel sad,
I do not want to upset you with our conversation.
And I understand you've come to shake my hand.
I acknowledge your gesture of extending your hand in greeting.
I apologize if it makes you feel bad seeing me so tense, no self confidence.
I am sorry for appearing nervous and lacking in assurance in your presence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K Ulvaeus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alvaro galeano
Amo este tema. Thanks ABBA ❤️, thanks James Last.
Jirka Jakoubek
Super video
Gary J.
Not his best album, possibly his weakest. The instruments just don't gel - even the strings. Captures nothing of the original.
3:50 to the end is painful.