Can't Cool Down
The Alter Boys Lyrics

The icebox is locked and I can't cool down
It is incredibly hot, but he cannot find any source to cool himself down, making him feel restless and uncomfortable.

It's Louisiana hot - old dog in a new town
The weather is scorching hot, just like the sun bearing down on him, with him feeling like a stranger in a strange, unfamiliar place.

Round midnight why can't the light be found
Despite it being midnight, there is still no respite from the heat, making him search for any source of light to cool himself down.

Got me poundin' on the pavement wrestlin' with the ground
The heat is overwhelming, making him struggle with himself, exerting himself so much that he ends up pounding and wrestling with the pavement below.

Sharkskin in a pig pen stirrin' up a sound
He is dressed in formal attire, standing out in a dirty environment where he is making some noise, seemingly attracting unwanted attention.

Pawn shop stacks a box of .45 rounds
Amidst the ruckus, there are signs of lawlessness, with the lyrics painting a picture of a place that is full of crime, with ammo meant for guns being sold in pawn shops.

Got a code to uphold contractually bound
Despite being in the midst of danger, he has an unbreakable code to follow, possibly due to being contractually or personally obligated to do so.

Said the icebox is locked and I can't cool down
He reiterates that he can't find any source of relief despite searching, emphasizing how the heat is making him feel restless, uncomfortable, and helpless.

Icebox is locked and I cannot cool down
He repeats himself, emphasizing his predicament of being unable to find any source of relief from the heat.

Plastic palm trees and conspiracies dot the grassy knoll
The lyrics describe a fake and unnatural landscape, symbolic of the lies and deceit that surround him in this place where nothing is as it seems.

Got both barrels cocked and a young blood hound
He is well-prepared for any danger that might come his way, with the reference to the loaded gun being symbolic of his readiness to defend himself while the hound symbolizes his sharp senses and alertness.

There's an old butchers block where you pay by the pound
The lyrics describe a dingy place where butchers sell their products by weight, which feels completely out of place in this otherwise strange and unfamiliar environment.

And the homecoming queen's waiting tables in her own crown
Amidst all the chaos and confusion, there is still a sense of familiarity and recognition, as someone who is very distinct, the homecoming queen, is reduced to working at a table in her beauty pageant tiara.

Belly up to the bar to buy the first round
He makes his way to the bar to buy drinks for everyone there, further emphasizing his readiness to socialize and make friends wherever he goes.

Bartender surrenders says we're in a dry town
However, he regretfully realizes that the bar cannot serve alcohol due to this being a 'dry town', a place where the sale of alcohol is prohibited, thwarting his plans to socialize with other patrons.

Son we can't serve you here he said with a frown
The bartender's refusal to serve him, despite his generosity and friendly demeanor, further highlights the hopelessness and despair he feels upon realizing that under the surface, this town is inhospitable and hostile to outsiders.

Because the icebox is locked so you can't cool down
The bartender explains that there is no source of relief from the heat, so there is no point hanging around, adding to his sense of discomfort, restlessness, and helplessness.

Umbrella drinks and cheap cigars while hot tub bubbles roll
The lyrics describe an ideal setting for relaxation and enjoyment, complete with fun drinks, cigars, and even a hot tub, accentuating the stark contrast with the hostile environment he is currently in.

Born of this world of hate - Born of an orphaned throne
The lyrics describe how his current predicament is due to his unfortunate upbringing, with him being born into a world filled with hate and anger, possibly suggesting a reason for his restless nature and ready-for-action attitude.

Born without a faith - Born of a broken home
He is described as being without faith, resulting from being born into a broken home, on a journey where he is searching for answers and maybe even a sense of belonging.

Belly to the bar dark in the block
The lyrics describe him in his element, ready to socialize and enjoy good company, even in difficult settings, with the 'dark' part possibly suggesting that he is not afraid of danger or the dark.

Draw an ace from the top of the stack
The lyrics suggest that despite the uncertainty and danger, he still feels in control, able to pull the best card from any deck or situation he finds himself in.