Lyrics: When All Is Said And Done
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
Reflecting on Closure and Acceptance
“When All Is Said And Done” by ABBA is a poignant exploration of the end of a relationship, marked by reflection, gratitude, and acceptance. The lyrics open with a final toast between two people who once shared a deep connection, symbolizing both an ending and a respectful farewell. The mention of an “autumn chill” captures the sense of change and melancholy that often accompanies the conclusion of a significant chapter in life.
Metaphors of Change and Growth
The song uses the metaphor of “birds of passage” to illustrate how both individuals are naturally moving on, following instinct and circumstance. As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, so too does the relationship transition from warmth and brightness to a more subdued, reflective state. The refrain “neither you nor I’m to blame when all is said and done” highlights a mature understanding that sometimes relationships end without fault or bitterness.
Dignity in Moving Forward
As the lyrics reflect on the journeys taken together, there’s an acknowledgment of having faced “strange and lonely treks,” yet remaining “slightly worn, but dignified.” The lines balance humor and honesty, especially with the candid mention of not being “too old for sex,” adding a human and relatable touch. There’s a sense of gratitude for the love and fun shared, while also recognizing the importance of striving for personal fulfillment.
Resilience and New Beginnings
The latter part of the song emphasizes resilience. Even when life is challenging or when one is “lying on the floor,” the spirit persists—rising, shaking off the past, and bravely moving forward. The song closes with an image of standing “calmly at the crossroads,” free from urgency or fear, ready to embrace whatever comes next. This sense of peace and readiness encapsulates the idea that true closure brings liberation and self-assurance.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Release Year: 1981
Label: Polar Music