Cold Water
Lulu & The Lampshades Lyrics
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For a heart that grows so slow
Do the things that make me strong
In cold water I will plunge
And oh, it moves so slow
Oh, it moves so slow
(Beware of the one that strays too long)
Shake this restless from my bones
(Got too used to being alone)
How long is too long?
(Mind your step and where you go)
But it's clearer on my own
(There are currents don't you know)
Because I hate to be wrapped in cotton
Oh, I think it's bad for me
(You should see the trouble you have caused for me)
Yes I see there's trouble but it's proven to me
I'm better off that way
Black river licked my ears again
Muffled sounds is where I'll find my friends
Black river take me there today
Been a while since I let you carry me in this way
And oh, it moves so slow
And oh, it moves so slow
The lyrics of "Cold Water" by Lulu & The Lampshades convey a sense of weariness and the need for self-renewal. The first verse paints an image of exhaustion - feet that feel like heavy stones and a heart that grows too slowly. The singer realizes that they need to do things that make them feel strong, therefore they will immerse themselves in cold water. The second verse hints at the dangers of spending too much time alone and one's own thoughts - beware of the one that strays too long. The singer wants to shake off the restlessness that they feel in their bones, but they know that there are unseen dangers in the depths of the water - there are currents, don't you know.
The chorus - "And oh, it moves so slow" - seems to describe the languidness of the water and the meditative state that the singer enters when they are fully submerged. The bridge is an expression of wanting to break free from being coddled and overprotected - being wrapped in cotton - and a recognition that trouble is inevitable but ultimately makes one stronger.
Overall, "Cold Water" is a song about the need for self-preservation and taking risks to renew oneself. It encourages the listener to face their fears and enter the depths even though the water might move slow and the currents might not be entirely visible.
Line by Line Meaning
Feet are tired like heavy stones
My feet are extremely exhausted, it feels as if I am carrying heavy stones on them.
For a heart that grows so slow
My heart beats slowly, and it takes time for it to grow.
Do the things that make me strong
I do the things that give me strength and make me feel empowered.
In cold water I will plunge
I will put myself in challenging situations, like plunging into cold water, to grow and become stronger.
And oh, it moves so slow
My progress and growth seem slow and steady.
Precious time out on my own
I value my alone time and independence.
(Beware of the one that strays too long)
(I warn myself to avoid getting too attached to my independence, as it can be dangerous in the long run.)
Shake this restless from my bones
I try to free myself from feeling unsettled and restless.
(Got too used to being alone)
(I acknowledge that I may have become too comfortable being by myself.)
How long is too long?
I question how much time I should be spending alone, and how much is too much.
(Mind your step and where you go)
(I remind myself to be careful and aware of my actions and choices.)
But it's clearer on my own
Being on my own helps me gain clarity and perspective.
(There are currents don't you know)
(I am aware that there are potential dangers or obstacles that come with being independent.)
Because I hate to be wrapped in cotton
I dislike being sheltered or protected from the world.
Oh, I think it's bad for me
I believe that being sheltered may harm my growth and development.
(You should see the trouble you have caused for me)
(I acknowledge that taking risks and being independent have caused trouble for me in the past.)
Yes I see there's trouble but it's proven to me
Despite the challenges, I have learned from experience that being independent is beneficial for me.
I'm better off that way
I believe that I am better off being independent and taking risks, rather than being overly protected.
Black river licked my ears again
The sound of a nearby river provides comfort and familiarity to me.
Muffled sounds is where I'll find my friends
I feel most connected to others when we are in a quiet, peaceful environment together.
Black river take me there today
I long to be near the river and in nature today.
Been a while since I let you carry me in this way
It's been some time since I allowed myself to be comforted by nature and the river in this way.
And oh, it moves so slow
The sound of the river soothes me, and its movement is slow and calming.
And oh, it moves so slow
The repetition of this line emphasizes the calming effect that the river has on me.
Contributed by Bentley Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bluecarnation5
I love their rich carefree voices, this song makes me dance like no one is watching ❤
@ricardopujolh
this should be much more famous!
@marksexton8212
I know cups is most famous... But this is their best song. Absolutely amazing.
Their new band Landshapes is amazing too.
@lajoiediane9190
Diane
I'm from Quebec Canada,... you look like your enjoying yourselves as you sing and that sure makes me feel the same !
I watch the series mum to hear the theme song... CUPS wow