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Patty Griffin — Cold As It Gets
Album: Impossible Dream
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1379









Released: 2004
Length: 2:33
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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To the end of the earth I search for your face
For the one who laid all of our beauty to waste
Threw our hope into hell and our children to the fire
I am the one who crawled through the wire
I am the one who crawled through the wire

There's a million sad stories on the side of the road
Strange how we all just got used to the blood
Millions of stories that'll never be told
Silent and froze in the mud
Silent and froze in the mud

I know a cold as cold as it gets
I know a darkness that's darker than coal
A wind that blows as cold as it gets
Blew out the light of my soul
Blew out the light of my soul

I dream in my sleep, I dream in my days
Of some sunny street not so far away
Where up in a window a curtain will sway
And you and I'll meet down below
And you and I'll meet down below

I know a cold as cold as it gets
I fight a war I may never see won
I live only to see you live to regret
Everything that you've done
Everything that you've done
Everything that you've done
Comments (89)add comment
Damn. Hell of a song.
Posted 2 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:

I saw them together at the Paramount in Austin - maybe the same show. Incredible performers.

There are some performers who, if they weren't famous, would be doing exactly the same thing, on a porch somewhere. Those three definitely qualify. Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen are a couple more - they even wrote a song about it!
c.


Spot on.
Posted 3 years ago by steuss    [ Reply ]
 photolew wrote:
I could listen to ms griffin every day.  Hands down one of my all time favs.....Saw her in concert a few years ago with Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin.....what a night of music.......
 
I saw them together at the Paramount in Austin - maybe the same show. Incredible performers.

There are some performers who, if they weren't famous, would be doing exactly the same thing, on a porch somewhere. Those three definitely qualify. Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen are a couple more - they even wrote a song about it!
c.
Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:

because Patty is God.

 
We could do a lot worse.
Posted 7 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Quite nice!
Posted 8 years ago by Stevie7    [ Reply ]
A great song from one of her finest albums.  Thanks for playing it, RP!  Love Patty!
Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
Saw this artist Thursday night. If you have the chance, go see her sing. She's got the chops. Great singer.
Posted 8 years ago by bstevens1951    [ Reply ]
I think Patty needs a hug.
Posted 8 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
 dookie wrote:
I dont know why but I always pictured this aimed at W.

 
It's because of BDS, that's why
Posted 8 years ago by maxjboxer    [ Reply ]
I dont know why but I always pictured this aimed at W.
Posted 9 years ago by dookie    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Timeless nice!

 
👍❀
Posted 10 years ago by Eros92450    [ Reply ]
Timeless nice!
Posted 10 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Pezz9 wrote:
Patty is like many of the new breed of sincere artists that is more different and brighter than say Alice Cooper
 

Interesting analogy, one I would never think of since their styles of music are so different.

I do also like Alice and from what I have seen/read he is a rather interesting guy.


Posted 11 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
 eeke wrote:
 photolew wrote:
I could listen to ms griffin every day.  Hands down one of my all time favs.....Saw her in concert a few years ago with Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin.....what a night of music.......
 
Hey, Me Too...

Such an awesome night for certain. I remembered getting to the venue just as the first song started. Instantly my eyes well'd and I knew I was in the middle of witnessing greatness. 



 


Posted 11 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
 ppak wrote:

Revenge is a dish best served cold - lovely Sicilian piece of wisdom
The thing about revenge - it gets complicated. 
There is a fine line between love and hate - lovely piece of wisdom
Sometimes images help...think of the yin and yang, the wave in the circle
Circles roll, and what rolls around comes around.
     Ask any refugee or survivor - and not just victims of the Nazis, the Stalinists, Pol Pot, the Young Turks, ad infinitum
What do you think some forlorn Iraqi family will think of the U.S.A. after we kill their "terrorist" lovers? 


When I choose to kill your son or daughter - I must steel myself to stay strong enough
to prevent you from killing my son or daughter. I disrespect you by killing your lover.
So there. Touche! If you regain the edge and kill me, or worse, my bride, my son, my daughter.
 I salute you. This is how we live. 
 

 Mandible wrote:

Uh, what?

 

 ziggytrix wrote:

Maybe Patty's pretty voice betrayed the lyrics of the song?  She's singing about someone seeking revenge, seemingly for atrocities committed against his family in wartime.  Her voice really doesn't convey the hate and malice of her words, it almost sounds more sad than angry.

She's no Ricardo Montalban (thank god!)

 
I believe Mandible's "Uh, what?" comment was in response to the commentary at the top of this post - a work of prose which is not the lyrics to this tune.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 photolew wrote:
I could listen to ms griffin every day.  Hands down one of my all time favs.....Saw her in concert a few years ago with Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin.....what a night of music.......
 
Hey, Me Too...

Such an awesome night for certain. I remembered getting to the venue just as the first song started. Instantly my eyes well'd and I knew I was in the middle of witnessing greatness. 


Posted 11 years ago by eeke    [ Reply ]
I could listen to ms griffin every day.  Hands down one of my all time favs.....Saw her in concert a few years ago with Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin.....what a night of music.......
Posted 11 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
Not a big fan, not sure why, but enjoyed this one of hers.
Posted 12 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I've tried to figure out what it is about Patty Griffin's music/voice that makes me want to bow down and worship her - I still don't have an answer.  I just know that I haven't heard a single song by her that I feel rates less than an 8 - and most songs are 10. She just rings true for me.
 
Rest in piece, my friend.
Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Patty is like many of the new breed of sincere artists that is more different and brighter than say Alice Cooper
Posted 12 years ago by Pezz9    [ Reply ]
this song is incredible.
Posted 12 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I've tried to figure out what it is about Patty Griffin's music/voice that makes me want to bow down and worship her - I still don't have an answer.  I just know that I haven't heard a single song by her that I feel rates less than an 8 - and most songs are 10. She just rings true for me.
 
because Patty is god.
Posted 12 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
I've tried to figure out what it is about Patty Griffin's music/voice that makes me want to bow down and worship her - I still don't have an answer.  I just know that I haven't heard a single song by her that I feel rates less than an 8 - and most songs are 10. She just rings true for me.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Love you Patty!
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
love this...............8
Posted 13 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
{#Cheers} 4merdj wrote:

Which, when said in positive, is a very positive comment {#Cheers}
 
I'll take your word for it.


Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 Mandible wrote:

Uh, what?

 
Maybe Patty's pretty voice betrayed the lyrics of the song?  She's singing about someone seeking revenge, seemingly for atrocities committed against his family in wartime.  Her voice really doesn't convey the hate and malice of her words, it almost sounds more sad than angry.

She's no Ricardo Montalban (thank god!)

Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
patty is god.
Posted 14 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 keller1 wrote:

This woman is incapable of a bad song.

 
Which, when said in positive, is a very positive comment {#Cheers}
Posted 14 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]

This woman is incapable of a bad song.


Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
looking like a geek is the new cool

 Lexapro_Headrush wrote:
uhhh...this song isn't making me look cool at work.
 


Posted 15 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
uhhh...this song isn't making me look cool at work.
Posted 15 years ago by Lexapro_Headrush    [ Reply ]
 ppak wrote:

Revenge is a dish best served cold - lovely Sicilian piece of wisdom
The thing about revenge - it gets complicated. 
There is a fine line between love and hate - lovely piece of wisdom
Sometimes images help...think of the yin and yang, the wave in the circle
Circles roll, and what rolls around comes around.
     Ask any refugee or survivor - and not just victims of the Nazis, the Stalinists, Pol Pot, the Young Turks, ad infinitum
What do you think some forlorn Iraqi family will think of the U.S.A. after we kill their "terrorist" lovers? 


When I choose to kill your son or daughter - I must steel myself to stay strong enough
to prevent you from killing my son or daughter. I disrespect you by killing your lover.
So there. Touche! If you regain the edge and kill me, or worse, my bride, my son, my daughter.
 I salute you. This is how we live. 

 


 
Uh, what?

Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
 asocash wrote:
Yea!  Finally get to see Patty Griffin live in Ithaca Feb 9th - the Three Girls and Their Buddy Tour - Patty, Emmy Lou and Shawn Colvin......simply can't wait....anyone else seen them yet?
 

Lucky man, awesome line-up!
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
 Moak wrote:
I have yet to buy a Patty Griffin disc
 
I have yet to not buy a Patty Griffin disc
Posted 15 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
One of the most underrated artists out there today. Sad
Posted 15 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
 ppak wrote:

Revenge is a dish best served cold - lovely Sicilian piece of wisdom
The thing about revenge - it gets complicated. 
There is a fine line between love and hate - lovely piece of wisdom
Sometimes images help...think of the yin and yang, the wave in the circle
Circles roll, and what rolls around comes around.
     Ask any refugee or survivor - and not just victims of the Nazis, the Stalinists, Pol Pot, the Young Turks, ad infinitum
What do you think some forlorn Iraqi family will think of the U.S.A. after we kill their "terrorist" lovers? 


When I choose to kill your son or daughter - I must steel myself to stay strong enough
to prevent you from killing my son or daughter. I disrespect you by killing your lover.
So there. Touche! If you regain the edge and kill me, or worse, my bride, my son, my daughter.
 I salute you. This is how we live. 

 


  I just was goin' to read the comments about Patty's song and after staying up all night you want me to think .........nah lol buts its profound or bullshit, one of the two


Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
Yea!  Finally get to see Patty Griffin live in Ithaca Feb 9th - the Three Girls and Their Buddy Tour - Patty, Emmy Lou and Shawn Colvin......simply can't wait....anyone else seen them yet?
Posted 15 years ago by asocash    [ Reply ]

Revenge is a dish best served cold - lovely Sicilian piece of wisdom
The thing about revenge - it gets complicated. 
There is a fine line between love and hate - lovely piece of wisdom
Sometimes images help...think of the yin and yang, the wave in the circle
Circles roll, and what rolls around comes around.
     Ask any refugee or survivor - and not just victims of the Nazis, the Stalinists, Pol Pot, the Young Turks, ad infinitum
What do you think some forlorn Iraqi family will think of the U.S.A. after we kill their "terrorist" lovers? 


When I choose to kill your son or daughter - I must steel myself to stay strong enough
to prevent you from killing my son or daughter. I disrespect you by killing your lover.
So there. Touche! If you regain the edge and kill me, or worse, my bride, my son, my daughter.
 I salute you. This is how we live. 

 




Posted 16 years ago by ppak    [ Reply ]
 mrselfdestruct wrote:
Strange how we all just got used to the blood. Patty is the absolute fucking bomb.

 
Hear hear!

Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
gypsy222 wrote:
I have been listening to this album all afternoon. Not a bad track on it. This one happens to be a favorite. I think it was the article in Paste with Patty on the cover where I learned that she almost named this song Nazi Hunter. She watched a Holocaust documentary and then wrote this song. Powerful, sad, amazing song. GET THIS CD ASAP!
You're right...I read that article in Paste, also. It seems like one of the quotes mentioned a person who was in a concentration camp, and, when asked what he'd like once he was freed, responded that he wanted a gun so he could go kill his captors.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
Very little of her music that I don't like.
Posted 16 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
simply sublime
Posted 16 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
Heard the voice: solid 8. Kept listening: 9. By the end of the song: solid 10. But what else do you expect from Patty Griffin? Nothing less than stunning. c.

Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
In our library: Impossible Dream, Children Running Through, 1,000 Kisses (Mil Besos). All recommended.
Posted 17 years ago by Darrooon    [ Reply ]
As Good as it Gets
Posted 17 years ago by bschena    [ Reply ]
For you, and you know who you are.
Posted 17 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
I dont know Patty Griffin's music.. this is great!! Looks like Im making a trip to the Itune's music store..
Posted 17 years ago by slickdh    [ Reply ]
abbefaith wrote:
singing lessons? i don't think so...
catmaven says that about everyone, including, IIRC, bonnie raitt, who's had more classical voice training than she could shake a stick at. kinda lessons the impact once you notice the repetition.
Posted 17 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
Moak wrote:
I have yet to buy a Patty Griffin disc
RP's got heaps an' the LRC's gotta couple too methinks, so no worries mate enjoy! ... then go an' buy a disc!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Moak wrote:
I have yet to buy a Patty Griffin disc
Your loss.....
Posted 17 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
I have yet to buy a Patty Griffin disc
Posted 17 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP for playing her and reintroducing me to her music.
Posted 17 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
gypsy222 wrote:
She watched a Holocaust documentary and then wrote this song. Powerful, sad, amazing song.
My initial interpretation was she was saying that President Bush is an a**hole and she'd like to kick his ass. I wonder if she is clever enough to write something that subtle while knowing most people wouldn't catch it. At any rate if you were to change the "millions of stories" to thousands and switch "I am the one who crawled through the wire" to fire(or maybe "Who would have known you were such a good liar") then you'd have an Iraqi war protest song. Ending 3 of the first 5 verses with "fire" would be gutsy and awesome. Using "cold" in a song about a desert war would be cool. OK-I'll shut up now and leave her song alone. To the end of the earth I search for your face For the one who laid all of our beauty to waste Threw our hope into hell and our children to the fire I am the one who crawled through the wire I am the one who crawled through the wire There's a million sad stories on the side of the road Strange how we all just got used to the blood Millions of stories that'll never be told Silent and froze in the mud Silent and froze in the mud I know a cold as cold as it gets I know a darkness that's darker than coal A wind that blows as cold as it gets Blew out the light of my soul Blew out the light of my soul I dream in my sleep I dream in my days Of some sunny street not so far away Where up in a window a curtain will sway And you and I'll meet down below You and I'll meet down below I know a cold as cold as it gets I fight a war I may never see won I live only to see you live to regret Everything that you've done Everything that you've done Everything that you've done
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
mrselfdestruct wrote:
Strange how we all just got used to the blood. Patty is the absolute fucking bomb.
You said it.
Posted 18 years ago by outerspace    [ Reply ]
meower215 wrote:
I cant let a Patty song go by without saying SHE IS MY GIRL!!!! you and I will meet down the road
It's "You and I'll meet down below..."
Posted 18 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
I cant let a Patty song go by without saying SHE IS MY GIRL!!!! you and I will meet down the road
Posted 18 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
Nice movement from of the girl to cold as it gets. Rock on Bill.
Posted 18 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
honeygirl wrote:
Powerful Song...
I've never heard this one before, and it is quite powerful. She's an amazing talent.
Posted 18 years ago by cattgirl813    [ Reply ]
Powerful Song...
Posted 18 years ago by honeygirl    [ Reply ]
one of my favorite storytellers.
Posted 18 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
catmaven wrote:
Agree with positive comments about voice except would dispense with the breathy aspects. Singing lessons would help that. Intelligent lyrics, and intelligent treatment of the words!
singing lessons? i don't think so...
Posted 18 years ago by abbefaith    [ Reply ]
Strange how we all just got used to the blood. Patty is the absolute fucking bomb.
Posted 18 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
Entrancing.
Posted 18 years ago by ethajn    [ Reply ]
Agree with positive comments about voice except would dispense with the breathy aspects. Singing lessons would help that. Intelligent lyrics, and intelligent treatment of the words!
Posted 18 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
This woman has a lovely, ethereal voice with an edge of steel. I will have to seek out more
Posted 18 years ago by LadyLovelyLocks    [ Reply ]
They are both great singers, but I'm not liking the comparison to Mindy Smith. Patty (unlike Mindy) writes the most beautiful songs. Coppertop wrote:
And I though it was Mindy Smith :) Listen to the duet she does with Dolly Parton and you'll see what I mean.
Posted 18 years ago by Four-Five    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by Beanie    [ Reply ]
One of the most powerful anti-war anthems ever.
Posted 19 years ago by dddenver    [ Reply ]
mojoman wrote:
The most underrated and underplayed singer-songwriter out there. Patty is a musical goddess!">
Tell me about it--If it weren't for RP--I would never have heard her music--Thanks, RP.
Posted 19 years ago by mig7    [ Reply ]
mojoman wrote:
The most underrated and underplayed singer-songwriter out there. Patty is a musical goddess!
She can do anything. :nodhead: And this one is particularly nice!
Posted 19 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
Good catch on both: Emmylou Harris + Mindy Smith = Mindylou Harrith?
Posted 19 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
The most underrated and underplayed singer-songwriter out there. Patty is a musical goddess!">
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
Patty Griffin is far and away my favorite 'new' artist, though she has been around several years. I own all her released material and each CD I acquired became my favorite. But this latest, Impossible Dream is absolutely stunning. If you get a chance to see her live, RUN don't walk to get tickets. A tiny redhead possessed of an unbelievable voice and writing talent, she mesmerizes. Thanks Radio P and play ANYTHING of Patty's please!!!
Posted 20 years ago by welshlass    [ Reply ]
Coppertop wrote:
And I though it was Mindy Smith :) Listen to the duet she does with Dolly Parton and you'll see what I mean.
Good catch on both: Emmylou Harris + Mindy Smith = Mindylou Harrith?
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 20 years ago by kapp    [ Reply ]
earlier in the day, I declared Porcupine Tree to be my new favorite band that I discovered on RP, but I forgot about Patty Griffin. She's incredible. I've been loving everything I've heard. maybe I can declare her my new favorite RP artist..
Posted 20 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
I thought this was a cappella at first. Too bad the guitar is so far in the background for the first part of the song. I would have liked this better if it was better balanced.
Posted 20 years ago by SiniLMan    [ Reply ]
ladybinnath wrote:
Stylistically it reminds me of Emmylou's recent material, from Wrecking Ball onward. I am not so familiar with her early work but thought it was more traditional country and less folk/rock influenced. Regardless, thanks to RP for playing this. I am now going to Amazon to order the CD.
And I though it was Mindy Smith :) Listen to the duet she does with Dolly Parton and you'll see what I mean.
Posted 20 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
Cold Mountain as it gets! I could see Zellweger doing this... A 7.
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Nuance wrote:
reminds me of a young Emmmylou Harris
Stylistically it reminds me of Emmylou's recent material, from Wrecking Ball onward. I am not so familiar with her early work but thought it was more traditional country and less folk/rock influenced. Regardless, thanks to RP for playing this. I am now going to Amazon to order the CD.
Posted 20 years ago by ladybinnath    [ Reply ]
Nuance wrote:
reminds me of a young Emmmylou Harris
I thought this WAS Emmylou Harris. The resemblance is remarkable.
Posted 20 years ago by MaxEmerika    [ Reply ]
megaptera wrote:
All her albums are really good, but I think this one might be my favorite.
The lowest rated of her five albums on AMG is a 4. Tough choice to make, but this does get the "ck." Have added it the the Amazon Wish list........."
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
reminds me of a young Emmmylou Harris
Posted 20 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
999_99_999 wrote:
I have a feeling this album will turn out to be an important purchase.
All her albums are really good, but I think this one might be my favorite.
Posted 20 years ago by megaptera    [ Reply ]
I hac a chance to listen this track a couple of times now and I can follow more the lyrics and musical direction. I had change my rating because it is a precious song
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
gypsy222 wrote:
I think it was the article in Paste with Patty on the cover where I learned that she almost named this song Nazi Hunter. She watched a Holocaust documentary and then wrote this song. Powerful, sad, amazing song.
Wow. Thanks for this information. Powerful lyrics, for sure.
Posted 20 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
I have been listening to this album all afternoon. Not a bad track on it. This one happens to be a favorite. I think it was the article in Paste with Patty on the cover where I learned that she almost named this song Nazi Hunter. She watched a Holocaust documentary and then wrote this song. Powerful, sad, amazing song. GET THIS CD ASAP!
Posted 20 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
I have a feeling this album will turn out to be an important purchase.
Posted 20 years ago by 999_99_999    [ Reply ]