“Take On Me” by the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, known for its distinctive keyboard riff and groundbreaking music video. The song’s origins trace back to a keyboard riff composed by Magne Furuholmen when he was just 15, initially titled “Miss Eerie” or “The Juicy Fruit Song” during his time in the band Bridges.
Development and Recording After Bridges disbanded, Magne Furuholmen and Pål Waaktaar moved to London and recruited singer Morten Harket, forming a-ha. The song underwent several transformations, including titles like “Lesson One” and “All’s Well That Ends Well and Moves With the Sun,” before settling on “Take On Me.” The lyrics were intended to showcase Harket’s impressive vocal range, featuring a “spiraling” melody.
Initial Failure and Redefinition The original version, produced by Tony Mansfield, was released in October 1984 but failed to chart significantly in the UK, peaking at number 137. It was accompanied by a simple video of the band performing against a blue background. Warner Bros. executives in the US, however, saw potential and commissioned a re-recording.
[Verse 1]
We’re talking away
No, I don’t know what I’m to say
I’ll say it anyway
Today is another day to find you
Shyin’ away
I’ll be comin’ for your love, okay?
[Chorus]
Take on me (Take on me)
Take me on (Take on me)
I’ll be gone
In a day or two
[Verse 2]
So, needless to say
I’m odds and ends
But I’ll be stumblin’ away
Slowly learnin’ that life is okay
Say after me
“It’s no better to be safe than sorry”
[Chorus]
Take on me (Take on me)
Take me on (Take on me)
I’ll be gone
In a day or two
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
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 shyin’ away
I’ll be comin’ for you anyway
[Chorus]
Take on me (Take on me)
Take me on (Take on me)
I’ll be gone
In a day
[Outro]
(Take on me) (Take on me)
(Take me on) (Take on me)
I’ll be gone (Take on me) (Take on me)
In a day (Take me on) (Take on me)
(Take on me) (Take on me)
(Take me on) (Take on me)
(Take on me)
