Introduction
The video explores the emotional and personal struggles behind the famous ABBA song “The Winner Takes It All”, written by Björn Ulvaeus during his painful divorce from Agnetha Fältskog. Though once seen as a beautiful and successful couple on stage, their relationship was strained behind the scenes.
Björn revealed that he wrote the song during a time of deep emotional conflict. Although he originally denied it was about their divorce, it’s widely believed to reflect their real feelings, especially given Agnetha’s emotional performance. She reportedly cried upon reading the lyrics, which Björn had written while drinking and in a state of emotional turmoil.
The video outlines how their marriage was troubled from the start, with red flags such as emotional distance, anxiety, and obsession with their careers. Agnetha struggled with intense anxiety, fears of loss, and eventually developed night terrors, which further pushed Björn away. His response became more distant and controlling, worsening their relationship.
After the divorce, Agnetha suffered greatly, facing emotional breakdowns, mental health struggles, and a string of unsuccessful relationships—including with professionals she worked with, such as her psychiatrist and a detective. She became increasingly isolated, especially after the tragic suicide of her mother and the death of her father.
In contrast, Björn moved on more smoothly, continuing to work with Benny Andersson and marrying Lena Källersjö, with whom he had a long, stable marriage. He remained professionally and personally successful, while Agnetha lived a more reclusive and emotionally difficult life.
The video ends by raising the question: Who truly “took it all” in the aftermath of their breakup?
Video