Shadowside
by a-ha

Album: Foot of the Mountain (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • During an online webchat, guitarist and principal songwriter Paul Waaktaar-Savoy explained: "The title is a direct translation of the Norwegian word; 'skyggesiden,' and the best line is, 'The shadowside, where I go/ I'm never where I'm needed so.'"
  • Waaktaar-Savoy commented in publicity materials that this song, "feels quite Norwegian – in the melody, the chords and the mood."
  • Waaktaar-Savoy told Dagbladet June 5, 2009 that vocalist Morten Harket's singing ability allows him huge flexibility in his songwriting for the band. He explained that in this song, "there is a vocal range of five different keys, and few other vocalists would be able to pull that off. When I'm writing specifically for a-ha, I know what I have to work with vocally, whom I can trust will achieve it."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.

Daryl Hall

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.