Surprise Ice

Kings Of Convenience's song 'Surprise Ice' delves into the unexpected and often chilling nature of love, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a cold, sunless environment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person being gently pulled into a state of introspection by their past, symbolized by 'soft hands' that guide them to a chair. This imagery suggests a sense of comfort and familiarity, yet also a kind of entrapment, as the person is hidden away from the 'half days' and 'sunless' end of the year. The cold air, described as a knife, contrasts with the warmth of a room in the house, highlighting the duality of their emotional state.

The recurring metaphor of 'surprise ice' on the water and at dawn serves as a powerful symbol for love. Just as ice can form unexpectedly and change the landscape, love can arrive suddenly and alter one's emotional terrain. This metaphor captures the beauty and unpredictability of love, as well as its potential to disrupt and transform. The song's chorus reinforces this idea, emphasizing the sudden and surprising nature of love's arrival.

The lyrics also explore themes of deprivation and illusion. The absence of light and color, and the world ending at the window, suggest a sense of isolation and stagnation. However, the 'pale days' are said to teach one to see, implying that even in bleak times, there is an opportunity for growth and new perspectives. The rain that falls without giving life and the weeks that pass without progress further underscore the feeling of being stuck. Yet, amidst this, the past's soft hands and the fading surroundings hint at a transient state, one that can be changed by the unexpected arrival of love, much like surprise ice.