Lyric discussion by Viarbetarna 

Cover art for Ikaros lyrics by Björn Afzelius

This song is arguably one of Björn Azfelius' best, so it's a shame it hasn't got a translation. The theme of the song is universal and more people ought to know what's it about. This is a rather literal and sloppy translation I put together just now, but if anyone's interested I'll write a more thorough one. Keep in mind that I'm not a native english speaker.

When I reminisce about my childhood The horror pictures stand out the most Yes, the times they scared or beat me Are the memories hardest stuck For as a child you take love for granted; Everything else is against your nature The moment you take a step out in life You're just a devoted animal

Yet soon are the adults there and pointing In the direction they think you should take All of the dreams that they were denied They want to actualize through their children If you're obedient you're rewarded and revered If you revolt you lose everything No one loves a child that doesn't succeed No one loves a child that's strong

But who has the ability to know All of the things a new individual is comprised of And who can tell another what happiness looks like Who can say what someone wants to become?

Let your flowers grow where there's soil Let your plants live where they'll thrive Don't lock your plants inside a greenhouse Spare them an unnatural life Let the people you love try their wings One day your love will fly right If you want to be respected by your child Show your child respect

Translation