A–ha, the Norwegian synth-pop trio formed in Oslo in 1982 by Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, rose to international fame with their breakthrough hit ‘Take On Me” in 1985. Known for Harket’s soaring vocals, sleek synthesizer-driven sound, and cinematic songwriting, the band quickly became one of the most successful European acts of the decade. Their debut album Hunting High And Low produced multiple hits and showcased their ability to blend catchy pop hooks with atmospheric depth. Though often associated with their iconic animated music video for ‘Take On Me’ , A-ha went on to achieve sustained success with albums like Scoundrel Days (1986) and Stay On These Roads (1988), building a loyal global fanbase. With career sales exceeding 100 million records and a legacy of innovation in both music and visuals,
A-ha remain one of the most enduring and influential bands to emerge from the 1980s.
A-ha’s 1986 single “Cry Wolf” blends the band’s signature atmospheric pop with a darker, more mysterious edge. Driven by pulsing synths, crisp percussion, and Morten Harket’s unmistakable vocals, the song creates a sense of tension that feels both urgent and hypnotic. Its cryptic lyrics add to the intrigue, inviting listeners to interpret the story beneath the surface. Though often overshadowed by their biggest hits, “Cry Wolf” stands as a powerful example of a-ha’s ability to fuse mood, melody, and drama into a compelling pop experience that still resonates today.
The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK Singles Chart on 3rd January 1987.
| A-Side | Cry Wolf (4:06) (Magne Furuholmen, Pal Waaktaar) Produced By Alan Tarney |
| B-Side | Maybe Maybe (2:34) (Magne Furuholmen) Produced By Magne Furuholmen, Pal Waaktaar |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | 24th November 1986 |
| Label | WARNER BROS |
| Catalogue Number | W 8500 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 6th December 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 05 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 08 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 6th December 1986 – 24th January 1987 |
Officially Released Versions
Cry Wolf (Single Version) (4:06)
Cry Wolf (Extended Version) (8:12)
Cry Wolf (Jellybean Mix) (5:14)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Hello?
Night I left the city
I dreamt of a wolf
He came from where the winds are cold
And truth is seen through keyholes
Strange longings that’ll never sleep
Now he’s come where no heart beats, gotta
Gotta cry wolf
Time to worry
Cry wolf
Time to worry now
You can start, but you cannot stop
You give in, but you can’t give up
You can tell all your desperate jokes
To a world that puts your love on hold
Gotta cry wolf
Time to worry
Cry wolf
Time to worry now
Cry wolf
Time to worry
Oh, cry wolf
Time to worry now
Dreamt of a wolf – a wolf…
The sunken-in eyes
And the pain in his cries
A shape in the dark (dark…)
(Cry) cry wolf
Time to worry
Cry wolf
Time to worry now
Now cry wolf
Time to worry, now
(Come on) cry wolf
Time to worry now
Cry wolf
Time to worry
Oh, cry wolf
Time to worry now
(Come on) cry wolf
Time to worry, now
Cry wolf
Time to worry now
Cry wolf
Cry wolf
Cry wolf
Written By Magne Furuholmen, Pal Waaktaar
