As someone who has experienced the biting chill of winter firsthand, I find that music has a unique way of capturing the essence of freezing temperatures. Whether it’s the sharp sting of icy winds or the quiet beauty of a snow-covered landscape, these sensations are often mirrored in the melodies and lyrics of certain songs.
In this playlist, I’ve compiled a list of 20 songs that evoke the feeling of freezing, each one offering a different perspective on the cold.
Contents
- 1. “Scream” by Misfits
- 2. “Let It Snow!” by Dean Martin
- 3. “Map of Your Head” by Muse
- 4. “I Wish I Was the Moon” by Neko Case
- 5. “Heaven Beside You” by Alice In Chains
- 6. “Snowman” by Sia
- 7. “Love in the Ice Age” by Pat Benatar
- 8. “Snowman” by XTC
- 9. “Drunk” by Ed Sheeran
- 10. “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner
- 11. “Picture This” by Blondie
- 12. “Song of the Evergreens” by Chicago
- 13. “Winter Melody” by Donna Summer
- 14. “Zombie” by Natalia Kills
- 15. “Where You At” by Jennifer Hudson
- 16. “Winter Wonderland” by Dean Martin
- 17. “Snowblind” by System of a Down
- 18. “Snow” by Rosemary Clooney
- 19. “Feels Like Summer” by Al Green
- 20. “Winter Wooskie” by Belle & Sebastian
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Scream” by Misfits
“Scream” by the Misfits is a horror punk song that delves into the theme of fear and its chilling effects. The lyrics vividly describe the sensation of fear as a freezing touch that crawls into the brain, driving the protagonist to the brink of insanity. The repetitive use of the word “scream” emphasizes the inevitability of succumbing to fear and the primal need to vocalize it. The song’s intense energy and haunting lyrics capture the essence of horror punk, a genre the Misfits helped pioneer.
The song metaphorically explores the universal human experience of fear and the fight-or-flight response, suggesting that sometimes the only way to confront overwhelming situations is to scream.
2. “Let It Snow!” by Dean Martin
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Dean Martin is a classic winter-themed song written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in 1945. Despite its association with Christmas, the song does not mention the holiday. Instead, it celebrates the cozy and romantic aspects of being indoors during a snowstorm.
The lyrics describe making the most of a snowy day by staying inside with a loved one, enjoying the warmth and comfort of each other’s company. The song’s cheerful and upbeat melody, combined with its imagery of snow and warmth, has made it a perennial favorite during the holiday season.
3. “Map of Your Head” by Muse
“Map of Your Head” by Muse is an acoustic track characterized by its bouncy rhythm and arpeggiated guitar riff. The song explores themes of emotional disconnection and the feeling of being lost.
The lyrics express a sense of frustration with superficial communication and the desire to escape from the confusion it causes. The repeated line “I’m freezing and losing my way” conveys a feeling of being stuck and disoriented, both physically and emotionally.
The song’s light and playful musical style contrasts with its deeper themes, making it a unique entry in Muse’s discography.
4. “I Wish I Was the Moon” by Neko Case
“I Wish I Was the Moon” by Neko Case is a poignant and introspective song that captures themes of loneliness and longing.
The lyrics evoke a sense of coldness and numbness, both physically and emotionally, as the protagonist wishes to escape their current state. The imagery of “freezing hands and bloodless veins” underscores the feeling of isolation and the desire for solace. The song’s melancholic tone is enhanced by Case’s haunting vocals and the atmospheric instrumentation provided by her backing band, Calexico.
Over time, the track has gained recognition as a key piece in Neko Case’s body of work, resonating with listeners through its emotional depth and lyrical beauty.
5. “Heaven Beside You” by Alice In Chains
“Heaven Beside You” by Alice In Chains is a song from their self-titled 1995 album. Written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell, the song reflects on the internal conflict and emotional turmoil following his breakup with his girlfriend.
The lyrics juxtapose the concept of “heaven beside you” with “hell within,” symbolizing the contrast between external appearances and internal struggles. The song’s mid-tempo acoustic riff and introspective lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and reflection. It deals with themes of personal battles and the difficulty of reconciling one’s life choices with the desire for peace and happiness.
6. “Snowman” by Sia
“Snowman” by Sia is a track from her 2017 album Everyday Is Christmas. This midtempo, 60’s-inspired ballad features Sia’s calm yet energetic vocals, which narrate a story of a snowman being told not to cry as he will melt.
The song uses the snowman as a metaphor for fleeting moments and the transient nature of life and relationships. Its nostalgic and whimsical tone, combined with the piano-driven melody, makes it a standout track that has become popular during the holiday season.
The song gained further recognition through a TikTok challenge, cementing its status as a modern Christmas classic.
7. “Love in the Ice Age” by Pat Benatar
“Love in the Ice Age” by Pat Benatar is a track from her 1984 album Tropico. The song metaphorically uses the imagery of an “ice age” to explore themes of emotional coldness and distance in relationships.
The lyrics reflect on the challenges of maintaining warmth and connection in a world that feels frozen and unyielding. Benatar’s powerful vocals and the song’s rock-infused melody highlight the struggle to find love and warmth in an emotionally barren landscape.
The song captures the essence of 1980s rock while addressing timeless themes of love and human connection.
8. “Snowman” by XTC
“Snowman” by XTC is a song from their 1982 album English Settlement. Written by Andy Partridge, the song uses the metaphor of a snowman to explore feelings of vulnerability and the inevitability of change.
The lyrics reflect on the fragility of life and the ease with which people can be affected by external forces. The song’s upbeat tempo and intricate guitar work contrast with its introspective themes, creating a unique blend of pop and thoughtful lyricism.
“Snowman” is a testament to XTC’s ability to craft songs that are both musically engaging and lyrically profound.
9. “Drunk” by Ed Sheeran
“Drunk” by Ed Sheeran is a song that explores themes of heartbreak and emotional numbness. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s struggle to cope with the pain of a breakup through alcohol.
The song captures the feeling of being emotionally “frozen” as the protagonist tries to numb his feelings and escape reality by getting drunk. The imagery of a cold house without the warmth of a loved one emphasizes the sense of loneliness and isolation.
The song’s poignant lyrics and melodic structure reflect the cycle of using alcohol as a temporary escape from emotional pain, highlighting the challenges of dealing with loss and longing for connection.
10. “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner
“Cold As Ice” by Foreigner is a classic rock song that uses the metaphor of coldness to describe a person who is emotionally detached and materialistic.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who prioritizes wealth and personal gain over love and emotional connection. The repeated phrase “cold as ice” emphasizes her lack of empathy and warmth, warning that her choices will eventually lead to regret.
The song serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of emotional detachment and the importance of genuine relationships. Its powerful vocals and dynamic instrumentation underscore the intensity of the message, making it a memorable entry in Foreigner’s discography.
11. “Picture This” by Blondie
“Picture This” by Blondie is a song from their 1978 album Parallel Lines. The lyrics, written by Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, and Jimmy Destri, paint a vivid picture of longing and desire.
The song uses the imagery of a cold December day to evoke a sense of yearning for connection and warmth. The protagonist envisions a future with a loved one, capturing the essence of romantic aspiration amidst the backdrop of freezing weather.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its introspective lyrics, creating a dynamic and evocative piece that has been critically acclaimed for its lyrical depth and musical composition.
12. “Song of the Evergreens” by Chicago
“Song of the Evergreens” by Chicago is a track from their 1974 album Chicago VII. The song is characterized by its atmospheric and spacey sound, featuring Terry Kath’s guitar work and Lee Loughnane’s vocals.
The lyrics celebrate the beauty and tranquility of winter, with imagery of snowflakes and whispering pines. The song captures the serene and reflective nature of the winter season, using the metaphor of evergreens to symbolize endurance and resilience in the face of cold and harsh conditions.
The haunting melody and poetic lyrics create an immersive experience that evokes the peacefulness and majesty of a winter landscape.
13. “Winter Melody” by Donna Summer
“Winter Melody” by Donna Summer is a soulful ballad from her 1976 concept album Four Seasons of Love. The song represents the “winter” phase of the album, capturing the emotional chill and loneliness that follows a breakup.
The lyrics describe a woman grappling with the end of a relationship, feeling emptiness and longing for the warmth of love that has faded away. The song’s melancholic tone is underscored by its orchestral arrangement, highlighting the themes of heartache and solitude.
Despite being known as the “Queen of Disco,” Summer’s ability to convey deep emotion in this soul ballad showcases her versatility as an artist.
14. “Zombie” by Natalia Kills
“Zombie” by Natalia Kills is a track from her debut album Perfectionist. The song explores themes of obsession and emotional numbness, using the metaphor of a “zombie” to describe a state of being emotionally dead or consumed by unrequited love.
The lyrics convey a sense of being trapped in a cycle of longing and despair, unable to escape the haunting presence of a past lover. The song’s dark and edgy production complements its lyrical content, creating a chilling atmosphere that aligns with the playlist’s theme of freezing and emotional coldness.
15. “Where You At” by Jennifer Hudson
“Where You At” by Jennifer Hudson is a powerful R&B ballad from her 2011 album I Remember Me. The song deals with themes of disappointment and emotional distance in a relationship.
The lyrics express the frustration of being let down by a partner who fails to be present and supportive. The metaphorical use of coldness and absence highlights the emotional void left by the partner’s inconsistency.
Hudson’s strong vocal performance conveys the depth of her feelings, adding an emotional intensity that resonates with the theme of freezing in relationships.
16. “Winter Wonderland” by Dean Martin
“Winter Wonderland” by Dean Martin is a classic holiday song that paints a picturesque scene of a snowy winter landscape.
The song’s lyrics describe the joy and beauty of walking through a winter wonderland, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth despite the cold weather. The imagery of snow-covered trees and playful activities like building snowmen captures the magic of wintertime. Dean Martin’s smooth and comforting vocals add to the song’s timeless appeal, making it a beloved staple during the holiday season.
17. “Snowblind” by System of a Down
“Snowblind” by System of a Down is a cover of Black Sabbath’s original song. The track delves into themes of addiction, using the metaphor of snow to describe the numbing and blinding effects of cocaine use.
The lyrics convey a sense of being overwhelmed by the substance, with lines such as “Icicles within my brain” and “Winter’s ice, it soon will spread” highlighting the cold and isolating nature of addiction. System of a Down’s rendition maintains the heavy and intense sound of the original while infusing it with their unique style, creating a powerful and haunting interpretation of the song’s themes.
18. “Snow” by Rosemary Clooney
“Snow” by Rosemary Clooney is a cheerful and whimsical song featured in the 1954 film White Christmas. The lyrics express a playful desire to be surrounded by snow, with lines like “I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow” capturing the excitement and joy associated with winter weather.
The song’s lighthearted tone and catchy melody evoke a sense of nostalgia for classic holiday films and the simple pleasures of snowy days.
19. “Feels Like Summer” by Al Green
“Feels Like Summer” by Al Green is a track from The Belle Album. Despite its title, the song includes references to winter and snow. The lyrics juxtapose the warmth and joy of summer with the coldness of winter, creating a contrast that reflects on the passage of time and changing seasons.
The song’s soulful melody and Green’s smooth vocals convey a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the lyrics mention snowfall and the beauty of snow, adding a layer of depth to the seemingly upbeat title.
20. “Winter Wooskie” by Belle & Sebastian
“Winter Wooskie” by Belle & Sebastian is a track from their Legal Man EP. The song tells the story of a protagonist who observes a girl walking through the snow, capturing a moment of infatuation and longing. The lyrics describe the girl’s winter attire and the snowy setting, emphasizing the theme of freezing and cold.
The song’s gentle melody and introspective lyrics create a sense of wistfulness and romantic yearning, characteristic of Belle & Sebastian’s style.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.