Matthew Mole is a singer/songwriter from Cape Town, South Africa. He has be… Read Full Bio ↴Matthew Mole is a singer/songwriter from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been described as "a multi-instrumentalist blending Mumford-honouring nu-folk and layered production". Matthew's first release was an independent EP entitled 'You Did Well, Kid' in 2011. In 2012, he won the 'Converse Get Out Of The Garage' contest and subsequently signed to Just Music, releasing an EP called 'Same Parts, Same Heart' shortly afterwards. In 2013 Matthew released 'The House We Built' on Just Music, which became an iTunes No.1 album in July – the first time a native South African had ever reached the top spot. The album spawned a number of successful singles including 'Take Yours, I'll Take Mine', 'You & Your Crown' and 'Autumn'. In 2014, a deluxe edition of 'The Home We Built' was released and in 2015 Matthew released a live album 'ITunes Sessions'.

On his musical style Matthew says "I have always had an attraction to folk music - happy guitar rhythms, thousands of vocal harmonies and random percussion is what I'm all about. I'm not the best at speaking, but through music, it's completely comfortable. Music - It takes up a lot of my time, it drives me, it makes me who I am. I try to live my life a little differently to the way most people think it should be done. For me, music is very closely linked to that. I like to try and bring my hopes and beliefs through that. What I aim to achieve is for people be affected by my music - in a great way, a way that will make them think about where they're at. Something that everyone can relate to. If you had to force something out of me, I'd tell you that I play folk music - folk music with an electronic back bone. I have so many influences, ranging from the people everyone's heard of, like Mumford & Sons, to people like Gold Panda. I hope that this musical adventure, way of life if you will, that I'm taking will help you to enjoy whatever adventure it is that you are taking."

Take on Me
Matthew Mole Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We're talking away
And 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, okay?

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

So needless to say
I'm odds and ends
But I'll be stumbling away
Slowly learning life is okay, so

Say after me
It's no better to be safe than sorry

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

Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da da
Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da
Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da da
Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da

Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da da
Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da

Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da da
Ta da da da, da da da, da da da da da da

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Matthew Mole's song "Take on Me" introduce the hesitation and uncertainty of the singer in a conversation with someone he is drawn to. He doesn't know what to say but feels compelled to speak anyway, as he is eager to connect with the other person. The phrase "I'll be coming for your love, okay?" is a bold declaration of his intentions, despite his shyness.

The chorus that follows is a repetition of the title of the song, with a call and response structure that suggests a dialogue between the two individuals. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to take a risk and go out on a limb to take a chance with the other person ("take on me"). However, there is an awareness that this might not work out, and he will be gone "in a day or two."

The second verse reflects on the singer's shortcomings and flaws, but he is learning to accept himself and acknowledge that life is full of ups and downs. The phrase "Say after me, it's no better to be safe than sorry" is a reminder that taking risks and making mistakes is part of the process of living and growing. The chorus is repeated with an added "aha-ah" vocalization, emphasizing the emotional tension and urgency of the singer's desire.

Overall, "Take on Me" is a song that captures the vulnerability and courage of putting oneself out there in pursuit of love and connection.

Line by Line Meaning

We're talking away
We're having a conversation

And I don't know what I'm to say
I'm not sure what to contribute to this conversation

I'll say it anyway
I'll share my thoughts anyway

Today's another day to find you
Today is another opportunity to connect with you

Shying away
You may be hesitant

I'll be coming for your love, okay?
I'll pursue your affection, if that's alright with you

Take on me
Take a chance with me

Take me on
Join me on this journey

I'll be gone
I may not be around forever

In a day or two
It won't be long before I'm out of your life, if that's what happens