Ice
Stranglers Lyrics
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Hagakure with perfume
Deadly with make up on
But it just won't do
I have ice instead of heartburn
She has ice on her fingers
We have ice in the oven
If there's no reason for your words
Then your silence ain't absurd
If there's no reason for your breathing
Then it just won't do
There is ice in my vision
There is ice always in season
I want cold air not your treason
It won't do
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
The lyrics to "Ice" by The Stranglers paint a picture of detachment, both emotionally and physically. The first line, "Die like cherry blossom" evokes the image of something beautiful and fleeting, a metaphor for the transience of life. "Hagakure with perfume" refers to the book of samurai teachings, "The Hagakure," adding a layer of violence to the imagery. The line "Deadly with make up on / But it just won't do" implies a character trying to put on a façade of beauty and power, but ultimately failing.
The chorus describes a sense of emotional numbness, with the repeated phrase "We have ice" emphasizing the coldness and detachment from feeling. The lines "If there's no reason for your words / Then your silence ain't absurd" highlight a lack of communication and connection. The line "There is ice in my vision" describes a physical manifestation of emotional numbness, rendering the world colorless and flat. The final lines, "I want cold air not your treason / It won't do" suggest a preference for being alone rather than being betrayed, but even that isolation provides no comfort.
Overall, "Ice" is a haunting meditation on emotional detachment, describing a world devoid of warmth and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Die like cherry blossom
To die beautifully and with grace, like the cherry blossom, is ideal.
Hagakure with perfume
Referring to the book 'Hagakure' by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, which deals with the Japanese samurai code, this line means to live and die in accordance with that code while being perfumed and well-groomed.
Deadly with make-up on
Even while looking innocent and alluring with make-up on, one can be dangerous or deadly.
But it just won't do
Despite these efforts, it is not enough or does not fit the situation.
I have ice instead of heartburn
Rather than feeling emotional pain or heartburn, which is common after a break-up or emotional event, the artist feels nothing, like ice.
She has ice on her fingers
The woman referred to is cold or unfeeling, with no warmth or empathy.
We have ice in the oven
This line could refer to a situation where people are trying to warm up or comfort themselves, but the means they are using are ineffective and even dangerous.
If there's no reason for your words
Words spoken with no purpose or intention are meaningless or pointless.
Then your silence ain't absurd
Silence can be just as meaningful or powerful as speaking, especially if there is nothing worthwhile to say.
If there's no reason for your breathing
If one is living without any purpose or direction, their existence is without meaning or value.
Then it just won't do
If one's actions or existence are without purpose or meaning, it is not enough or fitting for the situation.
There is ice in my vision
The artist is seeing the world through an emotionless, cold lens, unable to feel or connect with anything.
There is ice always in season
Emotions or lack thereof are always present or 'in season,' fitting for any situation or time of year.
I want cold air not your treason
Rather than being betrayed or hurt by someone, the singer would prefer to simply feel the numbness of the cold air.
It won't do
This situation or way of living is not enough or fitting, and must change or be resolved.
Hagakure with perfume
Repeating this line emphasizes the idea of living and dying by the samurai code while still displaying elegance and refinement.
Contributed by John H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Patrick Stocks
Die like cherry blossom
Hagakure with perfume
Deadly with make up on
But it just won't do
I have ice instead of heartburn
She was has ice on her fingers
We have ice in the oven
But it just won't do
If there's no reason for your words
Then your silence ain't absurd
If there's no reason for your breathing
Then it just won't do
There is ice in my vision
There is ice always in season
I want cold air not your treason
It won't do
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
Hagakure with perfume
John Robertson
i bought this album as soon as it hit my local record store , it was the regular sleeve , i tried to get the 3D sleeve and last week found 1 for sale , today at 3;30 at the same time as Dave's funeral was taking place the postman delivered me this album in the 3D sleeve . R.I.P Dave, always in our hearts.
Stanley Gray
Same. Bought every lp and single back in the day. All lost/stolen by slag people .
David L Butler
RIP Mr Greenfield. As with most legends, there will never be replacements, just copiers.
VincentRE79
They were a difficult band to copy.
Éric Aubertin
Thank you so much for your elevated and gifted talent monsieur Dave, my favorite band will stay close to my heart forever. Long live The Stranglers !
Michael Platter
One of the Stranglers finest Moments. All the Tunes on The Raven Album from 1979 are perfectly done. Every Tune is different and gorgeous.
HAGGIS .MCHAGGIS
An extraordinarily gifted man, unique, a pioneer sound ...Dear Dave, you will be so missed... thank you mate, thank you.
The D
Your music has accompanied me since this album and will stay forever with all of us, rest in peace Dave!
peridot13
The Stranglers Raven album was excellent! A sonic masterpiece.
David Ramone Morrison
I saw The Stranglers many times from the Black and white tour I think in 1978. Always provocative and confrontational they seem more and more to be getting written out of the history of music. A fantastic band