Elton John turned social isolation into music by inviting several artists to collaborate on the album The Lockdown Sessions, including Dua Lipa, with whom he sings on “Cold Heart.” In an interview with The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the singer recalled the star's invitation - which came during an unusual situation.
“It was Elton's idea and every time I talk about it I think it was the craziest thing in the world because I still can't believe we have a song,” he revealed. “It was funny, actually. Elton and I did some stuff together, I performed for his NGO at the Oscars opening and after that, we went out to dinner.”
Cold Heart
Elton John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Over and over)
(Oh)
It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you (oh)
Some things look better, baby
Just passin' through (no, no, no, no, no)
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no
And this is what I should have said
Well, I thought it, but I kept it hid
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you (oh)
Some things look better, baby
Just passin' through (no, no, no, no, no)
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no (no, no, no, no, no)
And this is what I should have said
Well, I thought it, but I kept it hid
Cold, cold heart (oh)
Hardened by you
Some things look better, baby (oh)
Just passin' through (no, no, no, no, no)
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no (no, no, no, no, no)
And this is what I should have said (and I think it's gonna be a long, long time)
('Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find)
Well, I thought it, but I kept it hid (I'm not the man they think I am at home)
(Oh no, no, no) (no, no, no, no, no)
Shoorah (oh)
Shoorah
Shoorah (oh)
Shoorah
(No, no, no, no, no)
The song "Cold Heart" is a collaboration between Elton John and Dua Lipa. The lyrics depict a man who is misled by temptation and is feeling the effects of a cold heart. The man is struggling to keep a facade of who he is and what he feels inside, which is reflected in the line “I'm not the man they think I am at home”. The lyrics show that this cold heart has been caused by the influence of another person, which is why he sings “Cold, cold heart, hardened by you”. This person has left a lingering scent upon him and its potency has resulted in his current state.
The song is also reflective of how we can feel lost and out of touch with ourselves when we let ourselves be influenced by other people or things around us. The final line of the song, “Shoorah,” could be interpreted as a throwing up of one's hands in resignation or acceptance of one's situation.
Overall, "Cold Heart" is a hauntingly beautiful song about the effects of temptation and the struggle to keep oneself grounded in the face of outside influences.
Line by Line Meaning
(Oh) (You're my cold heart) (Oh)
The singer addresses a person as their cold heart, emphasizing their emotional distance and difficulty in connecting with others.
It's a human sign
People often exhibit certain signs or behaviors when experiencing difficult relationship situations.
When things go wrong
These signs often come to the surface when things in a relationship are not going well, causing tension and anxiety.
When the scent of her lingers
Even after someone has left a relationship, their presence can still be felt or remembered through things like lingering scents or memories.
And temptation's strong
The pull of past relationships can be strong, especially when there is still an emotional connection or temptation to reconnect.
Cold, cold heart
The person being addressed is described as having an emotionally frozen or hardened heart, making it difficult for them to connect or show warmth.
Hardened by you (oh)
The person being addressed is the cause of the singer's emotional hardening or distance, emphasizing the pain caused by the relationship.
Some things lookin' better, baby
Despite difficulties in the relationship, some things may still seem positive or have the potential for improvement.
Just passin' through (no, no, no, no, no)
Despite temporary improvements or moments of hope, the relationship may ultimately prove to be a passing phase that won't last.
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
The artist anticipates a long period of time before things may be able to improve or change in the relationship.
'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find
The singer hopes that some event or moment can bring them back to where they started and allow them to rediscover who they are in the relationship.
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Despite how others may perceive the artist, they feel that they are not truly themselves or feel complete in their life at home.
Oh no, no, no
The singer emphatically rejects the false image others may have of them and the unsatisfying home life they experience.
And this is what I should have said
The singer recognizes that they have not fully expressed their feelings or needs in the relationship, and regret not having done so.
Well, I thought it, but I kept it hid
Despite recognizing what they should have said, the singer admits to not sharing their true feelings or thoughts with their partner in the relationship.
Shoorah (oh)
This word likely serves as an emotional exclamation or expression of frustration or disappointment with the state of the relationship.
Shoorah
Repeat of previous line.
(No, no, no, no, no)
Reiteration of the idea that the relationship is not going to work out and that it's time to move on.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bernard J.P. Taupin, Elton John, Nicholas George Littlemore, Peter Bruce Mayes, Samuel David Littlemore, Andrew John Meecham, Dean John Meredith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carrieknoth4346
Elton was my first concert! Back in the mid 70's SF CA. My parents were so strict I had one of my favorite teachers take me and my friends. It was the only way I could go. Such great memories.
@LTFC1964
Elton is just pure class. Enough said.
Remember this mix is made up of at least 30+ year old tracks
What a performer.
@iceforalljunky5647
https://youtu.be/joiCADs30nY very good
@NLTony
Well said Patrick
@morningsun5849
Yes
@brendancredence
Rocket man is actually 49 years old while sacrifice is 32 years old.
@TheDJBigMC
WE NEED THEM BOTH, LIVE
@chicken
Its March 2024, let's see how many legends are listening to this incredible song
@SebastianMoller-wy3bj
Heeeree
@MateusLanaro
Me