When All Is Said and Done
ABBA · The Essential Collection [2012]
Deep inside, both of us can feel the autumn chill
Birds of passage, you and me, we fly instinctively
When the summer's over and the dark clouds hide the sun,
Neither you nor I'm to blame when all is said and done
In our lives, we have walked some strange and lonely treks
Slightly worn but dignified and not too old for sex
We're still striving for the sky, no taste for humble pie
Thanks for all your generous love and thanks for all the fun
Neither you nor I'm to blame when all is said and done
It's so strange when you're down and lying on the floor
How you rise, shake your head, get up and ask for more
Clear-headed and open-eyed with nothing left untried
Standing calmly at the crossroads, no desire to run
There's no hurry anymore when all is said and done
Standing calmly at the crossroads, no desire to run
There's no hurry anymore when all is said and done
When All Is Said and Done
ABBA's "When All Is Said and Done" stands as a poignant late-career reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of endings. Recorded in 1978, the track exemplifies the group's evolution from their early pop anthems to a more mature, orchestral sound. The song features a distinctive arrangement that blends traditional pop structures with classical influences, creating a sweeping emotional landscape that resonates with themes of nostalgia and acceptance. Released on "The Essential Collection" in 2012, the recording showcases the band's final studio efforts before their dissolution, cementing their legacy as pioneers of the Euro-disco and pop-rock fusion. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal message, delivered through Agnetha Fältskog's emotive vocals and Benny Andersson's intricate composition.
