Cold Water

"Cold Water" is fundamentally a song about unwavering support, loyalty, and unconditional love. The central message is a promise to be there for someone during their most difficult moments, no matter how challenging the circumstances. The act of jumping into 'cold water' serves as a powerful metaphor for willingly entering a loved one's state of crisis, pain, or depression to provide help and comfort. The lyrics convey a deep sense of empathy, acknowledging that everyone feels 'lost sometimes' and that these struggles are a part of life and growth. It’s a declaration that the person in trouble does not have to face their battles alone. MØ's verse adds a layer of vulnerability from the perspective of the person needing help, who feels like they are on a 'rocking boat' and just wants to 'stay afloat,' highlighting the desperation and the profound need for a 'lifeline.' The song ultimately portrays a powerful, selfless commitment to be a source of strength and salvation for a loved one.

The song's narrative unfolds as a profound promise of unconditional support to a person going through a difficult time. It begins by acknowledging a universal human tendency to seek escape or feel low, suggesting that these moments are a common experience. The narrator, voiced by Justin Bieber, immediately establishes a role of a savior and a steadfast companion. He observes his loved one struggling, metaphorically 'drowning,' and declares his absolute commitment to rescue them. The core message is encapsulated in the pledge to jump into 'cold, cold water' for them, a powerful image representing a willingness to enter their harsh, challenging reality without hesitation. This promise isn't fleeting; it's a long-term commitment that transcends time and changing circumstances, as he vows to remain patient and never let go. He positions himself as a 'lifeline,' a source of stability and hope in the darkest of nights.

The song continues to build on this theme of empathy and shared experience. It normalizes the feeling of being lost, framing it as an essential part of personal growth and learning. The commitment deepens, moving from a momentary rescue to a lifelong companionship, expressed in the desire to 'lay with you 'til I'm old.' This reinforces the idea that the person shouldn't have to face their battles alone. MØ's verse introduces the perspective of the person in distress. Her voice carries a sense of vulnerability and desperation as she pleads to be saved from her 'rocking boat,' a metaphor for her unstable and perilous situation. She feels alone and yearns for a safe harbor, a place to rest her soul. Her plea is a raw expression of the need for security and the assurance that someone will be there to hold on. The song concludes with a reiteration of the initial promise, 'I won't let go,' solidifying the narrative of a deeply empathetic, resilient, and loving bond that provides strength and salvation in times of crisis.

"Cold Water" was released on July 22, 2016, as a collaborative effort by a supergroup of writers and producers. The song was co-written by Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco, the same duo behind Justin Bieber's hit "Love Yourself". According to songwriter Jamie Scott, the track was conceived on a hot day in New York in a studio with faulty air conditioning when Ed Sheeran started playing some chords. The demo sat unused for months before being presented to Major Lazer. Diplo of Major Lazer had been wanting to collaborate with Sheeran and Blanco for years and knew this was the right song when he heard it. Justin Bieber, who had previously worked with Diplo on the Grammy-winning track "Where Are Ü Now", was approached and immediately loved the song. Diplo then decided to add another vocal layer and reached out to Danish singer MØ, with whom Major Lazer had previously collaborated on the massive hit "Lean On". The track came together with production from Major Lazer, Benny Blanco, King Henry, and Jr Blender. Bieber teased the song's release in the weeks leading up to it, and a low-quality version leaked on a Chinese radio station just days before its official premiere.

"Cold Water" features a mid-tempo rhythm with a driving beat, creating a laid-back yet insistent feel that is characteristic of the tropical house genre. The tempo is steady throughout, making it suitable for both dancing and easy listening. The song is composed in the key of A Major. The lyrical rhythm flows naturally over the beat, with a simple and direct structure. The rhyme scheme is also straightforward, primarily using couplets (AABB) in the verses, such as "you know" with "feeling low" and "let it go" with "on your own". This simple rhyme structure makes the lyrics easy to follow and remember, enhancing the song's pop appeal. The chorus and pre-chorus employ repetition and a memorable melodic hook, particularly on the phrase "into cold, cold water for you," which aligns with the rhythmic emphasis to create the song's signature moment.

"Cold Water" blends several musical and lyrical styles to create its distinct sound. Musically, it combines the tropical house and dancehall rhythms characteristic of Major Lazer with mainstream pop sensibilities. The production features a mid-tempo beat, prominent synth melodies, subtle acoustic guitar riffs, and reggaeton-influenced drum patterns. This creates a sound that is both danceable and emotionally resonant. Justin Bieber's vocal delivery is smooth and emotive, contrasting with his earlier, higher-pitched style and reflecting a more mature sound that Diplo knew how to utilize effectively. MØ's unique, raw vocal style in the bridge adds a different texture and a sense of emotional urgency to the track. Lyrically, the song uses a direct, conversational tone and relies on a powerful extended metaphor of rescue from water. The repetition of the main hook ensures it is memorable and reinforces the central theme of support.

"Cold Water" was a massive commercial success globally, solidifying Major Lazer's position as mainstream hitmakers and continuing Justin Bieber's career resurgence that began with his album *Purpose*. The song debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in 15 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada. In the UK, it ended the 15-week reign of Drake's "One Dance" at the top of the charts. It was praised for its blend of dancehall and pop, contributing to the tropical house trend that was popular in the mid-2010s. The song became one of the biggest hits of the summer of 2016 and was Major Lazer and MØ's highest-charting single in the United States. The collaboration, involving high-profile writers like Ed Sheeran and producers like Benny Blanco, was seen as a star-studded event where "all the stars aligned." The track has been streamed billions of times and is considered a signature song for all artists involved.

The song is built around the central metaphor of water to represent emotional distress and crisis.

• Cold Water: The primary symbol, "cold, cold water," represents a state of deep trouble, sadness, or adversity. Jumping into it symbolizes a selfless act of empathy and a willingness to share someone's pain and hardship to help them. It's an extreme gesture of support.
• Drowning/Sinking: These words are used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by problems or depression. The lyric "You shouldn't be drowning on your own" directly addresses this feeling of helplessness.
• Lifeline: The singer positions himself as a "lifeline," a direct reference to a life preserver's rope. This metaphor signifies being a source of salvation, a connection to safety and stability for someone who is struggling.
• Rocking Boat: In MØ's verse, the "rocking boat" symbolizes an unstable, precarious situation in life. Her desire to be saved from it highlights a feeling of insecurity and the fear of being capsized by her problems.

The most significant recurring motif in "Cold Water" is the promise of rescue, encapsulated in the central lyrical phrase: "And if you feel you're sinking, I will jump right over into cold, cold water for you." This line is the heart of the song's message and is repeated in each chorus, solidifying its importance. Another key recurring phrase is "I won't let go," which serves as a direct and powerful reassurance of steadfastness and support. It is often followed by "I'll be your lifeline tonight," reinforcing the theme of salvation and reliability. The phrase "'Cause we all get lost sometimes, you know?" also recurs, acting as a motif of shared human frailty and empathy, making the song's grand promise feel more grounded and relatable.