The song "Winner" by Ellie Goulding explores the themes of love, loss, and acceptance. It tells a story of a relationship coming to an end, where the protagonist and their partner realize that it is time to call it quits. In the beginning, the narrator acknowledges that their partner is trying to express something important. They understand that it is fair to end things and there is no need to prolong the inevitable. The line "Why try to win when I know I've lost?" suggests that the narrator recognizes the futility in trying to salvage the relationship when it is already destined to fail. The chorus emphasizes the importance of love and acknowledges both the positive and negative aspects that come with it. The phrase "Love to the lovers, Hate to the haters" highlights the contrasting emotions that love can evoke. The narrator expresses their love to their partner and encourages them to do what they need to do. As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the situation and realizes that it is a shame and a loss to let go of the relationship. However, they understand the reasons behind their partner's decision because the other person is beautiful in their own way. This suggests that the attraction to someone else may have played a role in the breakup. The bridge acknowledges the defeat and sadness that comes with the end of a relationship. The line "But thank God the love is free" implies that despite the pain, love itself is a beautiful and freeing experience. The narrator also suggests that moving on could be a positive thing for both parties involved, encouraging them to see it as something good for their individual growth. In the end, the chorus is repeated, emphasizing the conflicting emotions that love can bring. The repeated acknowledgment of love to the lovers and hate to the haters reinforces the idea that love is complex and can bring both joy and pain. Overall, "Winner" by Ellie Goulding explores the bittersweet nature of love and the acceptance that sometimes relationships come to an end. It reflects on the sadness and loss experienced when parting ways, but also highlights the potential for personal growth and finding freedom in love.
