Cold as Ice by Foreigner Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Chilling Narrative of Betrayal and Heartbreak
Lyrics
You’re willing to sacrifice our love
You never take advice
Some day, you’ll pay the price
I know
I’ve seen it before, it happens all the time (ooh-ooh)
You’re closing the door, you leave the world behind
You’re digging for gold, you’re throwing away (ah, ah)
A fortune in feelings but, some day, you’ll pay
You’re as cold as ice
You’re willing to sacrifice our love
You want paradise
But, some day, you’ll pay the price
I know
I’ve seen it before, it happens all the time (ooh-ooh)
You’re closing the door, you leave the world behind
You’re digging for gold, you’re throwing away (ah, ah)
A fortune in feelings but, some day, you’ll pay
Cold as ice
You know that you are
Cold as ice
As cold as ice to me
Cold as ice
Ooh, ooh, ooh, cold as, cold as ice
You’re as cold as ice
You’re as cold as ice, cold as ice, I know
You’re as cold as ice, yes, I know
You’re as cold as ice, cold as ice, I know
You’re as cold as ice, oh, yes, I know
You’re as cold as ice, cold as ice, I know
You’re as cold as ice, oh, yes, I know
You’re as cold as ice, cold as ice
In the world of rock, anthems that stand the test of time often do so because they resonate with a universal theme that strikes a chord within the human spirit. ‘Cold as Ice’ by Foreigner is one such song, embedded within the annals of classic rock music not only for its catchy hook but for the profound narrative woven through its lyrics.
Released in 1977 as part of the band’s self-titled debut album, this track immediately laid bare the stark emotions invoked by personal betrayal. As we delve into the lyrics of ‘Cold as Ice,’ we uncover the layers of warning, lament, and the daunting prophecy of impending loneliness that accompanies the pursuit of selfish desires.
The Frigid Heart: A Tale of Selfishness and Sacrifice
At the heart of Foreigner’s classic lies a poignant exploration of a person who is ‘cold as ice’—an individual whose heart is seemingly numbed to love’s warmth. The use of chilling imagery to describe a person’s emotional detachment is particularly effective in spotlighting the sacrifices made in the name of ambition or greed. It conveys the cold, hard reality of prioritizing materialism or personal gain over meaningful relationships.
What resonates is the song’s stark portrayal of the consequences that follow such chilling decisions. It’s not just a story of someone being heartless in their endeavors but is a siren warning of the cost that comes with it. This metaphoric ‘price’ is not simply monetary but is a bounty on emotional wealth and genuine human connection, reinforcing the adage that all that glitters is not gold.
The Echoing Prophecy: A Future Paid in Loneliness
The recurring line, ‘Some day, you’ll pay the price, I know,’ serves as both a prophetic message and a haunting foreshadowing of what lies ahead for the person in question. It’s not merely vindictive—it’s observational, coming from the standpoint of someone who has seen the pattern play out before.
There’s a palpable sense of inevitability within the lyrics that the person will one day realize the true value of what they’ve discarded. It’s a musical narrative of karma, painting a picture of life’s natural justice system where one’s actions—good or bad—eventually circle back.
Digging for Gold: The Futility of Material Obsession
The metaphor of ‘digging for gold’ and ‘throwing away a fortune in feelings’ offers a stark commentary on the misguided pursuit of wealth and status over deep, intimate human bonds. Foreigner taps into the dichotomy of monetary wealth against emotional richness, suggesting that in the hunt for the former, the latter is often squandered.
The song suggests that while one can grow rich by material standards, an impoverished emotional existence is often the price paid. It is an elegy for what is lost when the luster of the tangible overshadows the irreplaceable treasure of loving relationships.
The Icy Repetition: Memorable Lines That Chill to the Bone
Songs are often defined by their hooks—and in ‘Cold as Ice,’ the repetitive nature of the phrase binds the song together, encapsulating its core message and driving it home. Each utterance of ‘You’re as cold as ice’ serves as an indictment of the person’s behavior and a reminder of their emotional severity.
The simplicity and repetition of these lines make them unforgettable, etching them into the listener’s memory. They simultaneously function as a warning to others who may find themselves on a similar path and a call to self-reflection about where our own priorities may lie.
The Hidden Iceberg: Unraveling the Song’s Deeper Commentaries
Beneath the icy surface of the song’s lament about a cold lover, there lies a deeper meaning—one that reflects societal concerns. ‘Cold as Ice’ can be perceived as a social commentary on the emotional disconnect that results from culturally-endorsed individualism and the glorification of self-interest.
The song becomes a mirror, reflecting not just the story of one person’s emotional detachment, but possibly indicting an entire era or mindset that embraces success at the expense of human connection. At its core, ‘Cold as Ice’ is a cautionary tale, a lyrical reminder of the perennial truth that in our quests for personal paradises, we must be wary of what—or whom—we leave behind in the cold.
