“Take On Me,” released in 1984 by the Norwegian new wave band A-ha, is the tune that made me a fan of alternative music. It’s still one of my favorite songs, still pleasing and contemporary after 30 years. It could have been written yesterday.
Merits aside, the song owes much of its success to the innovative music video created by A-ha’s producer, Warner Bros.
As was the case with many music videos, the storyline had little to do with the song lyrics. Which is fine, because I gave up long ago trying to figure out what this song means.
It’s a love song, and for whatever reason, the singer announces he is leaving, with the apparent intention of later returning. But “Take on me. Take me on.” What?
Maybe the three Norwegian dudes who wrote the song bumbled the English. Maybe there is hidden meaning I have yet to discover. Maybe there is no meaning. After all, song lyrics occupy a parallel universe where making sense is optional.
But it’s a great tune, and I’m forever amazed at how Morten Harket can hit those crazy high notes.
Take On Me
By A-ha, 1984
Written by Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy
Talking away.
I don’t know what I’m to say.
I’ll say it anyway.
Today’s another day to find you
Shying away.
I’ll be coming for your love, okay?
Take on me (take on me).
Take me on (take on me).
I’ll be gone
In a day or two.
So needless to say,
I’m odds and ends,
But I’m me stumbling away,
Slowly learning that life is okay.
Say after me:
“It’s no better to be safe than sorry.”
Take on me (take on me).
Take me on (take on me).
I’ll be gone
In a day or two.
Oh, things that you say, yeah,
Is it life or just to play my worries away?
You’re all the things I’ve got to remember.
You’re shying away.
I’ll be coming for you anyway.
Take on me (take on me).
Take me on (take on me).
I’ll be gone
In a day.
Take on me (take on me).
Take me on (take on me).
I’ll be gone
In a day.
Take on me (take on me).
Take me on (take on me).
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