Ikaros [English translation]

When I think back on my childhood

I see scary moments clearest of all.

Yes, those times when they scared me or hit me

are the memories that stay.

Because children take love for granted;

anything else is against their nature.

In the time one takes a step out in life

one is only an affectionate animal.

And soon adults start pointing

and pushing for the direction one should take.

All their dreams they themselves have been denied

they want to fulfill through their children.

If one is obedient one is rewarded and embraced,

if one revolts one loses everything.

No one loves a child who doesn’t succeed,

No one loves a child who is strong.

But who possesses the ability to know

what a new individual is capable of?

And who can say to another what happiness is,

who can say what another will become?

Let your flowers root where there is soil,

let your plants live where they thrive.

Don’t lock your plants in a greenhouse,

don’t let them have an unnatural life.

Let those you love try their wings.

one day they will find their way.

If you want to be respected by your child

You should show your child respect.

• Artist:Björn Afzelius
• Album:Exil (1984)