Ice Cold Pool

Wallows' song 'Ice Cold Pool' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, youthful innocence, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of past experiences and emotions, capturing moments of youthful exuberance and the inevitable passage of time. The reference to 'Heaven or Las Vegas,' an album by the Cocteau Twins, sets a nostalgic tone, evoking memories of a time when life was simpler and more carefree. The imagery of a bedroom rearranged and snow on the pavement further emphasizes the theme of change and the passage of time.

The chorus, 'It's not a crime if you take what's given / It's just a crime if you're payin' for it,' suggests a philosophy of seizing the moment and embracing life's offerings without overthinking or overpaying for them. This sentiment is echoed in the lines, 'What's the fun if you know what's comin'? / I don't want to escape it,' which highlight a desire to live in the present and savor the unpredictability of life. The song's narrative of standing outside a house in the cold, longing for warmth and connection, underscores the emotional depth and yearning that permeates the lyrics.

The metaphor of the 'ice cold pool' serves as a powerful symbol of the past and the inevitability of change. The lines, 'The plant inside that never seemed to die / You cut it down before the leaves were brown,' reflect the premature end of something that once seemed eternal, mirroring the loss of innocence and the transition into adulthood. The closing lines, 'There's a song that I still hear faintly / It's just a recipe for my love,' encapsulate the enduring impact of these memories and experiences, suggesting that they continue to shape the narrator's identity and emotions. Wallows' 'Ice Cold Pool' is a beautifully crafted reflection on the complexities of growing up and the enduring power of nostalgia.