Released: 2019
“Heart On Ice” by Rod Wave is a soulful hip-hop song that grapples with the artist’s personal struggles and emotional battles. It chronicles his growth and the internal conflicts he has faced, particularly focusing on his hardships, trauma, and resilience.
Starting off with the hook, Rod Wave shares how his heart has been repeatedly broken, to the point where he doesn’t know who or what to trust. His mother blames him for being too sensitive, which he uses to rationalize his decision to desensitize himself to emotional pain—”putting his heart on ice”. The use of “heart on ice” here is a metaphor for emotional numbness, a defense mechanism against the pain he’s endured.
Progressing into the verses, Rod Wave reflects on a specific memory in prison with an individual named Lil’ Wakeem. Their conversation revolves around their differing attitudes towards life — Lil’ Wakeem possibly associating with questionable characters, while Rod Wave identifies himself as a soldier, representing strength, resilience, and discipline. This verse is a critique of affiliations with those who might lead you astray in life.
The lyrics continue to delve into past traumas, depicting a picture of abandonment and heartbreak, likened to a turbulent adolescence. The mention of feeling too afraid to cry demonstrates the societal pressures that often shame men into hiding their emotions. The longing for peace of mind by the ocean reflects his yearning for tranquility and escape from turmoil.
He subsequently talks about striving to make millions, a common trope in hip-hop reflective of the pursuit of financial stability and escape from poverty. To Rod Wave, this wealth not only symbolizes success, but is also seen as a panacea that might alleviate his pain and “clear up all these rainy days”, a metaphor for his sorrowful and challenging periods.
The chorus then repeats, reinforcing his struggle to breathe, highlighting the suffocating nature of his emotional pain. His voice strains on “I can’t breathe,” illustrating his emotional torment.
The closing lines—a simple but harmonious melody of “Ooh yeah, yeah”—serve as a poignant reminder of the song’s melancholic atmosphere, driving home the personal and emotional depth that Rod Wave has laid out for his audience to understand.
In conclusion, “Heart On Ice” is a stark journey through Rod Wave’s personal trials and his ongoing battle with the repercussions of his past. It reveals his methods of coping with pain, the strength he has acquired from his experiences, and his hopes for a better, prosperous future. The song is a testament to the healing power of music, displaying how Rod Wave channels his pain into art, transforming his struggles into a profoundly moving piece.
