Cold weather has a unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from the coziness of staying indoors to the isolation of being out in the chill. Musicians have drawn inspiration from these experiences, creating songs that bring the cold to life through melody and lyrics. Here are 10 songs that explore different aspects of cold weather.
10 Songs About Cold Weather to Warm Your Soul This Winter
1. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” – Dean Martin
This classic holiday song paints a picture of a warm, cozy interior while the snow falls outside. The lyrics, “Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. And since we’ve no place to go, let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!” create a sense of contentment. Dean Martin’s smooth, crooning voice and the upbeat swing melody make it a song that evokes the joy of being safe and warm during a cold, wintry day.
2. “Winter Wonderland” – Perry Como
Perry Como’s version of “Winter Wonderland” is a charming depiction of a snowy landscape. The lyrics, “In the meadow we can build a snowman. Then pretend that he is Parson Brown. He’ll say: Are you married? We’ll say: No man. But you can do the job when you’re in town” bring to life the fun and playfulness that cold, snowy weather can inspire. The light – hearted melody and Como’s warm vocals make it a song that makes the cold seem inviting and full of wonder.
3. “A Winter’s Tale” – David Essex
This song tells a story set in the cold of winter. The lyrics, “Once upon a time, there was a child in the snow. With a red – nose reindeer and a cold – cold glow. And all of the people who lived in the town. Used to watch him and wonder and never found out” create an air of mystery. The soft, folk – rock melody, with its gentle guitar strumming, adds to the sense of a quiet, cold winter’s story, making the listener feel as if they’re in the middle of a wintry tale.
4. “Cold as Ice” – Foreigner
“Cold as Ice” uses the metaphor of cold weather to describe a person’s demeanor. The 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” compare the subject to the unfeeling chill of ice. The hard – rock melody, with its driving guitars and powerful drums, mirrors the cold and unyielding nature being described, making it a song that captures the coldness in human relationships.
5. “Frosty the Snowman” – Gene Autry
This children’s classic is all about the magic of a snowman coming to life in the cold. The lyrics, “Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy soul. With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the Snowman is a fairytale, they say. He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day” are filled with the innocent joy of winter. The upbeat, catchy melody makes it a song that celebrates the fun and fantasy that cold, snowy days can bring.
6. “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby’s iconic song is a longing for a traditional, snowy Christmas. The lyrics, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. Where the treetops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow” express a nostalgic desire for a cold, wintry holiday. Crosby’s smooth vocals and the gentle, sentimental melody make it a song that has become synonymous with the coziness and charm of a white – snow – filled Christmas.
7. “Winter” – Tori Amos
Tori Amos’ “Winter” is a more introspective take on the season. The lyrics, “Hey, Mr. Frosty Man, I know you’re trying. But the snowflakes on my windowpane, they’re dying. And I feel so alone, like a leaf in the fall. There’s a stillness in this air, a coldness in my bones” convey a sense of isolation and the bittersweetness of winter. The piano – led melody, with its slow, emotional tempo, enhances the feeling of being alone in the cold.
8. “In the Cold, Cold Night” – The White Stripes
The White Stripes’ song creates a sense of urgency and cold – induced restlessness. The lyrics, “In the cold, cold night, I’ll be there by your side. I’ll be your man, I’ll be your man. In the cold, cold night, I’ll be there by your side. I’ll be your man, I’ll be your man” seem to be a promise made in the midst of a cold, perhaps lonely, night. The raw, garage – rock sound, with its driving drums and simple yet powerful guitar riffs, adds to the edgy atmosphere of the cold night.
9. “Snow (Hey Oh)” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers has a laid – back, dreamy quality while still evoking the essence of snow and cold. The lyrics, “Snow, hey oh. Snow, hey oh. If I could fly, I’d be with you tonight. I’ll be coming home, I’ll be coming home” use snow as a backdrop for a longing or a journey. The alternative – rock melody, with its smooth bassline and Anthony Kiedis’ unique vocals, creates an otherworldly feel, as if the cold and the snow are part of a distant, yet beautiful, landscape.
10. “Cold Hearted Snake” – Paula Abdul
Although the title refers to a person, the term “cold – hearted” can be related to the unfeeling nature often associated with cold weather. The lyrics, “Cold – hearted snake. Oh, you’re so cold – hearted. Cold – hearted snake. Oh, you’re so cold – hearted” use the metaphor to describe a person’s lack of warmth. The pop – dance melody, with its catchy beat, makes it a song that plays on the idea of coldness, whether it’s the cold of the weather or the coldness in a person.
Conclusion
These 10 songs offer a diverse look at how cold weather can inspire music. From the joy and coziness of winter holidays to the isolation and cold – related metaphors, each song captures a different aspect of the cold. Whether through swing, rock, or pop, they all bring the experience of cold weather to life in their own unique way.
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