Cold Wind
Arcade Fire Lyrics

In the middle of the summer
Despite the warmth of the season, the singer finds himself unable to rest.

I'm not sleeping
The singer is experiencing insomnia, perhaps due to external factors.

Cold wind blowing
The cool breeze is felt by the singer, even in the summer heat.

In the middle of the night
The artist is awake during the early hours of the morning.

They try to find me but I'm still driving
The artist is evading someone or something, while still traveling.

If you're going to San Francisco, lay some flowers on the grave stone
A somber suggestion for those going to San Francisco, to honor the memory of someone important.

There's music on the station and I'm just listening to cold wind whistling
The singer is likely listening to the radio, but hears the wind sound outside as well.

And if they ever find me tell the papers cold wind cold wind
An ominous statement, suggesting that the cold wind follows the artist as they try to avoid detection.

Hey hey hey, something ain't right
The artist senses that something is wrong or off-kilter.

Cold cold wind blowing
Repeating the earlier observation, emphasizing the chilling breeze.

Cold wind blowing
Another repetition, implying a persistent presence.

And if they ever find me tell the papers cold wind cold wind
Echoing the earlier line, inviting curiosity and mystery about the circumstance.

Cold cold wind blowing, cold wind blowing, cold wind blowing
A rhythmic reinforcement of the already established imagery, to create a haunting and unsettling atmosphere.