Biography by Mark Deming
Cold Companion
The Arcs Lyrics
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Everybody knows
Just the way it is, just the way it goes
She's a cold companion
Like a desert rose
The worst it is, the more she glows
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
I saw a light shining
On the edge of town
I packed my things and I ran it down
Past me my hammer
I hold it in my hands
We can never change the universe's plan
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
Woman, are you undone?
The lyrics of the song "Cold Companion" by The Arcs reflect the singer's experiences of love and woman's nature. The opening line "I was born a lover, Everybody knows" indicates that the singer has always been a lover, a person who loves without any expectations, and is affectionate. However, the second line "Just the way it is, just the way it goes" signifies that not everyone is capable of understanding or reciprocating such love. The subsequent line "She's a cold companion, like a desert rose" reveals the singer's understanding of how his partner neglects his love, embodying desert rose, a plant that grows in harsh conditions and requires less water to survive, just as his partner needs less love to feel fulfilled. He goes further to say "the worst it is, the more she glows," inferring that the more he loves her, the more she ignores him, and the more he is attracted to her.
The chorus "Woman, are you undone?" is repeated several times, questioning the woman's emotional state, whether she is torn or confused, caused by her inability to be with the singer or her lack of emotions. The verse "I saw a light shining, On the edge of town, I packed my things and I ran it down" suggests the singer's willingness to move on and forget his love. He is ready to break free and start a new life without her. "Past me my hammer, I hold it in my hands, We can never change the universe's plan" signifies that he's ready to make things happen, ready to take action, and willing to accept that no matter what he does, he cannot change how things will play out.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born a lover
From a young age, I have always been drawn to love and affection
Everybody knows
My reputation for being a lover is widely known and recognized
Just the way it is, just the way it goes
Being a lover is just a natural part of who I am and how I live my life
She's a cold companion
The woman I am with is emotionally distant and difficult to connect with
Like a desert rose
Despite her coldness, she still retains a sense of beauty and allure
The worst it is, the more she glows
Her emotional distance and unavailability only seem to enhance her attractiveness and desirability
Woman, are you undone?
Are you feeling emotionally overwhelmed, vulnerable, or exposed?
I saw a light shining
I saw a glimpse of hope or possibility in a difficult situation
On the edge of town
In a place that is far from where I am normally comfortable or familiar
I packed my things and I ran it down
I took action and seized the opportunity that presented itself
Past me my hammer
Bring me the tool that I need to work hard and build something new
I hold it in my hands
I am ready and capable of taking on this challenge
We can never change the universe's plan
We cannot control everything that happens in our lives, but we can make the most of the opportunities that come our way
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAN AUERBACH, LEON MICHELS, RICHARD SWIFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind