FOREIGNER - COLD AS ICE

Released :  July 1977

Charted:  UK: #24   US: #6 

"Cold as Ice" is a song written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones that was first released by British-American rock band Foreigner from their eponymous debut album. It became one of the best-known songs of the band in the US. It was initially the B-side of some versions of the "Feels Like the First Time" 45 rpm single.

"Cold as Ice" is about trying to warn someone, who is emotionally unresponsive, that their cold-hearted attitude will catch up with them someday. The lyrics state that the person in question is willing to sacrifice love and feelings for their own career, material or selfish interests. The singer also implies that this person will realize their mistake eventually and will pay for the things they have done. The chorus is a warning that you can't just ignore your feelings forever because ultimately it will be your downfall. The bridge and outro emphasize the line "you're as cold as ice" to create a sense of dread and hopelessness.

Gramm told: "Subconsciously you draw from stuff, things that happened in your past, things that came out of relationships, the pain and the heartache of love that is intense and then so deep, and then suddenly you lose it. The whole gamut of emotional feeling that you go through in a relationship. Sometimes they end, and sometimes they last, and when it's the final breakup, you're left with the memories of that relationship. So I go for that quite a bit. You're kind of digging down deep into your well of significant things that you recall from sometimes near tragedy that you go through at the time."

Billboard described "Cold as Ice" as having a "haunting feel" and a "surrealistic chilling effect" produced by its "richly textured instrumentals and gutsy vocals" Billboard also praised how the song maintains its momentum and intensity. Cash Box said that "listeners will recognize the controlled fury of Lou Gramm's lead vocal as well as the finely textured harmonies" and that "the orchestra lends an expansive effect."