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a‐ha — Take On Me
Album: Hunting High and Low
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 823









Released: 1985
Length: 4:43
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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''Uh-huh-huh, doo-doo

Bah bah bah-ah-ah''

Talking away, ah
No, I don't know what I'm to say
I'll say it anyway
Today is another day to find you
Shying away
Oh, 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 a 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 (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
Take me on
Comments (148)add comment
 idiot_wind wrote:

So..imagine that it's 1985 listening to this song on Walkman headphones driving a Volkswagen Type III down Interstate 80, in the hot Summer with windows down, and almost getting squished by  tractor trailers flying by.   

Why take such risks?  I had to drive to a wedding with the promise of meeting single women and I was ready to dance to this song at the reception!  The only problem was that I smelled like gasoline...typical problem of the Type III. 



did you see a purple '78 Regal (with open headers and a 400 cid Chevy SB) fly by cranking AC/DC?

that was me!.....get in the right lane where you belong
Posted 2 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
Yeah, I had a vocal range like that.  Lead singer in my own band.  Played air guitar.
Posted 2 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
their unplugged version of this was pretty cool
a-ha unplugged


Posted 2 years ago by matt7    [ Reply ]
There are many, many covers of this song out there, in all kinds of styles. And for the most part they work. A hallmark of a really great song, that it's almost impossible to ruin.
Posted 2 years ago by birdman42    [ Reply ]
Great track and a great band. 
How many more bands will be put down by the "music snobs" who seem to think they have the authority to say what's good or bad?
A solid 8 from me. I like ALL music!
Posted 2 years ago by diggyduffy    [ Reply ]
Such a memorable video!


Best Take On Me Take On Me GIFs | Gfycat
Posted 2 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
guilty pleasure song which lends itself perfectly for a Ukulele Orchestra. (seriously - google it!) 


Posted 6 years ago by Dazzerb    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y_9lrAqPIk
Metallica doing Take On Me. 
Posted 6 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Should the title of this album really refer to a plural version of the word 'hit'?
 
They had quite a few hits in Europe.
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

This comment is proof that absolutely every band of every genre of any era has a fan who thinks the early stuff is better.
 
Technically, I meant to say their later stuff (East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon), and I ended up changing my earlier comment to reflect that. As for the gist of your comment, sure, I can see that, just like I can see the opposite. Everyone perceives music in their own way and all of this so subjective that you would not be wrong regardless of your opinion - it only matters how you perceive it.
Posted 6 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
Unnecessary flashback - 10 yard penalty. 
Posted 6 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
 Solanus wrote:
I was 12 when this song came out in 1985 and I could solidly hit the high note. Not a huge deal for a boy waiting for his voice to crack, but still ...

Now 33 years later, I can comfortably sing along with the entire tune. I'm a little more embarrassed for liking it and I'd rather listen to some of A-ha's older stuff, but this can still bring a smile to my face.
 
This comment is proof that absolutely every band of every genre of any era has a fan who thinks the early stuff is better.
Posted 6 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
I was 12 when this song came out in 1985 and I could solidly hit the high note. Not a huge deal for a boy waiting for his voice to crack, but still ...

Now 33 years later, I can comfortably sing along with the entire tune. I'm a little more embarrassed for liking it and I'd rather listen to some of A-ha's newer stuff, but this can still bring a smile to my face.
Posted 6 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
barbarabush450 wrote:
Sometimes there's a very popular song that I come to dislike enormously because of overplay, and then 35 years later it sounds okay, because it really wasn't that bad, just overplayed.  Not so for me with this one.  It was like scraping a chalkboard then, and worse for me now.  What would be an appropriate analogy for a time when chalkboards are unknown to a generation or 2 or 3?
 
I was going to suggest the screech of a 56k modem, but they've gone the way of the AOL disc. 
Posted 6 years ago by Christopher_T    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Should the title of this album really refer to a plural version of the word 'hit'?
 
LMAO cause I was just thinking that {#Lol}
Posted 6 years ago by GeneP59    [ Reply ]
 saellig668552 wrote:
Please take it off the playlist - spoils any set of quality music. this may serve as a background in a non-busy hotel bar at two in the afternoon but certainly not fit within a carefully crafted selection of special, mostly high quality music normally played here. If i want to listen this kind of bad aged mainstream i turn to a sort of best oldirs pop satellite channel. Holy cow
{#Frustrated}

 

One of the most memorable '80s tunes. A big hunk of tuneful, catchy, thumping danceteria cheese. Always a fav! Play it again, Bill! I like watching him bash his head against the wall. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Should the title of this album really refer to a plural version of the word 'hit'?
Posted 6 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Check out Lake Street Dive doing this number ,,, I'm a big fan of theirs ,, lead singer is hot!
Posted 6 years ago by laup    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2} Just simply enjoying the song for what it is....a great song!
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
Sometimes there's a very popular song that I come to dislike enormously because of overplay, and then 35 years later it sounds okay, because it really wasn't that bad, just overplayed.  Not so for me with this one.  It was like scraping a chalkboard then, and worse for me now.  What would be an appropriate analogy for a time when chalkboards are unknown to a generation or 2 or 3?
Posted 6 years ago by barbarabush450    [ Reply ]
 Chwkbud wrote:
A ha...an ear worm...{#Dancingbanana}  and still one of the most creative, inventive videos ever. made.
 
{#Yes}
Posted 6 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
So..imagine that it's 1985 listening to this song on Walkman headphones driving a Volkswagen Type III down Interstate 80, in the hot Summer with windows down, and almost getting squished by  tractor trailers flying by.   

Why take such risks?  I had to drive to a wedding with the promise of meeting single women and I was ready to dance to this song at the reception!  The only problem was that I smelled like gasoline...typical problem of the Type III. 
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
A ha...an ear worm...{#Dancingbanana}  and still one of the most creative, inventive videos ever. made.
Posted 6 years ago by Chwkbud    [ Reply ]
Gotta give Take On Me a 10, for being there as just a super-fine pop song that danced us through the 80's. And who didn't want to look just like the Take On Me video gal when they went out to the clubs?! 
Posted 6 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
 saellig668552 wrote:
Please take it off the playlist - spoils any set of quality music. this may serve as a background in a non-busy hotel bar at two in the afternoon but certainly not fit within a carefully crafted selection of special, mostly high quality music normally played here. If i want to listen this kind of bad aged mainstream i turn to a sort of best oldirs pop satellite channel. Holy cow
{#Frustrated}

 
This version is nevertheless interesting because it's not the mainstream one. First time I've heard these extended intro and bridges, it makes those fabulous keyboards sound even greater.
Posted 6 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
love it. love it. love it. love it. love it. love it. {#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by flanders    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dance} Every single time I hear this song!
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
To me 8 - Most Excellent  
Posted 6 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
I like this. Just brings a smile, isn't that important? Thanks :):)
Posted 6 years ago by countryrds    [ Reply ]
Only on RP will you hear the shimmering intro ................... Tag, RP!
Posted 6 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
and a great video too!

{#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
It's been 32 years and my recollection is that the music video of this song seemed like it was about all you saw on a 1 year old MTV for a while! Might have been something else, I forget. 
Posted 6 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
I've always liked this song.
Posted 7 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
I'd recently found a link on my timeline of a video of them reuniting and doing this acoustically. Not bad, although I was a slight bit disappointed they didn't go after the octave at the end of the chorus. {#Lol}

And for anyone curious…
https://youtu.be/-xKM3mGt2pE
Posted 7 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
I love to sing along with this one when no one is around to hear how badly I fail at hitting that high note.  {#Whistle}{#Eyes} {#No} 
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
About 35 years past its 'best by' date.
Posted 7 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
brings to mind Video on Trial {#Lol}
Posted 7 years ago by salvesis    [ Reply ]
 saellig668552 wrote:
Please take it off the playlist - spoils any set of quality music. this may serve as a background in a non-busy hotel bar at two in the afternoon but certainly not fit within a carefully crafted selection of special, mostly high quality music normally played here. If i want to listen this kind of bad aged mainstream i turn to a sort of best oldirs pop satellite channel. Holy cow
{#Frustrated}

 
You know, PSD was invented
Posted 7 years ago by ciolca    [ Reply ]
 saellig668552 wrote:
Please take it off the playlist - spoils any set of quality music. this may serve as a background in a non-busy hotel bar at two in the afternoon but certainly not fit within a carefully crafted selection of special, mostly high quality music normally played here. If i want to listen this kind of bad aged mainstream i turn to a sort of best oldirs pop satellite channel. Holy cow
 
Is there a contest going on for the wordiest version of "I don't like this"?  If so, this must be one of the leading entries.
Posted 7 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajumprope} souvenirs souvenirs
Posted 7 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
 saellig668552 wrote:
Please take it off the playlist - spoils any set of quality music. this may serve as a background in a non-busy hotel bar at two in the afternoon but certainly not fit within a carefully crafted selection of special, mostly high quality music normally played here. If i want to listen this kind of bad aged mainstream i turn to a sort of best oldirs pop satellite channel. Holy cow
{#Frustrated}

 



                                                     {#Drunk}    You're into the gin again aren't you Berne.  



.
 
Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Didn't realize that there was more than one hit from Aha. Hmmmm....
Posted 7 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Precisely the music I listen to Radio Paradise to get away from.
Oh well, it's over now. And it only hurt a little. 
Posted 7 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
Please keep it on the playlist {#Bananasplit}.

This long version is great...
Posted 7 years ago by dlaumor    [ Reply ]
Please take it off the playlist - spoils any set of quality music. this may serve as a background in a non-busy hotel bar at two in the afternoon but certainly not fit within a carefully crafted selection of special, mostly high quality music normally played here. If i want to listen this kind of bad aged mainstream i turn to a sort of best oldirs pop satellite channel. Holy cow
{#Frustrated}
Posted 7 years ago by saellig668552    [ Reply ]
{#Drunk} ah ha I knew I recognized this tune !
Posted 7 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
7 just for having been there in the day.
Posted 7 years ago by Faithful_Fool    [ Reply ]
Love the extended version! Only ever heard the radio edit.
Posted 7 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
 Bazooka wrote:
Where are we and who's driving!?

 
{#Lol}  precisely .. gotta love it.  Makes me feel like I somehow got caught in Macedonia during the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Posted 7 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 7 years ago by dmiklitz    [ Reply ]
 chunkymunky wrote:
Good grief...never thought I'd hear this on here!

Tchoons ov my yoof (etc.) 

 
Me too.   This is POP music, albeit perhaps a longer version?   It's the first song on my IPOD by artist, and pops up regularly at home.
Can't say it's not uplifting, so I'll give it my vote.
Posted 7 years ago by ngunnell    [ Reply ]
A detour to the pop side of 80s. Gave it 8, for sentimental value. And for honoring a, then, innovative musical video.
Posted 7 years ago by Nix    [ Reply ]
Good grief...never thought I'd hear this on here!

Tchoons ov my yoof (etc.) 
Posted 7 years ago by chunkymunky    [ Reply ]
 jkamm14 wrote:

Can a digital file collect dust?

 
Digital dust. It's everywhere.
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 Bazooka wrote:
Where are we and who's driving!?

 

Posted 7 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
 yuel wrote:
big surprise hearing this track on rp- but not a bad one!
{#Bananapiano}

 
Shearwater's Backchannels followed by A-Ha. Not at all surprising to me.
Posted 7 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Souvenirs, souvenirs {#Bananajumprope}
Posted 7 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
 yuel wrote:
big surprise hearing this track on rp- but not a bad one!
{#Bananapiano}

 
And one month later again.

It´s really strange to hear it here. Not match. 
Posted 7 years ago by HarryHaller    [ Reply ]
big surprise hearing this track on rp- but not a bad one!
{#Bananapiano}
Posted 7 years ago by yuel    [ Reply ]
 Rebis wrote:
I would never have expected to hear this on RP. And (although I don't hate the song) I hope I never do again.

 
Played it again!  At least this time Bill talked over the last minute of it, to keep things interesting...
Posted 7 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
Sometimes the stream goes a little wonky. Loved hearing the support message during this song. {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 7 years ago by DavidFromHouston    [ Reply ]
pop music at it's finest, loved the video
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
1st time in over 6 years!

Can't wait to hear it again in April 2023.

 
Can a digital file collect dust?
Posted 7 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
1st time in over 6 years!

Can't wait to hear it again in April 2023.
Posted 7 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I would never have expected to hear this on RP. And (although I don't hate the song) I hope I never do again.
Posted 13 years ago by Rebis    [ Reply ]
I re-hated this song, but then went back... Take On Me - the literal version and I'm laughing all over again...
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
This track reminds me of two nerdy guys, neighbours of a mate of mine from my high school years, who were A HA freaks...their big thing was to go to their local record shop in Caracas and hide all the band´s records so noone else could buy em...Wrangler and Enio, more or less the beavis and buthead of my Caracas years.
Posted 14 years ago by dyharenas    [ Reply ]
Where are we and who's driving!?
Posted 14 years ago by Bazooka    [ Reply ]
 pcarew wrote:
Well, it might be "80's" fluff, but this tune has always lifted my mood.
I like it.
{#Dance}
 
I listened to their debut record about 1000 times – good memories. A friend played a few tunes off a record that was release about 5 or 6 years ago, I think, and I thought it was very good. Who knew. {#Think}
Posted 14 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
I never expected to hear this is on RP - Loving it! It's 8:30 in the morning here in Aus & this is such a good song to get the morning energized :)
Solid 9 
Posted 14 years ago by elementary    [ Reply ]

I always stop and listen to this one.  It's an energizing tune!


Posted 14 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
 wxman wrote:


 
"Chris, where have you been?"

"I DON'T KNOOOOOOOOW!"

Posted 14 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
 Jazbo wrote:
A music video I'll never forget.
 
Yes, the music video has clearly held up better than the song.
Posted 14 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]

lol, long time no hear...


Posted 14 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
Hasn't lasted the test of time.....
Posted 14 years ago by Monkeysdad    [ Reply ]
 dolfan wrote:

See the literal video of this for a laugh.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HE9OQ4FnkQ
 
I was about to exit out of it, thinking it was that MTV version, but then I realized it was SO much better!  Thanks for the laugh, dolfan (and themotion) - I think I have to like this song again... {#Roflol}{#Cheers}

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Well, it might be "80's" fluff, but this tune has always lifted my mood.
I like it.
{#Dance}
Posted 14 years ago by pcarew    [ Reply ]
Ah, MTV!
Posted 14 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
 SavetheTuna wrote:
Really takes you back.  Long time no hear.....
 
Not long enough....

Posted 14 years ago by bknv    [ Reply ]
Could it be that many of us just want to feel... oh I don't know..... happy?
Posted 14 years ago by SusieQ    [ Reply ]
horrible
Posted 14 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Hilarious. Where's "The Human League" when you need them?
Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Really takes you back.  Long time no hear.....
Posted 14 years ago by SavetheTuna    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Okay - I live in a very radio-isolated place, but they play this song at least three times a day. I still don't get the musical attraction (I've seen the video, and while it's wildly-creative, the music is just lame.)  Take on me?  What the hell does that mean?  This song should be banished.  I'm sure they have better stuff, so bring it on.
 
See the literal video of this for a laugh.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HE9OQ4FnkQ
Posted 14 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
Okay - I live in a very radio-isolated place, but they play this song at least three times a day. I still don't get the musical attraction (I've seen the video, and while it's wildly-creative, the music is just lame.)  Take on me?  What the hell does that mean?  This song should be banished.  I'm sure they have better stuff, so bring it on.
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Somewhat forgettable pop saved by the amazing "etch-a-skech" video that accompanied it...  ...and though I say "somewhat forgettable" — it will no doubt be swimming in the black recess's of my brain for hours afterward...
Posted 14 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
This song grows on you. It's one of those you'll be humming later
Posted 14 years ago by hopalong    [ Reply ]
 wxman wrote:
 
Almost died laughing the first time I saw this!  Sure did love those MTV days.
Posted 14 years ago by panlad    [ Reply ]

This must be the only song on this CD.


Posted 14 years ago by lerxst    [ Reply ]
geeez those 80's dance floors {#Roflol}
what a range of music we threw shapes to!
blissful memories of a teenage wildlife....
{#Drunk}{#Bananasplit}
Posted 14 years ago by Glencoe_JC    [ Reply ]
 tkay73 wrote:
Wow does this ever take me back! I had this record and this was my first concert my mom and dad took me to, I was not even embarrsed to go w/ my parents. This record got some major play time when I was 12 & 13. I miss records but the digital age does provide better sound qaulity. At least I am not old enought to have ever owned an 8 track!

 
That's the way to make some of us feel old—thanks!  I not only had an 8-track, I had a transistor radio to listen to The Beatles when they first came out!

{#Confused}

Posted 14 years ago by ginniet    [ Reply ]


Posted 14 years ago by wxman    [ Reply ]

I can't explain why but this song really moves me.  That chorus!  I always turn it up.  I don't think I've ever heard any of their other songs but this one is enough!  :)


Posted 14 years ago by twitterpated    [ Reply ]
Wow does this ever take me back! I had this record and this was my first concert my mom and dad took me to, I was not even embarrsed to go w/ my parents. This record got some major play time when I was 12 & 13. I miss records but the digital age does provide better sound qaulity. At least I am not old enought to have ever owned an 8 track!

Posted 14 years ago by tkay73    [ Reply ]
Yes! (and also, hahahahaha!!!)  and also weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
 andycollingridge wrote:
Well, this put a smile on my face, not that I'd ever admit it. Oh...oops.
 
Ha ha!  (I feel the same!)

Posted 14 years ago by justin_thyme    [ Reply ]
To quote Nancy Reagan in pig Latin, "Just say oh-nay to 'ha-Aye."  Or words to that effect.  1.  (Uckso Arfbo)
Posted 14 years ago by iscoot4peace    [ Reply ]
Love this and felt that the video was very innovative for it's time.{#Hearteyes}
Posted 14 years ago by dw    [ Reply ]
A music video I'll never forget.
Posted 14 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]


Posted 14 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
 andycollingridge wrote:
Well, this put a smile on my face, not that I'd ever admit it. Oh...oops.
 

My thoughts exactly!

Posted 14 years ago by dewhead    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
To quote the great Butthead: " This would be a perfect video if Ice Cube came on and beat these guys with a baseball bat." {#Cheers}
 
I like the song and the video, but that's pretty funny.

Posted 14 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
ditto!
 Jelani wrote:
Gets an 8 just for the memories.
 


Posted 14 years ago by gratefulgator    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
To quote the great Butthead: " This would be a perfect video if Ice Cube came on and beat these guys with a baseball bat." {#Cheers}
 
That would be cool, heh heh.  The video was pretty cutting-edge though.

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Yes! Thanks Bill, awesome!
Posted 14 years ago by undo_silence    [ Reply ]
Gets an 8 just for the memories.
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
To quote the great Butthead: " This would be a perfect video if Ice Cube came on and beat these guys with a baseball bat." {#Cheers}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Take me on Rp!
Posted 15 years ago by Jacob_Kalkan    [ Reply ]
graemea's link says:
This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.

 


Posted 15 years ago by gabbadar    [ Reply ]
well, a-ha on radio paradise!  — there's room in paradise for many, many artists, thank the gods... {#Angel}
Posted 15 years ago by frolic4rp    [ Reply ]
The creativity of the video is all this song really has for me.       
Posted 15 years ago by surreal1221    [ Reply ]
very nice segue!
Posted 15 years ago by buckeyes    [ Reply ]
Among the best of its genre.  8
Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
Got me thinking about this reinterpretation of the video ... 

https://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8HE9OQ4FnkQ

Worth a chuckle ...  

Posted 16 years ago by graemea    [ Reply ]
{#Yes}  {#Dancingbanana}  {#Dance}  Always did like this one!

8.
Posted 16 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Well, this put a smile on my face, not that I'd ever admit it. Oh...oops.
Posted 16 years ago by andycollingridge    [ Reply ]
Very 85!
Very 8, fantastic video.
Posted 16 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Norge in da house!
Posted 16 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
ok bill, how about the Reel Big Fish cover... ;-)

Posted 16 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]

OMG, I can't believe this is playing on RP!  What a guilty pleasure. . .

Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]