When All Is Said and Done

ABBA · The Essential Collection [2012]

Here's to us, one more toast, and then we'll pay the bill

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.