“Take On Me” by A-ha is a classic of the 80s. It mixes catchy tunes with new visual tricks. First made in 1984, it hit big in 1985, capturing the 80s vibe.
The song talks about things that don’t last, feeling open, and the choice between being safe or taking risks. Its words touch listeners, showing how love is short and we should grab chances when we can.
The song’s global hit status showed it was loved everywhere. It even topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the US in October 1985. Although it had trouble in the UK in 1984, the 1985 version made it to number two.
The music video, made by Steve Barron, made the song even more famous. It won six awards and got two more nominations at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. This video helped make the song a big part of pop culture.
For more on the song’s meaning and its impact on 80s music, read this insightful article.
Key Takeaways
- “Take On Me” captures themes of love, risk, and transformation.
- The song was a monumental success, reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot 100.
- The music video, directed by Steve Barron, innovated visual storytelling with rotoscoping.
- A-ha’s persistence with multiple versions paid off, solidifying the song’s iconic status.
- The song’s themes reflect emotional vulnerability and seizing life’s fleeting opportunities.
The Lyrics of Take On Me: A Deep Dive
A-ha’s “Take On Me” is famous for its groundbreaking video and catchy lyrics. The mix of meaningful words and a catchy tune grabs listeners. It invites many interpretations.
Understanding the Chorus
“Take on me, take me on”—this chorus is the song’s core. It’s an invitation to connect and be accepted. The lyrics urge us to leap into new relationships and adventures.
The song’s mix of classical and pop elements is unique. It also echoes a Juicy Fruit ad, making it both nostalgic and modern.
Behind the Words: Inspiration and Themes
Magne Furuholmen, a key A-ha member, said the lyrics were inspired by many sources. These include pop beats and classical music. The song talks about love, risk, and deep emotions.
Its message of seeking something more connects with people of all ages. This mix of A-ha inspiration and deep meaning makes “Take On Me” a timeless favorite.
Iconic Music Video: Revolutionizing Visual Storytelling
Released in 1985, A-ha’s “Take On Me” music video is a classic. It mixed live-action and animation in a way that amazed millions. This video is still remembered today as a masterpiece.
Rotoscoping: A Pioneering Technique
The video’s genius was in its rotoscoping technique. This method traces over live-action footage to create animation. Directed by Steve Barron, it made fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. This created a stunning story that captured everyone’s heart.
Award-Winning Success
The “Take On Me” video won big at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. It took home six awards, including Video of the Year. This made it a game-changer in music videos, showing what was possible.
To put its success into perspective:
| Category | Award Earned |
|---|---|
| Video of the Year | Winner |
| Best New Artist in a Video | Winner |
| Best Concept Video | Winner |
| Best Group Video | Winner |
| Best Direction | Winner |
| Viewer’s Choice | Winner |
The rotoscoping in this video paved the way for today’s special effects. It didn’t just wow fans back then. It also shaped the future of music videos.
MTV launched in 1981, changing music videos forever. A-ha’s “Take On Me” was a key part of this change. It showed what was possible in music videos.
With YouTube, videos like “Take On Me” still inspire and engage us today. They remain unforgettable in the world of music videos.
Take On Me meaning: The Essence Behind the Song
“Take On Me” by A-ha is more than just a hit from the ’80s. It’s a journey of vulnerability and the desire to be open in love. Its simple lyrics make it relatable to people from all walks of life.
Take On Me is known for its emotional depth and clear lyrics. This makes the song timeless, standing out from pop culture trends and appealing to all ages.
The song starts with magical notes, pulling listeners into a world of love’s ups and downs. Its focus on emotions and storytelling keeps it relevant, connecting the ’80s to today.
“Take On Me” shows that music is a language everyone can understand. With over a billion YouTube views, it proves its lasting appeal and global reach.
The Band a-ha: A Journey of Success
The Norwegian band a-ha was formed in 1982 in Oslo. It consists of Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. Their debut album “Hunting High and Low” made a huge splash in pop music history. The album’s standout track, “Take On Me,” brought them global fame.
Beyond Take On Me
While “Take On Me” is a-ha’s most famous song, their music goes far beyond it. Songs like “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” show their versatility. They’ve also made music for films, proving their ability to create memorable songs.
Their unique blend of emotive lyrics and catchy melodies has set them apart. This has helped them build a lasting legacy in pop music.
Legacy and Influence
a-ha’s impact goes beyond their hit song. They’ve kept their music fresh by trying new things. Their music videos, especially “Take On Me,” have raised the bar for visual storytelling.
Many artists have covered “Take On Me,” showing its lasting appeal. a-ha’s music has also appeared in movies, TV shows, and ads. This widespread influence shows how a-ha’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
The Lasting Impact of Take On Me
“Take On Me” by A-ha has left a lasting mark on music and pop culture. It was released in 1984 and hit number one in the US and number two in the UK. The song’s innovative animated video, directed by Steve Barron, used over 900 hand-cut paper cels.
Artists like Weezer and A1 have covered this classic, keeping its spirit alive. Weezer’s version is in their Teal Album, and A1’s 2000 version topped charts in the UK and Norway. A-ha’s 2017 MTV Unplugged performance gave a new, acoustic take on the song.
DJ Kygo’s tropical house remix helped the band reunite. This remix shows the song’s lasting impact. It’s a testament to its enduring music legacy.
Even today, “Take On Me” gets quirky tributes online. For example, a 2016 recorder performance got 8 million views. The 2008 “literal lyric” version also got 15 million views.
The song’s keyboard riff, created by Magne Furuholmen at 15, was inspired by Ray Manzarek from The Doors. Even after nearly four decades, it still excites fans. Thomas Robsahm’s documentary, “A-ha: The Movie,” showcases its enduring appeal.
Lauren Savoy, the long-time partner of A-ha co-writer Paul Waaktaar, inspired “Take On Me.” This adds a personal touch to the song. It’s featured in many films, TV shows, and ads, making it timeless.
This deep dive into A-ha’s hit shows its lasting impact. Its catchy tune, groundbreaking video, and emotional depth make it a cherished part of music history.
| Release Year | Notable Covers | Chart Success |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | N/A | #1 in US |
| 2000 | A1 | #1 in UK, Norway |
| 2019 | Weezer | N/A |
| 2017 | MTV Unplugged | N/A |
| Last Year | 80s Symphonic | N/A |
Why “Take On Me” Continues to Resonate
Released in 1985, “Take On Me” by A-ha has become a timeless classic. Its lasting appeal comes from its emotional depth in the lyrics. These lyrics speak to a universal desire to connect and explore beyond reality.
The song’s iconic music video, with its comic book-style animation, changed music videos forever. It blended motion graphics with live-action, captivating fans worldwide. With Morten Harket’s powerful vocals and the song’s catchy guitar riffs, it’s a true pop-rock anthem.
The song’s catchy chorus and memorable hooks have made it a favorite among music lovers. “Take On Me” is more than just a song from the past. It continues to inspire new music, showing the lasting power of true artistry. Its enduring popularity shows how music can connect us all, making it a beloved classic around the world.
