Cold Sweat
Thin Lizzy 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

The lyrics to Thin Lizzy's "Cold Sweat" wordlessly encapsulate the thrilling and relentless nature of gambling. The singer is about to place his bet at the "big race", no doubt hoping to win big. However, he's aware that the odds aren't exactly in his favor as he feels "a chill on [his] backbone". Despite the uncertainty of the situation, the singer is motivated by the prospect of coming out on top, a feeling that ignites both excitement and fear as "stone cold sober and stone cold sweat/running down the back of [his] neck".


Thin Lizzy continues to describe the chaotic, adrenaline-packed realm of gambling as a place that affords the possibility of losing everything that has been saved up, yet simultaneously generating the potential to win twice or even more of what was initially risked. The phrase "to lose means trouble, to win pays double" epitomizes the risks and rewards associated with gambling. The singer is willing to stake his whole month's wages for a chance to win big, even if it means that he may have to leave Las Vegas in increments.


Line by Line Meaning

I put my money in the suitcase
I invested my money in a bid to win big.


And headed for the big race
I'm making my way to the big competition where I hope to win.


I felt a chill on my backbone
As the reality began to set in, I started to feel nervous.


As I hung up the telephone
After making the deal, I was getting more and more stressed.


Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
I was completely sober but so tensed that I was sweating in my nerves.


Running down the back of my neck
The stress of the situation was manifesting itself in sweat rolling down my neck.


To lose means trouble, to win pays double
I knew that losing would be disastrous but winning would bring significant gains.


And I got me a heavy bet
I had invested a significant amount of money in the race.


They say chances on the outside are looking pretty slim
The odds are against me, and it doesn't appear that I will win.


I've been so lucky on the inside, I feel I'm going to win
Despite the odds, I have an inner faith that I am going to succeed.


Take a little money, there's nothing left to lose
I have gambled so much that the remaining amount that I have is insignificant.


I've got me a whole month's wages
I have invested an amount that represents my entire month's salary.


I haven't seen that much in ages
I haven't come across such an amount in a long time.


I might spend it in stages
I have plans to spend it bit by bit, to enjoy each win.


And move out to Las Vegas
I am so confident of winning that I have ambitions of relocating to Las Vegas.


Stone cold crazy
I'm so tense that I'm beginning to feel insane.


Place another bet
I'm putting more money on my belief and luck.


Cold, cold sweat
The stress of the situation has me drenched in perspiration.




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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