When I Grow Up (Fever Ray song)

"When I Grow Up" is a song by Fever Ray, the solo project of Swedish musician Karin Dreijer. It was released as the debut single from their self-titled debut album, Fever Ray, in 2009.

The song is characterized by its distinctive electronic soundscape, featuring a prominent, somewhat childlike melody played on a marimba-like instrument, layered with synthesizers, processed vocals, and a driving beat. Dreijer's vocals are heavily altered, creating an androgynous and slightly unsettling effect, a signature element of the Fever Ray sound.

Lyrically, "When I Grow Up" explores themes of anticipation, transformation, and a longing for the future. The lyrics present a child's perspective on adulthood, fantasizing about the possibilities and experiences that lie ahead, with lines like "When I grow up, I want to be a forester/I want to have an axe and a little house." However, the underlying tone is ambiguous, hinting at both excitement and a sense of apprehension or unease about the future. The juxtaposition of the seemingly innocent lyrics with the dark and atmospheric music creates a sense of tension and complexity.

The song's music video, directed by Andreas Nilsson, further reinforces these themes with surreal and often unsettling imagery. It depicts Dreijer in various guises, often with masked or distorted features, in a dreamlike landscape.

"When I Grow Up" was critically acclaimed and helped establish Fever Ray as a distinct and influential force in electronic music. It is considered one of the project's most well-known and defining songs.