In August 2000, British-Norwegian boyband A1 released a cover of "Take on M… Read Full Bio ↴In August 2000, British-Norwegian boyband A1 released a cover of "Take on Me" for their second studio album The A List. Despite being panned by music critics, who called it a "lame cover version", and a "note for note copy" that seems like "a re-release of the original"; it was commercially successful, topping the charts in the United Kingdom and Norway, where it was certified silver by the BPI.

Take On Me
A1 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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, 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
Odds and ends
But I'll be stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is OK
Say after me
Almost 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
Is it live 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 or two

Take on me (Take on me)
Take me on (Take on me)

I'll be gone (Take on me)
In a day or two (Take on me)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to A-Ha's "Take on Me" tell the story of someone who is uncertain of themselves and their ability to communicate effectively. The first verse opens with the singer appearing apologetic, admitting that they don't know what to say but they will attempt to do so anyway. It appears as though they are trying to express their feelings to someone they care deeply about but are struggling to find the right words. The second verse could be interpreted as the singer being hesitant to take risks and play it safe instead. They may be reflecting on the regrets they have in life for not taking chances when they had the opportunity.

The chorus "Take on me, take me on, I'll be gone in a day or two" is the most well-known and memorable part of the song. It is believed that the line is about seizing the moment and taking a chance on someone or something before it is too late. The lyric "Oh, things that you say, is it live, or just to play my worries away" could be interpreted in a number of ways. It may suggest that the singer is unsure if the person they care about is genuine or just trying to distract them from their problems. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as the singer questioning if the things the person says are meant to be taken seriously or if they are just saying things to make them feel better.

Line by Line Meaning

Talking away
Speaking without a specific purpose or topic in mind

I don't know what
Uncertainty or confusion about the topic or what to say

I'm to say I'll say it anyway
Despite not knowing what to say, words will still be spoken

Today's another day to find you
The future holds potential for a serendipitous encounter

Shying away
Avoiding or withdrawing from something, possibly a romantic interest

I'll be coming for your love, OK
Despite the other person's reluctance, the singer will persist in their pursuit of love

Take on me (Take on me)
The singer challenges the other person to pursue a romantic relationship with them

Take me on (Take on me)
A plea to the other person to take a chance on a relationship

I'll be gone
The singer acknowledges that things may not work out and they may have to leave

In a day or two
Timing of departure is soon

So needless to say
An obvious or predictable statement is about to be made

Odds and ends
Various insignificant things or loose ends

But I'll be stumbling away
Despite the small concerns, the singer will move forward in life

Slowly learning that life is OK
The singer is gradually discovering that life is acceptable or satisfactory

Say after me
Repeating a phrase or message

Almost better to be safe than sorry
Choosing a cautious approach can prevent negative consequences

Oh, things that you say
The other person's words or actions are impacting the singer

Is it live or
Is the situation genuine or authentic?

Just to play my worries away
The other person may not have genuine interest, but is playing along for entertainment

You're all the things I've got to remember
The other person holds significant memories or importance to the singer

You're shying away
The other person is still avoiding or hesitant about a relationship

I'll be coming for you anyway
Despite obstacles, the singer will continue to pursue the other person

Take on me (Take on me)
Repeating the challenge for the other person to pursue the relationship

Take me on (Take on me)
A plea to the other person to take the risk of entering a relationship

I'll be gone (Take on me)
Another acknowledgment that things may not work out and may result in departure

In a day or two (Take on me)
Reiterating that time is limited and a decision must be made soon

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, Pal Waaktaar

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@elviagirlx

8y↑2

A1 - Take On Me

Talking away
I don't know what
I'm to say I'll say it anyway
Today's another day to find you
Shine 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
At odds and ends
But I´ll be stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is OK.
Say it after me
It's so much 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 a play
My worries away
You're all the things I've got to remember
You shine 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 or two

All comments from YouTube:

@gaiuscoleman9653

7y↑109

Love this version. Heard it 1st in 2000 being blasted out in night club. Blown away with overall sound beat high note fancy bits. everything

@pyronix

5y↑32

I don't know why but at least once a year I would watch this video because it just makes me so happy. I'm not particularly an A1 fan but I just really like this cover so much, and I just love this MV a lot. Maybe I have bad taste? I dunno... but this whole thing is just so comforting. It brings me back to the good old days of the early 2000s. I wish they'd remake this video but with the same concept. I love all those little things kids these days would probably not even be aware of like the netscape browser lol.

@walidsultan8711

26w

Omg were same 😂

@bantasian

23w

Netscape Communicator, mIRC32, Yahoo! Messenger etc I miss them so much😭

@MyChillfactor

1y↑27

Goosebumps when I still hear and watch this...some of the best parts of my childhood right here!!!!

@safe-keeper1042

47w↑22

One of the best songs from my childhood.

@MsMakira

9y↑14

I remember I was 5 years old I think and we used to play their songs every morning in the living room. Best times, 90's music!!

@martinwani5333

2y↑72

It's already 2022 and still listening to this.
Memories. Missing the good old days.

@neji3585

2y↑2

SAAMMME

@rashafetouh3269

2y↑2

Me too

@onyiichristy2549

2y↑2

Me too

@angelbiey3927

2y↑2

Me too. 7/5/2022

@rizalabidin6933

2y↑2

Yes im

1 More Replies...

@glisses7

10y↑26

I remember hearing this for the first time walking into a club in 2000 and wondered what it was. I was so taken with the music, etc that I had to buy it and did so. It's the melody, the accompaniment, the way the guys sing it: excitedly, clearly and with a sense of involvement. I was intrigued as to how the lead singer, whoever that is, was able to hit that top note!

Gaius

@abcdefghijklmnop253

26w

This is a terrible cover. Don't listen to this.

@melissabarnfield7882

4y↑15

Heard this live back in November and I loved it the boys were brilliant and their dance routines especially for this song were fantastic 🎹🎸

@daryljeandelalobo1909

2y↑2

Pagan

@daryljeandelalobo1909

Sorry I've had a hacker on my account I do apologise

@daryljeandelalobo1909

I'm not gonna lie ....I was looking for the original ....I'm a dj .....a1 were always shit....I saw them at this under 18 rave...pilled out my tits .....and they got spat on by everyone in the crowd....again I can't lie....it was funny as fuck

@newleif9739

5y↑105

This band was my life growing up. This is MY version of Take On Me❤️

@MrNezah12

41w

Huge crush on Paul

@boroaddict6979

24w

same here

@Music4Me_23

2y↑30

Me living in 90s really loved this song. Even hearing the 80s version I still can say I loved this more. Its a matter of taste and generation I guess.

@guttagaming123

1y↑1

@guttagaming123

You are evil

@guttagaming123

Morten do not aprove

@etriganthedemon666

1y↑3

00s kid here I disagree but I respect your opinion

@Thefire591

9y↑274

90s kids will still love this!!! good times :D

@beavanessa5439

TheAlijanify Is to w

@rhyspieces1703

7y↑1

Thefire I'm a 2006 kid but I love the old one , this one I don't like 😓

@mohamedalnasri

6y↑2

Thefire Not a 90s kid, but this song is pretty cool! :D

@darkbladetri

6y↑1

i am 80s/90s kid and i don't mind either they sound different and good for different reasons you are allowed to like both you know

@queenJC99

6y↑1

Its from 2000, boybands never died out, they didn't suddenly return in the 2010s.

8 More Replies...

@NJEllxo

2y↑1

I’ll never get bored of this song. It’s brilliant! Considering when it was brought out, the video editing and how smoothly it went! And they’re all gorgeous 💁🏻‍♀️😂 forever will be one of my favourites 💙

@LilL0zii

12y↑32

Childhood, right there. Cheesy 90s and 00s will forever be in my heart ♥

@Twistolipz

10y↑15

What a tune! Cannot wait for big reunion tour. Bring it on !!!!!

@chucky110

10y↑1

That concert would last a whole 5 minutes

@RareChelly

11y↑34

One of my childhood's favorite 90's song ♥

@hooajo

44w

Its not from 90. the original is from a-ha

@user-gh6ly4pr8l

42w↑2

@@hooajo this is millenium you see the aesthetics, tech style was the millenium

@hooajo

42w

@@user-gh6ly4pr8l this is a different version yes. But unnecessary because the original is too good and popular

@winnercirclekangkimsonglee5607

4y↑10

On an A1 music marathon to hype for their Manila concert tomorrow! Greatest hits of early 2000s 😍

@ms.sunflower0330

23w

so happy to see fellow Mino fans on a1 channel🤭🤩

@richardsavings6690

34w↑2

This music video is a work of art. No one else can tell me otherwise.

@IamTheOneWhoBevys

7y↑58

i can't say a bad word against this version as it introduced me to the amazing Aha. also reminds me of my old school disco days

@MJN_SEIFER

7y↑3

This is an unpopular opinion, but I really love this song, and yes I like the Aha original as well. I'll never understand why people are so cynical about cover versions - people who do them are obviously just trying to do a take on a song they probably love, not trying to "ruin" the song, even if you personally don't like their version. (I myself am someone who like a wide variety of music, so I am open to covers of songs I love/like myself).

Also, just look at the video - I mean, really look at it; look at how much fun A1 are having filming this and singing the song and the way one of them look kind of emotional and hopeful during the line "It's so better to be safe than sorry.", the line obviously means something to him there (that said, it's a changed line - it was "It's no better to be safe than sorry." in the original, but maybe the change holds meaning as well?) Either way, they are obviously singing a song they love (and possibly paying homage to a movie they love, i.e. Tron) and having fun while doing it, not intentionally trying to "ruin a classic".

@blackparademistress1

7y↑117

I love the original. A-ha is amazing and will always have the best version of this song. But in it's own right, this cover isn't bad. The video is trash, agreed but for a different take on the original it's not bad. I also appreciate them bringing an old classic to younger audiences as it's how a lot of them come to discover and appreciate classic music.

@MJN_SEIFER

6y↑13

I actually love the video, but I'm pleased you were positive about the song.

@Fionna649

2y↑2

If u dnt like the version then shut up and just listen.😡

@fakriatifakriati9200

1y↑2

Its more remix

@MaxTheFun1995

1y↑1

I feel like that's the 1 thing ppl don't appreciate with stuff like covers! Gives you a reason to seek out the original and potentially discover if for yourself.
This is a perfect example and another 1 that comes to mind is 'Singin in the rain' by mint royale. Pretty popular 50s song(as far as I know) but bought to absolute life with a cover in the 2000's. A song, I personally love and appreciate!

@kamalekermawi

this is better than the original

3 More Replies...

@wai-mingdenduangrudee1534

34w↑2

This song blew up in SE Asia and I remember hearing it everywhere growing up, on the radio, in the mall, etc...

@edvaniofelixdasilvavictorg1565

muito bom o arranjo ficou muito bom

@meeeee7629

2y↑10

I really really LOVE this SONG🎶💗

@FukiMakai

6y↑3

It's not easy to do a version like this on this jewel commercial masterpiece. They did it great.

@hubertprieger1766

1y↑1

fully agree

@georgielockhart6686

2y↑6

I'm a 90s kid and this was my introduction to this song. Which is one of my favorites for years. Aha did it better, but these guys are cute and good vocalists.

@oclebinho

Sensacional 😀

@paulinazok9447

1y↑5

Wyszła im ta przeróbka.. piękne głosy. Piękne chlopaki

@orbarel3435

7y↑11

ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER MADE

@graeme011

Please explain?

@ollycfc368

2y↑4

Original is way better

@jadorelanuit88

45w↑1

I prefer the original… vidio alots better than this one

@5Porygon

1y↑1

Thank you A1 for all your music that you made. You are one of my most favourite music interpretes.

@cesarlombardorivera7822

5y↑10

I love this version of the song!!! 😍😍😍

@anaclaudiavaz6568

4y↑2

Adorei!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💓💓😍😍😍

@amaziing22

4y↑6

Ahhh 😍 I love this song I use to play it all the time back in the old days 😘

@devinjones2420

3y↑36

This has to be the most early 2000s thing I've ever seen in my entire life, at i love it.😁

@The-Vega-Islands

3y↑6

Except that the song off course, that is from 1984.

@SorteComBr

Da hora as musicas desse grupo

@mickwelly6123

2y↑20

covers are rarely as good as originals but this is really good.

@domovoibutler42

It's great to have more than 1 good version of a favorite song!

@thetinybabbles

1y↑2

This is better than the original imo.

@mysticfellow9843

52w

@Tiny Babbles Oof

@radzfarabiddin141

3y↑5

2021 but I still listening to the A1's songs🥰❤️

@hooajo

44w↑2

Im born 1992 and i only knew the original version from A-Ha. I hesr this version the first time and now i know why. Some master pieces should stay untouched.

@BaconDomination

12y↑5

I think this was the first single I properly saved for and bought.. so many years ago and still good x)!

@schalazeal07

1y↑2

This was definitely one of my fav A1 songs and A1 MVs when it used to be my hobby to watch boy/girl band music videos (from the late 90s til then - my favs were A1, westlife and atomic kitten), and AMVs (anime music videos) circa '05-'08 here on Yt - going strong so far after almost 2 decades 🤩 this app def gave me one of my best memories as a mental introverted millennial 🧛🏻‍♀✌🏻

Also watched bsb, nsync, britney spears mvs. I feel like they were my kpop at the time, and I used to rape rewatch their mvs over and over specially when i loved the song, cuz first and foremost it was always music then mv and dance.

I missed it when western mvs used to have musically synced scenes, a compelling, progressive and cohesive story, cool, memorable choreography and visuals, besides their looks of course, which is pretty much what kpop is now.

I just hope kpop doesn't become swayed too much by western influence in order to capitalize the western market.
#tldr

@sitinurliyana7095

It's 2017 but i'm still listening to this song. Old school songs are always the best ☺️

@zakariabina5334

3y↑1

My favourite song ! Love it

@nikikate

9y↑6

Great cover, I like both versions!

@redwine0891

I love it, beautiful voices

@wendel9639

7y↑1

Muito boa essa musica

@SpacePirate04

2y↑6

Many Years Passed by, But If you still Love this Song, Well you're a Legend!❤

@vickyfromtheblock3385

3y↑3

I was absolutely mind blown by this video when it came out and thought it was proper space age 😂😂😂 knew it was a cover song but it made me appreciate this as well as the original

@alexdutis2195

4y↑1

Muito bom grupo 😍😉

@Natomac

47w↑3

Gosh, early 2000 songs were such a bop like you can literally jam and sing every song.

@erto569

One of the childhood memories ! <3

@jimmysecoya1294

2y↑1

Old but gold. I love it. Remember all my good days back. Miss it

@aliceemejio5653

2y↑2

I love this A1 band.. Since when I was in high school.. I love this songs😘🥰 A1 band 1990's Idols..god blessed😘🥰💕

@fayearmitt9006

4y↑1

i love this song so much i cant stop listening to it .

@karolasiinmaa6416

Listen to the original from a-ha

@KhalidAlShammiry

37w↑1

2023 and still reminds me of my childhood

@Arminhammer19

4y↑5

Still always the best cover of any song imo. Just a fooking beauty

@black_lightning_634

43w↑1

I remember my childhood memories. If there is a time to go back to 90s, I would go rather.

@user-nw9mz3vu3s

16w

I grew up with the original version of this song by, Ah Ha..& loved it, it was really popular back then..& the original singer-gorgeous!! & me, for being just a kid. Also I remember the video being really popular for it's live-action(drawing)animation..it was a big thing back then..Another thing if people want to check it out: There's a a 🍁 Canadian group from St. Catherine's called 🌊 Wave they did a remake of this song as well..& it's pretty 👋 good..so, people check out!! Note: Wave sing a song called "California" Thanks..🎤 🎶 🎶 just thought I'd put this out there 😊👍 👍
I grew up in the 80s!!📼 💕

@rachelipis336

2y↑1

Nostalgia...it brings back my high school memories...90s boybands are legend...

@amandaeklund8136

I love<3 this song because I'm a big fan of the 80s:-)

@joshtv2744

4y↑1

LOVING A1's SONGS

@jansenlee1995

4y↑76

When I'm hearing this song it takes me back 20 years ago when i was still a kid very nostalgic

@liljammy6434

4y↑2

jansen lee This isn’t the original

@bryanacat214

4y↑4

a-ha is the original

@mattjwardmusic88

Jesus ah ah

@punkgrl325

4y↑1

Li’l Jammy I think he’s talking about the music video and this particular cover. It screams early 00s for sure.

@yminh6754

3y↑1

I listened to A1 on MTV on TV when I was a teenager, still like them now.

@Pokemon_hunt

2y↑1

This song was so popular when I was in high school! Still remember when A1 came to Thailand and my best friend had a meet and greet with them.

@VanguarDSFG

45w↑1

This version has the 90s feel to it

@anetbtrcoderust1158

8y↑1

me encanta esta cansion😍😘🙌💜💕

@christianimperial3260

41w↑2

Im 90s and tomorrow are my bday still listening to this masterpiece of my favorite boyband😘😘😘

@SpiceWorld97

10y↑897

I found this so cool and futuristic when I was younger... looking back, oh dear haha!

@gegea5560

9y↑34

In 15 years you'll probably look back at this day, and you'll say the same.

@samieboo6075

6y↑12

Lmao. I am laughing so hard cause of this comment

@dodosaputra3164

6y↑1

Jade W me too

@ristukauenoyama4092

6y↑2

Exactly haha!

@fayeh.9716

6y↑2

Lmao

40 More Replies...

@elisabethgracesia154

11.12.18 still iconic song. Love it

@melissafox7257

This is pure talent

@alyssanodettecanillas857

2y↑1

A1 was a really great band. They all really handsome and had great voices. Ben was my first love at the age of 9 years old 😂 i am 29 now 💗💗💗

@apartahotelsmadrid375

I found extremely hot the blonde Swedish guy.....he was so hot

@marielamont240

Love it

@izumiyamanaka3821

3y↑1

2021! But still addicted to them 🤪✨💕

@andisulis

3y↑5

Jaman sekolah dulu ngefans banget lagu & grup ini,jadi rindu era2 msh ada MTV. Ketahuan bgt udah tua😅

@liricanocturna

1y↑1

Excellent cover. Nice and perfectly sung. Should see the original video cause it fits better the original song.

@TopGunnaBoy

50w↑2

Ah, pop music memories of the glorious 90's

@thousandyardgavri2785

I used to hate this song but now I love it. Both this and the original

@Raven1015

44w↑1

I know this version from Pump It Up. Holy hell... at 34 years old I FINALLY can say I've heard the full version of this cover.

@kelvinmendoza6308

2y↑3

Me listening back to this song because I really miss my childhood memories ❤️ and my old friends that I have no longer updates about now 🥺

@inyaaa_

8y↑2

My sister bought this album and this was seriously my favorite back then. Including the making part and Paul's futuristic motorbike lol.

@haileychang5240

7y↑1

First time I heard this song was A1 when I was a kid. I loved it back then... Now I love the Aha version more.

@pamelatan4417

loved this song esp the original by A-ha..it's on my "can't resist" list..'coz when you hear it you can't resist not to tap your feet/ dance or not to sing along!

@beverleybradbury4298

great song love A1

@longthien6219

2y↑1

Hồi nhỏ nghe đĩa VCD rất thích bài này, công nghệ VR xuất hiện sớm. I love this song.

@tinniekurta7929

7y↑106

This song is really a great song from A-ha but I love the way how A1 made it more lively and energetic this is an amazing cover. So, why so negative people😶

@MJN_SEIFER

6y↑11

I don't know. There's nothing wrong with doing a cover version, and I can tell by the video that A1 genuinely liked this song, and wanted to have fun singing it.

@Avarioth

6y↑3

People have this idea, that covers should only be allowed, if they personally have a guarentee in advance, that they'll like the cover better than the original. Actually, even then they'll complain, cause those covering didn't make it themselves.

@iuxbkman

5y↑3

Because even though the song was okay, the mv sucks hard.

@only-oneof-mjs993

5y↑2

I agree im a 90s and to be honest i don't know that they just cover the song 😱

@Jacob_G9

THE VIDEO.

6 More Replies...

@hectormadrigal8006

Un excelente clasico musical ochentero interpretado x el grupo.de pop q mas amado mi.hija desde niña este A1 ella le fascina todo el.talento de estos chicos y adora.su musica👊👍

@Toriyakii

My whole childhood is a lie I thought this song comes from them 😭but I still love this ♥️

@julienneibarra5346

No. Morten Harket😍

@Milliardo5

A-ha was the original way back 1985.

@muamarpanalunsong4876

3y↑1

I love this song when I was a young kid 😭😭😭♥️♥️♥️♥️

@LouRenzoVCacho

2y↑2

Childhood memories 💜

@njflower4249

I feel old. Love this song and A1 version x

@OzzyOscy

4y↑337

Imagine how infuriated my parents must've been with me not knowing this was a terrible cover of an iconic 80s track and not actually their song.

@its_nazrin

4y↑6

wow this comment rlly be under appreciated huh

@lilkitty4388

4y↑7

Why terrible?

@its_nazrin

4y↑6

Lil Kitty yo just try comparing it to the original and youll see

@OzzyOscy

4y↑3

@Jason Hughes ...'afeance'?...

@michaelhobbs3105

4y↑8

Well true it was first done by aha from the 80s where one day a lady bored of the waitress drinking a coffee in the cafe it’s reading a comic book based on a hero who wins a bike race against his Opponents. But as she turns the page the character comes to life and takes her into the comic to check out the band playing in the mirror. Little does she know the waitress angered by it screws up the comic and throws it away bringing up the two rivals who chase them down. When she escapes she realises no my hero and runs home she then sees her hero knocked down and he comes into the house blocked by mirrors at first but then he becomes a real person and a happy ending.

27 More Replies...

@elviagirlx

8y↑2

@user-bm5xn3kv7h

42w↑3

Great song * A-ha * . A sensation of freshness arises in me .❤

@mesbahbadihi

Very beautiful and familiar melody 💙

@meabaldoza760

My favorite A1 vid when I was in grade school. Love it❣️

@DubstepPonyBlogsAndMore

11y

Love this song

@lorieteantunesdeoliveira8845

36w↑1

Nunca superará a versão original do A-HA com a voz do Morten!!!! Essa versão do A1 parece que foi feita para criança.

@joshuasalado5708

3y↑6

Finally I found this video again. I remember playing this many times when I was a child.

@hazzaboy110288

13y

old school tune like ten years since i heard this love it

@sanlturk9144

great cover i look forward to their new album

@charmed_2726

4y↑1

Песня и клип шикарные

@kookiebunny9476

6y↑1

I love this song ❤A1

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