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First Aid Kit — When I Grow Up
Album: Ghost Town EP
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4188









Released: 2010
Length: 3:30
Plays (last 30 days): 2
When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels
That's what I'll do, throwing out a boomerang
Waiting for it to come back to me oooh oh

When I grow up, I want to live near the sea
Crab claws and bottles of rum
That's what I'll have, staring at the seashell
Waiting for it to embrace me oooh oh

I put my soul in what I do
Last night I drew a funny man
With dark eyes and a hanging tongue
It goes way bad, I never liked that sad look
From someone who wants to be loved by you oooh oh

I'm very good with plants
When my friends are away
They let me keep the soil moist
On the seventh day I rest
For a minute or two
Then back on my feet to cry for you oooh oh

You've got cucumbers on your eyes
Too much time spent on nothing
Waiting for a moment to arise
The face in the ceiling and arms too long
I'm waiting for him to catch me oooh oh
Comments (231)add comment
 nutrod42 wrote:

Great version of this song. Lovely and haunting. Amazing harmonies. (I like the original too.)



I never realized that this was a cover.  Maybe William could give the original Fever Ray version a spin.
 idiot_wind wrote:

you can all scoff at my hypothesis, but these sisters can read each other"s minds to get on the same page for melody, harmony, and timing.  No other way to explain how they do it.

Kind of like what the Three Stooges  could do on their timing.



When they play live they often touch their foreheads together while playing, so there's that.
Great version of this song. Lovely and haunting. Amazing harmonies. (I like the original too.)
I just love their music!!!!!!!
you can all scoff at my hypothesis, but these sisters can read each other"s minds to get on the same page for melody, harmony, and timing.  No other way to explain how they do it.

Kind of like what the Three Stooges  could do on their timing.
 bialia wrote:
 timmus wrote:

My main problem with First Aid Kit is way too much harmonizing through all of their songs.  It starts coming across as a device they're leaning on too hard.  I think it would help showcase their musical abilities if some of the songs were broken up into solos.



Weird take. First Aid Kit aren't even close to my favourite band ever, but harmonies aren't a gimmick. Imagine someone saying that about CS&N, for example.
 
On second thought and a relisten, I think you're right... I'm not sure where I was coming from and I retract my earlier comments.  They are pretty good.
They cant even imagine what is like to be old... but  youth is soo romantic,
More and more impressed by first aid kit,just upped this to 9
 fredriley wrote:

I prefer the original but this keeps its little girl playfulness and is worth a good 8 from the Nottingham jury.



Sorry to say I'm biased 10 from Sweden :-) 
how do they do that?

the harmonizing must be based upon some type of mutual mind reading
I prefer the original but this keeps its little girl playfulness and is worth a good 8 from the Nottingham jury.
Wonderful, I don't ever want to grow up.
 idiot_wind wrote:

get them to tour with the wailin jennys


And the Staves!
Love this song.  Lilting and lovely.
I like the Fever Ray version much better, but this is still a strong 7. 
I just love their music sooo much!!!!!!!
Sounds like a 45 played at 33 1/3.
You Go Girls....If only I was 30 years younger...I would chase them!
 timmus wrote:

My main problem with First Aid Kit is way too much harmonizing through all of their songs.  It starts coming across as a device they're leaning on too hard.  I think it would help showcase their musical abilities if some of the songs were broken up into solos.



Weird take. First Aid Kit aren't even close to my favourite band ever, but harmonies aren't a gimmick. Imagine someone saying that about CS&N, for example.
 timmus wrote:

My main problem with First Aid Kit is way too much harmonizing through all of their songs.  It starts coming across as a device they're leaning on too hard.  I think it would help showcase their musical abilities if some of the songs were broken up into solos.



I love the harmonies
 Proclivities wrote:

Bill's not Swedish.  Oh, wait....never mind.


This Bill is though:
We could do with more Fever Ray
get them to tour with the wailin jennys

America
Emmylou


My main problem with First Aid Kit is way too much harmonizing through all of their songs.  It starts coming across as a device they're leaning on too hard.  I think it would help showcase their musical abilities if some of the songs were broken up into solos.
 sjccroquet wrote:
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester


Genius. If Monty Python had thought of this before 'I'm a lumberjack and I'm ok!' What a coup that would have been.
reminds me of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Runaway
This has a very nice vibe to it. 


Swedish harmonies.   Cool. 
Oh, they can sing it, for sure.

...but Fever Ray still owns it (to me).
 rpdevotee wrote:

And the award for the best band with the worst name goes to!:  FIRST AID KIT



This is at least better than the Weepies.  Another super talented band with a questionable name.
 sjccroquet wrote:
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester
 

And you're ok! Eh.
 pixel-pusher wrote:
C'mon, Bill, you know the rule: a cover of Fever Ray has to be followed by an obscure track from her. I'm very disappointed.
 
The Carrot grew to beat the farmer as they say in weird countries
And the award for the best band with the worst name goes to!:  FIRST AID KIT
C'mon, Bill, you know the rule: a cover of Fever Ray has to be followed by an obscure track from her. I'm very disappointed.
Pleasant enough I suppose, but rating 7.4?
Paradise listeners must be having a larf.....
 cely wrote:
I don't like the word "twee."  But this song might have invented it.
 I don't like whiners. But, when the shoe fits....

 cavemanleong wrote:
Love the sisters. What lovely music they make! More! More! More!
 I agree, totally!! Was just about to post when I read yours. So, I'll simply add to it by saying...I'd bet that these two beautiful young ladies could sing a capella, and sound every bit as good!!  God bless!

 sjccroquet wrote:
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester
 


I'm a lumberjack and I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees, I wear high heels
Suspenders and a bra
I wish I would been a girlie
Just like my dear papa

The Lumberjack Song
There's something about this song that brings back intense sensory memories of my childhood. I really appreciate moments like these.
 sjccroquet wrote:
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester
 
excellent 10/10
This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
Stream of consciousness lyrics... but I like it.  It's informing my inner thought-sounds though:

I'll take out the trash,
As soon as it's neeeeeeeded...
 sjccroquet wrote:
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester
 
I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK
I sleep all night, I work all day
He's a lumberjack and he's OK
He sleeps all night and works all day

I cut down trees, I eat my lunch
I go to the lavatory
On Wednesdays I go shopping
And have buttered scones for tea

He cuts down trees, he eats his lunch
He goes to the lavatory
On Wednesdays he goes shopping
And has buttered scones for tea
He's a lumberjack and he's OK
He sleeps all night and works all day

I cut down trees, I skip and jump
I like to press wild flowers
I put on women's clothing
And hang around in bars


He cuts down trees, he skips and jumps
He likes to press wild flowers
He puts on women's clothing
And hangs around in bars...?

He's a lumberjack and he's OK
He sleeps all night and works all day


I cut down trees, I wear high heels
Suspenders and a bra
I wish I were a girlie
Just like my dear papa


He cuts down trees, he wears high heels
Suspenders and a bra?!?
 sjccroquet wrote:
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester
 
...with suspenders and a bras!
long live MP (& the RCMP)
Interesting thing about First Aid Kit. Upon repeated listening you find less and less there.
I don't like the word "twee."  But this song might have invented it.
"When I grow up, I want to be a forester
Run through the moss on high heels..."

Forester
 bertbakker wrote:
Strong resemblance to ‘This is the life’ by Amy McDonald
 
Just the most well-trodden four chord progression in popular music, at a similar tempo.
Well, I am grown up (sadly) and now realize I would have enjoyed life as a forester.  Oh well, life as an engineer has been pretty schweet.
Leonard Cohen style guitar
I really love this cover.  They really took this and made it their own.
Strong resemblance to ‘This is the life’ by Amy McDonald
great cover of a great Fever Ray track. Everyon Happy!
5 times in the last 30 days is way too much billy
I think the song was distorted but that's just my humble opinion.
Some things just don't fit.
Great Fever Ray cover!  Who else has done Fever Ray covers?
Great cover. Shows what a great songwriter Fever Ray is
 teapot wrote:
Two Swedish bands in a row. Who is next, Bill? :

{#Angel}
 
Bill's not Swedish.  Oh, wait....never mind.
Amazing new app. Thanks!!
one of those cover versions no one needs
 HoneyBearKelly wrote:
 
 
What?   I can't hear you...I think I need a doctor.
I'm always looking forward to Fever Ray after this! Will I be disappointed??
more!
Love the sisters. What lovely music they make! More! More! More!
Like their sound. Sorta like Helen Reddy teaming with Sally Ellyson (Hem).
These voices....they take me away to a place with no Name..but far far away....perrrfect
This was pretty much just background music to me until I decided to look up the group and find out more about them.  Wow...I took a little more time to listen and really appreciate the incredible talent of these two sisters.  And apparently I am not the only one either.
Oops! I thought Bill said "First Eight Kids". Guess that's why I couldn't find them online. :p
I need some
 membeth wrote:
I like this cover, but prefer the original by Fever Ray.  Also, the video of the original is fantastically trippy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F-CpE73o2M.

 
Thanks for the link, 15million views.....


 Wilfrue wrote:
The intentional stridence in the chorus feels contrived and overwrought to me. The impression only deepens with each listen. Too bad as it is an otherwise fine performance.

 
+1. Phrasing and breathing also feels awkward. Still, good enough I want to hear more from these Swedish sisters.
Quirky cover of a quirky song.

I like both!  This song speaks to me, no matter what it may sound like.



I like this cover, but prefer the original by Fever Ray.  Also, the video of the original is fantastically trippy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F-CpE73o2M.
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I feel that the barmy lyrics suit Fever Ray better than these ladies.

 

Wow.  Up until now I had just assumed it was Fever Ray.  Guess I never looked to see who it actually was.
The intentional stridence in the chorus feels contrived and overwrought to me. The impression only deepens with each listen. Too bad as it is an otherwise fine performance.
 dora_exploradora wrote:
I'd rather take fever ray, tnx! {#Confused} 

 
yup, poor rendition...
Just joined in. Been playing any Guy Clark today?
I'd rather take fever ray, tnx! {#Confused} 
Wundervoll 
Zauberhaft!
Likeable.
nice!
The Fever Ray version is so much better.
One song between Ted Nugent and this. . . Now that's an eclectic mix.  Bravo!
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I feel that the barmy lyrics suit Fever Ray better than these ladies.

 
"Barmy".  Great word!  I learn something every day on RP.
Just a beautiuful tune !
I feel that the barmy lyrics suit Fever Ray better than these ladies.
Yeah!  As a professional forester I am naturally biased from the start of this song to really dig it.  Yeah!  though I recommend White's smoke-jumper boots out of Spokane and not high heels.  Redmeat and Boardfeet!
The band are just awesome I just love the FAK
Why is Popeye singing?
Turn up the volume.   This is awesome at high sound pressure levels !

 
I don't wanna grow up when I grow up..{#Cheesygrin}
 hanssachs wrote:
Why can't any of these Scandinavians write more than four bars of melody these days?  First Aid Kit, Monsters & Men, really really repetitive stuff ... tiresome.

 
Yep and play it on a ukulele no doubt.
I like this more each time I hear it. Seductive...
I prefer the original, but this isn't bad :)
Better than the original.  May be biassed by hearing this first or by my opinion that Fever Ray are like the Sisters of Mercy but without talent.  Regardless I stand by it - girls you may go join Jimi Hendrix (Watchtower) Jeff Buckly (Hallelujah) and probably some other non dead people not coming immediately to my mind as having done a cover better than the original.
Great song, great harmony, great lyrics. Thanks Bill.
 dragon1952 wrote:
Boring, over copied female vocal style that is so prevalent today.

 
It's better than the alternative.  
Is it the Sundays... on Sunday ?
Did I miss the memo about it being Lifeless Cover Of Good Song Day?  First that crappy cover of "Paranoid" and now this.  Come on, Bill.
 snap_dragon wrote:
It is songs like this that make me glad I listen to RP.  I would never seek out this artist and probably would not stumble upon them.

I don't love this song so much that I need it on my iPod, but I always turn it up when it comes on.  

This to me is the essence of this awesome station.  Thx Bill & Rebecca.

 

 
Amen
A mellow Florence
 dragon1952 wrote:
Boring, over copied female vocal style that is so prevalent today.

 

Says you!
 hanssachs wrote:
Why can't any of these Scandinavians write more than four bars of melody these days?  First Aid Kit, Monsters & Men, really really repetitive stuff ... tiresome.
 
Two chords good... three chords and you're into free jazz. 
 lou reed  paraphrased to hell probably, bless his soul.

and apart from that.. it seems to me like an awful lot of good stuff is coming out of Scandinavia and Australia at the moment, maybe it's just me.
Why can't any of these Scandinavians write more than four bars of melody these days?  First Aid Kit, Monsters & Men, really really repetitive stuff ... tiresome.
Every time I hear this, I think it's Amy McDonald {#Beat}

That's a good thing btw
I was thinking that this sounded an awful lot like Ane Brun and Anna Ternheim, but it's two other ladies from Sweden. Nice. 
 msymmes wrote:
Going to an EIGHT now.
 
Even after 9 months it still caught my ear again.

 
I second that 8
Absolutely! She is channelling my Montreal homie Lenny.

 
southcoastsounds wrote:
Nice track all round. The acoustic guitar reminds me of similar fast picking on nylon strings in Leonard Cohen's Stranger Song. 

 


Going to an EIGHT now.
 
Even after 9 months it still caught my ear again.
Boring, over copied female vocal style that is so prevalent today.
It's a nice song, despite the insufferable vocal affectations.
It is songs like this that make me glad I listen to RP.  I would never seek out this artist and probably would not stumble upon them.

I don't love this song so much that I need it on my iPod, but I always turn it up when it comes on.  

This to me is the essence of this awesome station.  Thx Bill & Rebecca.

 
Oh, how much better this version is than that horrid Fever Ray version. Which one came first?
 ch83575 wrote:

I'm strongly inclined to agree... but do you all sing in english?

 
The fine Swedish band Kent, played often on RP (thanks, RP!) sings in Swedish. I suspect that singing in English widens Swedish artists' audience beyond Scandinavia. From my limited experience in Sweden most Swedes speak impeccable English, to the shame of many English speakers who often have no foreign languages at all. The multilingualism of Scandinavians is staggeringly good and humbling.
...nice cover of the original.
Beach House rules!! Oh, sorry!