The song describes a breakup where one person has moved on ("does she kiss like I used to kiss you?") while the other is still hurting ("somewhere deep inside you must know I miss you"). It references playing games and following rules in relationships, and how ultimately "the winner takes it all" while "the loser has to fall," facing rejection and loss despite past intimacy and commitment between the partners.
The song describes a breakup where one person has moved on ("does she kiss like I used to kiss you?") while the other is still hurting ("somewhere deep inside you must know I miss you"). It references playing games and following rules in relationships, and how ultimately "the winner takes it all" while "the loser has to fall," facing rejection and loss despite past intimacy and commitment between the partners.
The song describes a breakup where one person has moved on ("does she kiss like I used to kiss you?") while the other is still hurting ("somewhere deep inside you must know I miss you"). It references playing games and following rules in relationships, and how ultimately "the winner takes it all" while "the loser has to fall," facing rejection and loss despite past intimacy and commitment between the partners.
Does it feel the same I don't want to talk When she calls your name? About the things we've gone through Though it's hurting me Somewhere deep inside Now it's history You must know I miss you But what can I say I've played all my cards Rules must be obeyed And that's what you've done too Nothing more to say The judges will decide No more ace to play The likes of me abide Spectators of the show The winner takes it all Always staying low The loser standing small The game is on again Beside the victory A lover or a friend That's her destiny A big thing or a small The winner takes it all I was in your arms Thinking I belonged there I don't want to talk I figured it made sense If it makes you feel sad Building me a fence And I understand Building me a home You've come to shake my hand Thinking I'd be strong there But I was a fool I apologize Playing by the rules If it makes you feel bad Seeing me so tense The gods may throw a dice No self-confidence Their minds as cold as ice But you see And someone way down here Loses someone dear The winner takes it all The winner takes it all The winner takes it all So the winner takes it all The loser has to fall And the the loser has to fall It's simple and it's plain Throw a dice, cold as ice Why should I complain Way down here, someone dear Takes it all, has to fall It seems plain to me