When I Grow Up

First Aid Kit's cover of 'When I Grow Up' by Fever Ray is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of dreams, aspirations, and the longing for connection. The song's lyrics paint vivid pictures of the singer's desires and fantasies, blending whimsical imagery with deeper emotional undertones. The opening lines, 'When I grow up, I want to be a forester / Run through the moss on high heels,' juxtapose the natural world with an element of surrealism, suggesting a desire to merge the mundane with the extraordinary.

The recurring theme of waiting is central to the song, as seen in lines like 'Waiting for it to come back to me' and 'Waiting for you to embrace me.' This sense of anticipation reflects a deeper yearning for fulfillment and acceptance. The imagery of 'crab claws and bottles of rum' and 'staring at the seashell' evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler, more carefree times. The singer's connection to nature and the sea symbolizes a desire for freedom and escape from the complexities of modern life.

The song also touches on themes of creativity and emotional expression. The line 'I put my soul in what I do' highlights the importance of passion and dedication, while the description of drawing a 'funny man with dark eyes and a hanging tongue' suggests a struggle with darker emotions and the need for artistic release. The mention of 'cucumbers on your eyes' and 'too much time spent on nothing' critiques the superficiality and emptiness that can come from a lack of genuine connection. Ultimately, 'When I Grow Up' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the delicate balance between dreams, reality, and the search for meaning.