“The Winner Takes It All” is a poignant and emotionally charged ballad by Swedish pop group ABBA, released in July 1980 with “Elaine” on the B-side as the lead single from their seventh studio album, Super Trouper. Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lead vocals by Agnetha Fältskog, the song is widely regarded as one of ABBA’s greatest and most personal works.
The lyrics describe the aftermath of a breakup, portraying the heartbreak and feelings of loss from the perspective of someone reflecting on a relationship that has ended. Although Björn Ulvaeus has stated that the song was not directly about his divorce from Agnetha Fältskog, the emotional intensity of their real-life separation lent authenticity to the performance, making it resonate deeply with listeners.
Musically, the track is a sweeping pop ballad featuring a delicate piano melody, lush orchestration, and dramatic crescendos. Agnetha’s heartfelt and soaring vocal delivery is a standout element, bringing depth and poignancy to the lyrics.
“The Winner Takes It All” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium. It also reached the top 10 in the United States, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of ABBA’s most successful singles in the U.S.
The music video, directed by Lasse Hallström, features Agnetha singing in various picturesque locations on the Swedish island of Marstrand.