The Meaning Behind The Song: The Sun Always Shines on T.V. by a-ha
Introduction
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is a popular song by the Norwegian band a-ha, released as the second single from their album “Hunting High and Low” in 1985. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the UK, US, and Norway.
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The song is often remembered for its catchy melody, synth-pop instrumentation, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Morten Harket. But beneath its upbeat veneer, “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” has a deeper meaning that explores themes of fame, anxiety, and the human condition.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” by a-ha, as well as some frequently asked questions related to the song.
The Lyrics
The first step in uncovering the meaning behind “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is to examine its lyrics. Here are the opening lines of the song:
Touch me
How can it be?
Believe me
The sun always shines on T.V.
On the surface, these lines may appear to be a romantic lyric expressing someone’s love for another person. But as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the lyrics are more abstract and poetic, touching on themes of ambition, fame, and loneliness.
In the chorus of the song, Harket sings:
So fragile, so deformed
Shining through the void
The starry emptiness
All we are is bullets
I mean to be the hunter
Instead, I’m the prey
And love is just a camouflage
For what resembles rage again
These lyrics touch on the emotions that many people experience when fame and attention are thrust upon them. The narrator in the song feels like a bullet, propelled through the void of his life. He is prey to those who seek to exploit him, and love is merely a mask for his simmering rage.
The Meaning
On a deeper level, “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” can be seen as a reflection on the human condition. It explores themes of ambition, fame, and the emptiness that can come with success. The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the world of celebrity and how it can be a double-edged sword.
The lyrics of the song suggest that no matter how much success and attention one may receive, there is a hollowness to it all. The spotlight can be both exhilarating and oppressive, leaving one feeling like a bullet propelled through the void of life.
The final verse of the song is particularly powerful:
The sun always shines on T.V.
The sun always shines on T.V.
But tell me, what’s the color of the sky?
I’m meetin’ you in the park, just don’t be late
Don’t be late
The repetition of the line “The sun always shines on T.V.” serves as a reminder that what we see on TV is not always a reflection of reality. The narrator yearns for something real, asking, “what’s the color of the sky?” In the end, he plans to meet someone in the park. It’s a small gesture, but it points towards the hope of finding real connection in a world that can be superficial and empty.
FAQs
1. Who wrote “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.”?
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” was written by a-ha band members Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen, and Morten Harket.
2. What inspired the song?
The band has said that the song was inspired by the pressures of fame and the emptiness that can come with success. They wanted to explore the theme of ambition and how it can be a double-edged sword.
3. What was the reception to the song?
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the UK, US, and Norway. It has since become one of a-ha’s most famous songs.
4. What was the context of the song’s release?
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” was released in 1985 during the height of the synth-pop craze. It was part of a-ha’s debut album, “Hunting High and Low.”
5. What is the significance of the title?
The title “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is a play on the popular saying, “The sun always shines on the righteous.” It suggests that the world of celebrity can be superficial and that what we see on TV is not an accurate reflection of reality.
6. Who is the narrator in the song?
The narrator in the song is not explicitly identified, but it can be assumed that it is Morten Harket, the lead singer of a-ha.
7. What is the significance of the line “love is just a camouflage for what resembles rage again”?
The line suggests that fame and the pressures that come with it can lead to a simmering rage beneath the surface. Love is just a mask for this anger, which can be directed at the world, at oneself, or at those who seek to take advantage of the narrator.
8. What is the meaning of the final lines of the song?
The final lines of the song suggest that despite the pressures of fame and celebrity, there is hope for real connection and intimacy. The narrator plans to meet someone in the park, a small gesture but one that points towards a desire for real human interaction.
9. What is the significance of the line “all we are is bullets”?
The line suggests that the narrator and others like him are propelled through life with no real direction, like bullets fired from a gun. It speaks to the emptiness and aimlessness that can come with fame and success.
10. What is the overall message of the song?
The overall message of the song is that fame and success can be both exhilarating and oppressive. While the world of celebrity may seem glamorous, there is often a hollowness and emptiness to it all. The song points towards the importance of real human connection and intimacy in a world that can be superficial and empty.
11. What impact has the song had?
“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” has become a beloved anthem for many fans of a-ha. It has also been covered by several other artists, including R.E.M. and Colton Dixon.
12. What is the legacy of a-ha?
a-ha was one of the most successful bands of the 1980s, and they continue to influence the music industry today. They are perhaps best known for their hit song “Take on Me,” but their catalog includes many other beloved songs, including “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.”
