Cold Sweat
Sykes John Lyrics


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I put my money in the suitcase
And headed for the big race
I felt a chill on my backbone
As I hung up the telephone

Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Running down the back of my neck
To lose means trouble, to win pays double
And I got me a heavy bet

Cold, cold sweat

They say chances on the outside
Are looking pretty slim
I've been so lucky on the inside
I feel I'm going to win

Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Running down the back of my neck
Take a little money, there's nothing left to lose
And I got me a heavy bet

Cold, cold sweat

I've got me a whole month's wages
I haven't seen that much in ages
I might spend it in stages
And move out to Las Vegas

Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Running down the back of my neck
To lose means trouble, to win means double
And I got me a heavy bet

Cold, cold sweat

I put my money in a suitcase
They say chances on the outside
I got a whole months wages

Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat




Stone cold crazy
Place another bet

Overall Meaning

Sykes John's song Cold Sweat is a classic rock tune that tells the story of a gambler who is risking his whole month's salary on a big race. The song is filled with emotion and tension, as the gambler has a lot riding on the race's outcome. The lyrics describe the gambler's feeling of anxiety and fear as he realizes that he has to win in order to pay off his heavy bet. He describes the feeling of "stone cold sweat" running down his back and how he is both "stone cold sober" and "stone cold crazy" at the same time.


The lyrics of the song also describe the gambler's motivation for taking such a big risk. He sees that the chances of winning are slim, but he feels lucky and confident that he'll come out on top. He's willing to put his money on the line because the payout is double everything he's risked.


The use of repetition in the lyrics, particularly the phrase "Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat," creates a sense of unease and anxiety in the listener, effectively conveying the gambler's overwhelming feelings. The catchy chorus of "cold, cold sweat" adds yet another layer of tension to the song, leaving the listener feeling as if they too are waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the race.


Overall, Sykes John's Cold Sweat is a powerful song that explores the themes of risk, fear, and reward. It effectively conveys the emotions of the main character and his predicament, making for an engaging and memorable listening experience.


Line by Line Meaning

I put my money in the suitcase
I placed my wager in a portable container


And headed for the big race
Then, I went towards the horse competition


I felt a chill on my backbone
I experienced a shudder down my spine


As I hung up the telephone
While finishing a phone call


Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Being sober, but fearful


Running down the back of my neck
Perspiration descending my spinal column


To lose means trouble, to win pays double
Losing involves difficulties, winning provides benefits


And I got me a heavy bet
I have a significant wager


Cold, cold sweat
My fear is causing me to perspire heavily


They say chances on the outside
According to them, the likelihood of winning is low


Are looking pretty slim
Probabilities seem to be scarce


I've been so lucky on the inside
Privileged with success on the inside


I feel I'm going to win
I sense that I will emerge victorious


Take a little money, there's nothing left to lose
Gamble with some currency because there's no more to give


I've got me a whole month's wages
I currently possess my income for a full month


I haven't seen that much in ages
It's been a long time since I had such a sum


I might spend it in stages
Expend my earnings gradually


And move out to Las Vegas
And relocate to the entertainment city of Nevada


Stone cold crazy
Insane and jittery


Place another bet
Put down an additional wager




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALFRED JAMES ELLIS, JAMES BROWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Fernando Lopez

Grande, grande Sykes, mejor guitarrista de Whitesnake, con todo el respeto para Vai y Aldrich, que son geniales pero para Whitesnake fue único y aquí la composición para Thin Lizzy es puro 1987 de los de Coverdale. 🤘

Befuddled Professor

Cold Sweat iconic Song, One of the Best Guitar Players Ever. John should of got more praise he's up there with Hendrix and EVH. 🎸♥️🤘

Ben Phone

That's fuckin pace, when he bursts into the tapping, without taking a breath... That right there is talent.

Kevin Baker

2020 and my arm hairs still stand.

Fernando Santiago Rodríguez Escudero

Grande Sykes

Kevin

Fuckin' Sykes...BAD ASS !

Thomas Whitmore

Sings like Phil.

Big Dave Kilbride

Fuckin Brilliant .

Andy Burns

It's crazy how heavy and thick the guitar tone is. He sounds like he's playing two guitars

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