About the song
Few songs capture the sting of betrayal and the icy chill of a broken heart quite like Foreigner‘s “Cold As Ice.” Released in 1977 as part of their eponymous debut album, this track became an instant classic, its chilling melody and cutting lyrics etching themselves into the collective consciousness of a generation. Even today, decades later, the song retains its power to evoke a visceral reaction, a testament to its enduring quality and timeless theme.
“Cold As Ice” is a masterful blend of hard rock grit and melodic sensibility, a hallmark of Foreigner‘s signature sound. The song opens with a deceptively gentle acoustic guitar intro, lulling the listener into a false sense of security before exploding into a driving rhythm propelled by Mick Jones’s powerful guitar riffs and Lou Gramm’s soaring vocals. This dynamic contrast perfectly mirrors the song’s narrative of love turned sour, the initial warmth of affection giving way to the bitter cold of rejection.
Gramm’s vocal performance is nothing short of iconic. He delivers each line with a raw intensity that conveys both the pain and the anger of a man betrayed. His voice, at times tender, at times explosive, perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster of the song. And who can forget that iconic chorus? “Cold as ice,” Gramm belts out, each word a hammer blow to the heart, a stark reminder of the lover’s chilling indifference.
But “Cold As Ice” is more than just a heartbreak anthem. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of playing with emotions, a warning about the consequences of leading someone on. The lyrics, though simple, are brutally honest, painting a vivid picture of a relationship gone wrong. Lines like “You’re willing to sacrifice our love” and “You never take advice, someday you’ll pay the price” cut deep, exposing the cold, hard truth of the situation.
The song’s impact was amplified by its music video, a staple of early MTV. The video, featuring a dramatic storyline of a woman literally freezing to death, visually reinforced the song’s chilling message. This combination of powerful music and striking visuals ensured that “Cold As Ice” would become a cultural touchstone, its influence felt in music, film, and television for years to come.
Even today, “Cold As Ice” remains a staple of classic rock radio, its enduring popularity a testament to its timeless appeal. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak, reminding us that even in the coldest of moments, there’s always a flicker of hope, a chance to learn and grow from the experience.
Video
Lyrics
You’re as cold as ice
You’re willing to sacrifice our love
You never take advice
Someday you’ll pay the price, I know
I’ve seen it before, it happens all the time
You’re closing the door, you leave the world behind
You’re digging for gold, you’re throwing away
A fortune in feelings, but someday you’ll pay
You’re as cold as ice
You’re willing to sacrifice our love
You want paradise
But someday you’ll pay the price, I know
I’ve seen it before, it happens all the time
You’re closing the door, you leave the world behind
You’re digging for gold, you’re throwing away
A fortune in feelings, but someday you’ll pay
You know that you are
(Cold as ice) As cold as ice to me
(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) 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) You’re as cold as ice
You’re so cold as ice