Take on Me
Jazz and 80´s Lyrics

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The first verse of "Take on me" can be seen as a reflection on growing up and realizing that life is not always as optimistic or hopeful as we may have once believed. The singer is addressed by "Old Man Sunshine," a personification of happiness and good fortune. However, the singer expresses a sense of disillusionment, dismissing the idea that dreams can come true and that fate will pair us with a perfect mate. The use of the phrases "I'll start a riot" and "final curtain" suggest a sense of anger and frustration with the idea of false hope and unrealistic expectations. The singer goes as far as to call those who still believe in such things "cheerful Pollyannas" and declares it all "bananas."

The second part of the song finds the singer contemplating love and their own experiences with it. The lyrics "They're writing songs of love but not for me" express a sense of isolation and disappointment. The singer feels that love is something that exists in the world but not in their own life. The line "With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray than any Russian play could guarantee" highlights the idea that love can often lead to sadness and heartbreak. The song ends with the singer acknowledging their own foolishness in falling for someone who was not meant for them but still being unable to forget the memory of their kiss.

Line by Line Meaning

Old man sunshine listen you
I am addressing the idea that good things will happen in life.

Never tell me dreams come true
Do not tell me that my dreams will come true. I do not believe in that.

Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you try to convince me otherwise, I will strongly protest.

Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
I am warning Beatrice Fairfax not to say that my love life will improve.

Ever tell me he will care
Do not tell me that he will care, as I am sure that he will not.

I'm certain it's the final curtain
I am convinced that my romantic story is coming to an end.

I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I do not want to hear from any optimistic individuals who believe that fate will give me a perfect match.

Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Those who believe that fate will provide the ideal partner are delusional.

It's all bananas
It is all nonsense and unlikely to happen.

They're writing songs of love but not for me
Others may be writing songs about love, but they are not meant for me.

A lucky star's above but not for me
Even though there may be a lucky star above, it is not shining down on me.

With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Even though I look to love to guide me, it has only led me to disappointment and sadness.

Than any Russian play could guarantee
My love life has had more tragedy and despair than any Russian play one could imagine.

I was a fool to fall and get that way
I acknowledge that I was foolish to let myself fall in love like I did.

Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
I am expressing my sadness and disappointment in my current romantic situation.

Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
While I realize that this romance may not work out, I cannot forget the memory of his kiss.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES ARTHUR DRAPER, JASMINE JEAN MORLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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