When All Is Said And Done by ABBA

Album: The Visitors (1981)

Charted: 27

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Band member Bjorn Ulvaeus wrote the lyrics about fellow ABBA members Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad, who just prior to sessions for The Visitors album, announced they were going to divorce. Bjorn wanted to make sure that Frida (who would be singing the lead vocal) was okay with the subject matter. She was eager to share her feelings musically and is quoted as saying, "All my sadness was captured in that song." >>
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Sarah - Canada

Comments: 9

John from Vancouver Island I thought the video was very well done. First time I saw it was off a satellite dish feed. Had it just cranked through a powerful stereo. Winning delivery combination for a song I've loved for years. All the elements present for a signature Abba hit. It did very well in Canada at the time.
Drew Scott from NantucketI love the the reverse piano effect going into the final verse. So good!
Seventhmist from 7th HeavenI usually preferred songs with Agnetha singing lead, but this one was an exception, especially compared with "The Winner Takes It All," which has very weak lyrics.

I'm sure it wasn't meant to reflect the state of the group at the time, but since they broke up shortly after it came out, that's what it came to symbolize.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 3rd 1982, "When All Is Said and Done" by ABBA entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 7th it peaked at #27 (for 2 weeks) and spent 14 weeks on the Top 100...
Between 1974 and 1982 the quartet had twenty Top 100 hits; with four making the Top 10 and one reaching #1 ("Dancing Queen" for 1 one week in 1977).
Jerro from New Alexandria, PaABBA's hit "The Winner Takes It All" covers the break-up of Agnetha and Björn, while "When All Is Said and Done" covers the break-up of Frida and Benny. I honestly don't understand why this song, "When All Is Said and Done," didn't become a hit anywhere except for the US and Australia (very minor) and Mexico. Although "The Winner Takes It All" was a bigger hit, I actually believe this song is much better. While "The Winner Takes It All" is about wondering why the relationship ended and missing the loved one, this song is about realizing that the magic in the relationship is over and parting with dignity, while saying, "Although we can't be together anymore, I'll always cherish the wonderful memories you've given me and I wish nothing but all the love and happiness in the world." Some people may disagree with me, but that's the impression I have.
Bratt Pid from Algiers, Algeria"the end of a relationship",i always doubt of that meaning even if bjorn and frida put it .
the lyrics talk to every people who struggle for success and for dignity against agressors.and humility and mercy.
Bill from Charlotte, Nc ---usa, NcThis song(When all is said and done) tells the story of my life.I think it hits on most people that has lived a responsible life.Great song!!!!
Miles from Vancouver, CanadaSomehow, I think this song may have been influenced by Bruce Springsteen. A lot of instrumentation sounds very much like the E Street Band.
Ron from Auburndale, FlIt always irked me that this song only hit number 27 on the charts. It was such a good song, I could never understand why it didn't do better.