"Cold As Ice" is a song by American singer Ava Max. It was released on January 24, 2023 as the fourth promotional single, three days ahead of the release of her second studio album Diamonds & Dancefloors.
Background[]
The song was initially leaked on September 1, 2022 after the delay of Diamonds & Dancefloors. The official instrumental later leaked on September 18, 2022, alongside a writer's demo. A visualizer for the song was teased on December 25, 2022 [1] for 12 Days of Diamonds & Dancefloors.
Demo Audio[]
Connor McDonough (V2)
Song Meaning[]
Ava Max sets the stage in 'Cold As Ice' by illustrating a character who is emotionally closed off and defensive, resorting to extreme measures like keeping a pistol under the pillow and sharpening a knife. The walls she builds metaphorically represent her emotional barriers, preventing anyone from getting close.
The emotional journey in the song's lyrics delves into the protagonist's inner turmoil and past experiences that have led her to adopt such a cold and detached persona. Despite yearning for connection, she struggles to let anyone in due to fear of getting hurt again.
Ava Max's intent in 'Cold As Ice' is to convey a sense of self-preservation and independence, refusing to rely on others for warmth or comfort. The impact on the listener is a mix of intrigue and unease, as the stark portrayal of emotional detachment resonates with those who have experienced similar guardedness.
In conclusion, 'Cold As Ice' by Ava Max offers a raw and intense exploration of emotional barriers and self-protection. The song leaves a lasting impression of a complex character who chooses to remain cold and distant, emphasizing the importance of self-preservation above all else.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
I keep a pistol under my pillow at night (Yeah, yeah)
I close the curtains and I sharpen my knife (Mm, mm)
I build my walls up and I build 'em up so high (Yeah, yeah)
So no-one's getting inside, I learned my lesson last time
[Pre-Chorus]
Babe, just walk away, just walk away
You heading straight for danger
Ay, don’t make a mistake
I'm just a little bit out of my mind
[Chorus]
Cause I'm cold as ice
I'm not the type to keep you warm at night
Better believe it that I'm cold as ice
I never stay for too long, too long, I'm gone
Cold as ice
[Post-Chorus]
(Ice, ice, ice)
Cold as ice
(Ice, ice, ice)
Cold as ice
[Verse 2]
At night I heat you up with bourbon and red (Yeah, yeah)
Put on a fire when I take off my dress (Mm, mm)
We're such a match when I get lit inside of your head (Yeah, yeah)
Swear you're gonna regret
You'll wish we never had met, no no
[Pre-Chorus]
Babe, just walk away, just walk away
You heading straight for danger
Ay, don’t make a mistake
I'm just a little bit out of my mind
[Chorus]
Cause I'm cold as ice
I'm not the type to keep you warm at night
Better believe it that I'm cold as ice
I never stay for too long, too long, I'm gone (I'm gone, ooh)
Cold as ice (Woo)
[Post-Chorus]
(Ice, ice, ice)
Cold as ice (Oh, woah-oh-oh, ooh)
(Ice, ice, ice)
Cold as ice
[Outro]
La da, da-da-da, da-da da
La da, da-da,da, da (Better believe it that I'm)
La da, da-da-da, da-da da
I never stay for too long (Too long)
Too long (Too long), I'm gone (I'm gone)
Cold as ice
Photoshoot[]
Videos[]
Trivia[]
- Connor McDonough's demo of the song has a slightly different instrumental.
- In the meta data the songs instrumental is titled "Cold As Ice 1.4 (Inst)".
- It's encoded with (Apple) Music version 1.2.4.3.
- This means the song was recorded sometime between May 16, 2022, and July 20, 2022.
References[]
 | |
|---|---|
| Diamonds & Dancefloors Navigation | |
| Links | Album Information • Shop Music • 12 Days of Diamonds & Dancefloors • Album Photoshoot |
| Songs | Million Dollar Baby • Sleepwalker • Maybe You're The Problem • Ghost • Hold Up (Wait A Minute) • Weapons • Diamonds & Dancefloors • In The Dark • Turn Off The Lights • One Of Us • Get Outta My Heart • Cold As Ice • Last Night On Earth • Dancing's Done |
| Outtakes | 2 Sides • Awake or Dreaming • Born in America • Climb • Crazy About Me • Crying on Camera • Dance For Our Lives • Dancing Feet Don't Cry • Die Alive • Easy • Heartbreak Boulevard • How Can I Dance • Jane • Just Cuz I'm a Woman • Maniac • Never Be Yours • One Night • On My Own • Opposites Attract • Phenomenon • Power • Rich As Fuck • Rock My Body • Scandalous • She's Back • SLAM • Stay Away From Me • Take It All • Time Bomb • Violin (Demo) • What Girls Want • Woman's World • Wrong Time • Unknown Khalid Collaboration |
| Artists | Ava Max |