Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Benny Andersson
Keyboards
Björn Ulvaeus
Guitar
Agnetha Fältskog
Vocals
Anni-Frid Lyngstad
Vocals
Rutger Gunnarsson
String Instrument
Ola Brunkert
Drums
Lasse Wellander
Guitar
Åke Sundqvist
Percussion
Mike Watson
Bass
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Benny Andersson
Songwriter
Björn Ulvaeus
Songwriter
Rutger Gunnarsson
String Arranger
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Benny Andersson
Producer
Björn Ulvaeus
Producer
Michael B. Tretow
Engineer
Erik Broheden
Mastering Engineer
Henrik Jonsson
Mastering Engineer
Tim Young
Mastering Engineer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I don't wanna talk
About things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history
I played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play
[Chorus]
The winner takes it all
The loser's standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear
[Chorus]
The winner takes it all (Takes it all)
The loser has to fall (Has to fall)
It's simple and it's plain (It's so plain)
Why should I complain? (Why complain?)
[Verse 3]
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
[Chorus]
The judges will decide (Will decide)
The likes of me abide (Me abide)
Spectators of the show (Of the show)
Always staying low (Staying low)
[Chorus]
The game is on again (On again)
A lover or a friend (Or a friend)
A big thing or a small (Big or small)
The winner takes it all (Takes it all)
[Verse 4]
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
[Bridge]
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all
[Outro]
So the winner
Takes it all
And the loser
Has to fall
Throw a dice
Cold as ice
Way down here
Someone dear
Takes it all
Has to fall
Yes, it's plain
Why complain?
Written by: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus