There was a time I used to look into my father’s eyes In a happy home I was a king, I had a golden throne Those days are gone Now the memory’s on the wall I hear the songs From the places where I was born
Up on a hill across the blue lake That’s where I had my first heartbreak I still remember how it all changed My father said
Don’t you worry, don’t you worry child See Heaven’s got a plan for you Don’t you worry, don’t you worry now Yeah
Don’t you worry, don’t you worry now Yeah
There was a time I met a girl of a different kind We ruled the world I thought I’d never lose her out of sight We were so young I think of her now and then I still here the songs Reminding me of a friend
Up on a hill across the blue lake That’s where I had my first heartbreak I still remember how it all changed My father said
Don’t you worry, don’t you worry child See Heaven’s got a plan for you Don’t you worry, don’t you worry now Yeah
Don’t you worry, don’t you worry child See Heaven’s got a plan for you Don’t you worry, don’t you worry now Yeah
Oh-oh, oh, oh Oh-oh, oh, oh Oh-oh, oh, oh Yeah
Background
Released in September 2012, “Don’t You Worry Child” became Swedish House Mafia’s defining anthem and their touching farewell to the electronic dance music scene. The track, featuring vocals by John Martin, emerged as the group’s final single before their initial disbandment.
The Creative Journey
The song was born during a particularly meaningful period for Swedish House Mafia members Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello. Working from their studio in Sydney, Australia, the trio collaborated with longtime vocal collaborator John Martin to create what would become their most emotionally resonant track.
The production process took an interesting turn when the group decided to incorporate a gospel choir into the final version, adding depth and spiritual weight to the chorus. This decision helped transform what began as a standard electronic dance track into something more profound and universally touching.
Commercial Success
The song achieved remarkable commercial success across the globe:
Chart Performance:
Region
Peak Position
Certification
UK
#1
2x Platinum
US
#6
3x Platinum
Sweden
#1
6x Platinum
Australia
#1
4x Platinum
Global Impact:
Over 5.5 million copies sold worldwide
Streamed more than 1 billion times across platforms
Won “Best Dance Recording” at the 2013 Grammy Awards nomination
Cultural Impact
The song’s success extended beyond mere commercial achievements. It became an emotional touchstone for the EDM community, marking the end of an era as Swedish House Mafia announced their farewell tour. The track’s universal message about faith and guidance resonated across cultures and languages.
Legacy
Nearly a decade after its release, “Don’t You Worry Child” remains a defining moment in electronic dance music history. Its influence can be heard in countless progressive house tracks that followed, while its emotional depth helped legitimize EDM as a genre capable of genuine artistic expression.
The song also played a crucial role in:
Establishing Swedish House Mafia’s lasting legacy
Demonstrating EDM’s potential for emotional storytelling
Setting new standards for production quality in electronic music
Bridging the gap between commercial pop and electronic dance music
Production Credits
Key Contributors:
Producers: Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello
Vocals: John Martin
Songwriting: John Martin, Michel Zitron, Swedish House Mafia
Mixed by: Tom Coyne
Mastered at: Sterling Sound, New York
Fun Facts
The initial demo was created in just 48 hours
The gospel choir was recorded in a Sydney church
The piano melody was inspired by classical Swedish folk music
The track was performed live with a full orchestra at Madison Square Garden
The song continues to influence new generations of producers and serves as a reminder of electronic dance music’s ability to create meaningful, emotionally resonant art that transcends the confines of the dance floor.