"Take On Me" by a-ha is a song about a shy, introverted character trying to woo a woman who is seemingly out of his reach. The lyrics paint a picture of unrequited love and the struggle to overcome insecurity and express one's feelings. Let's break down the thoughts and background behind the creation of the lyrics:

Verse 1: Awkward Beginnings

• "We're talking away / I don't know what I'm to say / I'll say it anyway" - This captures the feeling of being tongue-tied, nervous, yet determined to communicate.
• "Today is another day to find you / Shyin' away / I'll be comin' for your love, okay?" - The narrator acknowledges the distance between them, but remains hopeful and resolute in his pursuit of her.

Chorus: The Desire and the Fear

• "Take on me (Take on me) / Take me on (Take on me) / I'll be gone / In a day or two" - This is the heart of the song. The narrator wants to be "taken on," to be accepted and loved, but he also fears rejection and the fleeting nature of their connection.

Verse 2: Self-Doubt and Hope

• "So needless to say / I'm odds and ends" - He admits to his imperfections and insecurities.
• "But I'll be stumblin' away / Slowly learnin' that life is okay" - Despite his struggles, he's gradually finding his footing in life, and gaining confidence.
• "Say after me / 'It's no better to be safe than sorry'" - He's challenging himself to take risks and not let fear hold him back, knowing that even if he gets hurt, it's better than regret.

Verse 3: Reassurance and Persistence

• "All the things that you say / Yeah, is it life or just to play / My worries away?" - He's questioning the authenticity of her feelings, wondering if she's truly interested or just toying with him.
• "You're all the things I've got to remember / You're shyin' away / I'll be comin' for you anyway" - He acknowledges her reluctance, but remains determined to win her over.

Outro: Repetition and Emotion

• The repetition of "Take on me" throughout the outro amplifies the yearning and the desire for connection. The finality of "I'll be gone" leaves the listener with a sense of longing and uncertainty.

The Background

The song was written by Magne Furuholmen, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, and Morten Harket, the three members of a-ha. The lyrics are a reflection of their own experiences with love, loss, and the anxieties of young adulthood. The song was initially released in 1985 and became an international hit, propelling the band to worldwide fame.

Overall, "Take On Me" is a powerful and relatable song about the complexities of love, the courage to pursue your desires, and the bittersweetness of knowing that even the most intense emotions may fade away.