ColdCold Heart
Hank Williams Jr. & Hank Williams Sr. Lyrics


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I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't you free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart

Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can't you free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart

You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from lies, to try it just ain't smart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart

There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory




The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart?

Overall Meaning

In Hank Williams's classic song "Cold Cold Heart," the singer is expressing frustration over their lover's inability to trust them fully due to past hurts. The singer laments how hard they have tried to prove their love, only to be met with suspicion and doubt. They acknowledge that their lover's heart was broken by someone else before they came along, but they are now the one paying the price for it. The two of them can't seem to move past the hurt, and the singer is at a loss as to why their partner can't melt their cold heart and open themselves up to the possibility of a happy future together.


The lyrics are particularly poignant because of the way Williams delivers them with his trademark twang and drawl. His voice captures the desperation and longing of the singer, who wants nothing more than to break through their lover's barriers and connect with them on a deeper level. At the same time, there is a sense of resignation in the singer's words, as if they know deep down that their efforts may be in vain. It's a classic country ballad about heartbreak and the struggle to overcome past pain in order to find love again.


Line by Line Meaning

I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream
I made numerous attempts to prove you’re everything I want in life


Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
You fear that every action I take is a deceptive ploy to hurt you.


A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
A sad recollection from your previous experience is the reason we're distant.


Why can't you free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart
Why don’t you release your suspicious thoughts and soften your icy cold demeanor?


Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
An earlier relationship hurt you deeply long before me


And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
Now I am suffering the consequences of someone else’s actions from the past.


In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
When upset, harsh words are spoken, leading to tears


Why can't you free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart
Why don’t you release your suspicious thoughts and soften your icy cold demeanor?


You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You cannot comprehend how painful it is to watch you cry


You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
You are aware that my love is what you require and want, but you are scared to accept it.


Why do you run and hide from lies, to try it just ain't smart
Why do you choose to flee and conceal from things that aren’t true. Attempting to avoid confronting the truth is unwise.


Why can't I free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart
Why can’t I make you release your doubtful thoughts and warm up your icy heart.


There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
I used to feel that you were mine undoubtedly


But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
Now I understand that your heart is tied to an old memory


The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
The closer I get to you emotionally, the more we grow distant from each other.


Why can't I free your doubtful mind, and melt your cold cold heart?
Why can’t I make you release your doubtful thoughts and warm up your icy heart.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LAWTON WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@lauryliepolito52

"Cold, Cold Heart"

I tried so hard,my dear,to show that you're my every dream
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?

Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
In anger, unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?

You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love, yet you're afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life, to try it just ain't smart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?

There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?



All comments from YouTube:

@roydavidson2633

My Dad saw Hank in 1952 and got to hang out with him for about 20 minutes backstage. Till this day my Dad still says it was the best concert he ever saw. God Bless.

@Paulymuscles

That's awesome

@roydavidson2633

My dad’s best friend Ken Reynolds use to do all the bookings back in the day. A few years later Ken offered my Dad free tickets for some new kid. Elvis somebody. My Dad said…. Oh that kid is not going to go anywhere….lol
Who knew Ken was talking about the future Best entertainer of all time. Have a great summer and May God bless you even more than He has already done.
Roy

@G-unit516

So did I ....I hangout wit him ALL THE OL' Tymerz didn't get it .....nobody cares but stiLL💋💋we've been marr'ED 4 awhile now r.i.p Hanksta☕~ on me HAVE A GIDDY GIDDY GOO D4Y ,yooooo!!!!!!🔥u fire .

@roydavidson2633

Sorry it was 1950, I thought it was 1952. The years kind of blend these days. Hank was wearing a knee brace and it jingled to him singing. Like I said after hanging out with him backstage ( My Dad ) said it was the best concert he ever saw. Have a great summer everyone and may God bless you even more than He has already done.

@roydavidson2633

It was at The Auditorium which is now the YMCA.

25 More Replies...

@Gr13fKvlt

The fact that he wrote all of these songs in his early 20’s is what’s truly impressive. He will always be an American gem. 🇺🇸

@user-gx6ne9zd7y

Would give jesse boltz a listen what difference does it make. I started writing at age 8 and finished this song in 2023😢😢

@lisag18

John Lennon and Paul McCartney also changed music history still in their 20s.
Genius is genius

@WILLIAMBILLINGSLEY-zw2sz

YOU ARE SO RIGHT MY FRIEND.

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