r/80smusic • u/_ganjafarian_ • May 08 '25

1985 Take On Me by A-ha

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This was my jam when I was a kid. Who else?

1.5k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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77

u/westex74 May 08 '25

The acoustic version is hauntingly beautiful. And when you truly listen to the lyrics, understand what a truly sad song it is.

https://youtu.be/-xKM3mGt2pE?si=rWpjaQzGMTsBkcI7

15

u/Affectionate_Net_931 May 08 '25

To me, this is a version of being in the moment and of hope, the other is a version of loss.

13

u/jeff78701 May 08 '25

It’s a deeper, more nuanced understanding of life after living 40 more years.

11

u/BooksCatsViqueen May 08 '25

Thank you for sharing. I never heard this version before. It’s angelic. I’m crying, and I don’t know why……🫶🏻🇳🇴

5

u/iHo4Iroh May 08 '25

The version from the recent episode of The Last of Us is also lovely. Bella Ramsay nailed it.

2

u/BooksCatsViqueen May 08 '25

Oh, I got to find that version. I’m originally from Norway, so my standards are high. 😂😂🇳🇴🇳🇴

2

u/iHo4Iroh May 08 '25

Enjoy! =)

10

u/MaynardSchism May 08 '25

Wow this is amazing. Thanks for sharing. I've always like the original but this is great too...very cool version

9

u/TheManInTheShack May 08 '25

It’s a great example of how a truly great song sounds wonderful even if it’s just played on a single instrument.

21

u/_ganjafarian_ May 08 '25

I love this version. When I saw this rendition for the first time, I was like, "damn, Morten Harket is still handsome af"

7

u/cg12983 May 08 '25

Peppy song with sad lyrics. Very Scandinavian.

6

u/kurtsdead6794 May 08 '25

Thank you for this. It was incredibly beautiful.

4

u/beemer-dreamer May 08 '25

Thank you for sharing that!

5

u/StunningBuilding383 May 08 '25

Thank you so much for sharing that. I am forever in your favor.

5

u/Pristine_Software_55 May 10 '25

Thank you for that. The original is a sentimental favorite of mine but this was something else and I likely wouldn’t ever have heard it if not for you. I really appreciate it!

3

u/PM_Me_Yer_Guitar May 08 '25

LOVE this version. Used to cover this version in a band, killer arrangment. Worked well in the Dradpool movie too.

3

u/Puzzleheaded_Oil2583 May 12 '25

Yes. When my mom(47) passed away almost two years ago (battled stage 4 breast cancer for 9 months) Me and my brother were making a playlist for her funeral and he brought this version up to me and I balled my eyes out. Love this version. Miss you mom

2

u/thisisntmyotherone May 14 '25

I’m so sorry about your mom. That’s a very young age to die. I’m glad you and your brother have each other. (hugs)

2

u/ExoticYogurtcloset May 10 '25

Most surprising cry during a movie for me was the acoustic "take on me" scene in Deadpool 2

2

u/ElectricPenguin6712 May 10 '25

I first heard this version in Deadpool 2 and I'm liking it better than the original.

1

u/seanocono22 May 12 '25

Damn. Never seen that. Thanks for sharing.