About The Song

“Take On Me” is a song by the Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha. The original version of the song was recorded in 1984 and released in October of the same year. The song was produced by Tony Mansfield and remixed by John Ratcliff. The 1985 international hit version was produced by Alan Tarney for the group’s debut studio album, Hunting High and Low (1985). The song by a-ha is a popular synth-pop song, released in 1985, that reached the top of charts globally.

The song’s title derives from the lyrics, where the protagonist encourages the object of his affection to “take him on,” meaning take a chance with him romantically. The song is about pursuing love, despite potential risks or impending loss, as seen in the lyrics, “If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me”. It highlights the bravery of letting emotions guide one’s actions.

Video

Lyrics

Talking away
I don’t know what I’m to say
I’ll say it anyway
Today is another day to find you
Shying away
I’ll be coming for your love. OK?

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
Of odds and ends
But I’ll be stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is OK.
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)