"Take On Me" by Eleventyseven is actually a cover of the original song by a-ha, released in 1984. The lyrics in both versions are similar. The song tells a story of a person who is trying to express their love for someone else. In the first verse, the speaker is unsure of what to say but decides to express their feelings regardless. They acknowledge that today is another opportunity to find the person they love, even though that person might be avoiding them. They promise to come and pursue their love, regardless of the obstacles. The chorus repeats the phrase "take on me" and "take me on," which can be interpreted as the speaker wanting the other person to accept and engage in a relationship with them. The phrase "I'll be gone, in a day or two" suggests that the speaker might not be around for long, making it urgent for the other person to take a chance on love. In the second verse, the speaker admits to being imperfect, describing themselves as "odds and ends" and "stumbling away." However, they are slowly learning that life is okay and encourage the other person to say, "It's no better to be safe than sorry." This implies that taking risks and embracing love is more rewarding than playing it safe. The bridge of the song questions whether the things the other person says are genuine or just a way to distract the speaker from their worries. Despite this uncertainty, the speaker emphasizes that the other person is important to them and they will pursue them anyway. Overall, "Take On Me" is a romantic song about a person desperately wanting their love interest to take a chance on them and enter into a relationship, even if it involves some uncertainty and risks.
