"The Coldest Day of the Winter"

I think I like this one now more than I did when I first wrote it. It was originally going to be included on my “Spring 88” cassette, but was cut from the final lineup. Like many of my early attempts at songwriting, these lyrics ha roots in my high school experiences.

Heidi was a girl I dated when I was a senior. We tried unsuccessfully to carry on the relationship after graduation, but she was in Iowa City and I was in first Chicago then Boston. In our case, distance did not make the heart grow fonder, just forgetful. Not long after I moved to Boston, Heidi met the love of her life at the University of Iowa. They are still married, and judging by what little I know of their present life, doing quite well.

The Coldest Day of the Winter

© Brian Hutzell 1987

I remember December the nights that we spent
Cuddled together and warm
It was during a blizzard that our lips first met
Safe inside from the storm
We were young and the fun of romance was in bloom
Following every cliché
And the smell of the fireplace mixed with your perfume
I recall to this day
Several years have passed by since then
We lost touch long ago
Someone said you were married now
You'll make him happy, I know

Maybe there's mistletoe hung from the ceiling
Maybe the Sunday school children are singing
There must be presents in under the Christmas tree
But here it's just gonna be
The coldest day of the winter

Only three Christmas Eves did we spend arm in arm
The happiest couple alive
And the dream, so it seemed, would go on and on
Love would always survive
With a romance begun with the one you first kiss
Comes a love that refuses to die
The problem is this:
They only exist for a very short time
I was in heaven then
Three years of ecstasy
I couldn't believe it when
You said you'd marry me

Maybe there's mistletoe hung from the ceiling
Maybe the Sunday school children are singing
There must be presents in under the Christmas tree
But here it's just gonna be
The coldest day of the winter

We remained on good terms even after the end
Parted with no bitterness
But I never felt lonely at Christmas till then
Like I've been ever since
I still think how it might have been
If our dreams had come true
Christmas Eve would be perfect if I could spend it with you

Maybe there's mistletoe hung from the ceiling
Maybe the Sunday school children are singing
There must be presents in under the Christmas tree
But here it's just gonna be
The coldest day of the winter