Astronaut
Lads Lyrics

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(V1)
When I grow up
When at last I find I'm a grown up
When I cannot climb any higher
What will I be

(V2)
When I grow up

When I've finished school and I have to go
When I've learnt the things that I've got to know
What will I be
4,3,2,1, blast off!

(CH)
Astronaut
Wouldn't it be fun
Flying in the sun
And on to Jupiter and Mars
Heading out to Pluto
Flying in my spaceship
Going anywhere I want to go

(V3)
When I grow up
Will I want the things that I want today
Will they be the things I'll need on my way
What will I need

(V4)
When I grow up
When I've done the things that I tried to do
Will I be someone to look up to
What will I be
4,3,2,1, blast off!

(OUTRO)
When I grow up, will my dreams belong to me
When I grow up, what will I be
Will there be hope for me

Does anybody know, which way to go
'cause I want to know

Overall Meaning

The song "Astronaut" by Lads explores the curiosity and imagination of a child who is contemplating their future. In the first verse, the child wonders what they will become when they are a grown-up and can no longer climb any higher. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for achieving all of their childhood dreams and aspirations. The second verse reflects the child's experience of finishing school and learning what is required of them. They are questioning whether what they currently want will be the same as what they need. The chorus introduces the idea of becoming an astronaut, which represents the freedom to explore and go anywhere they want. This dream is repeated throughout the song, showing the child's passion and desire to explore the unknown.

In the third verse, the child contemplates whether the things they currently want will still be important to them when they are older. This suggests that the child is aware that their interests and priorities will change as they grow up. The final verse returns to the question of what the child will become when they've achieved the things they want to do. The repetition of "4,3,2,1, blast off!" creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, reinforcing the idea that the child can achieve anything they set their mind to. The outro emphasizes the uncertainty of the child's future, questioning whether their dreams will come true and whether they will find hope in their journey.

Line by Line Meaning

When I grow up
When at last I find I'm a grown up

When at last I find I'm a grown up
When I finally reach the point in life where I am no longer considered a child

When I cannot climb any higher
When I have reached my peak and have nowhere else to go

What will I be
What will my future hold

When I've finished school and I have to go
When I am finished with my education and am forced to move on

When I've learnt the things that I've got to know
When I have acquired all the knowledge that I am required to know

4,3,2,1, blast off!
Time to launch into something new

Astronaut
The concept of becoming an astronaut

Wouldn't it be fun
The excitement of exploring space

Flying in the sun
Traveling towards the sun and experiencing its warmth

And on to Jupiter and Mars
Venturing to other planets in the solar system