43 years ago, In March 1982, Ministry's Cold Life 12-inch single was released in the UK through Situation Two, marking a significant moment in the band's early career. This release showcased a different sound from the industrial metal style that Ministry would later be known for, highlighting their early explorations into synth-pop and funk-infused electronic music.
The single features "Cold Life" as the A-side, a track that blends elements of funk and synth-pop, reflecting influences from 1970s funk and soul acts. The song was inspired by Al Jourgensen's experiences living in a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Chicago. The B-side includes "I'm Falling," a synth-pop song influenced by British post-punk acts such as The Sisters of Mercy and Killing Joke.
The single was initially released in late 1981 in the United States by Wax Trax! Records, featuring "I'm Falling" as the A-side and "Cold Life" as the B-side.
This track bears influences from British post-punk acts, with Jourgensen admitting that it was heavily inspired by bands like Joy Division and The Cure.
The Cold Life 12” single also includes a dub version of the title track, offering an extended, danceable rhythm with groovy basslines and syncopated beats. This release was an important milestone for Ministry, as it demonstrated Jourgensen's early musical explorations before the band fully embraced the industrial genre.
Over the years, Cold Life has been revisited as a curiosity in Ministry’s discography, offering a glimpse into the band’s transformation from a synth-heavy new wave act into one of the most influential industrial metal bands of all time.
Cold Life (12") Tracklist (Situation Two – SIT17T)
| Cold Life | 6:11 | ||
| I'm Falling | 4:04 | ||
| Cold Life Dub | 6:53 |
Cold Life - Lyrics:
Cold Cold Cold
You know the yolk it's spreading from You laugh as people scatter 'bout Surrounded by a veil of stars You realize that your life is dark Earth gets colder every day If scientists could have their way They'd study us from far away And watch as people's minds decay
Cold Cold Cold
Your body's in the hands of fools With swimming pools and low IQs There's nothing to see, nothing to do Buy your stocks and sell your jewels Bill collectors stole my mail My wife and kids are all for sale I hope to god I go to jail And no one can come up with bail
Cold life Cold life Cold life Cold
Cold Cold Cold
I can't control my buried thoughts The slightest thing makes me distraught I'm like the people I once fought My every action's being bought Robot trainers earn their pay As mutant kids go out to play It's such a pretty, pretty day With orange nights and days of grey
Cold Cold Cold
I've now become a nervous wreck I'm getting closer to my death I keep expecting my last breath As all my friends just laugh and jest The earth is such a filthy place And human, such an awful race And I'd rather live in outer space Where death goes at a slower pace
Cold life Cold life Cold life Cold
Cold life Cold life Cold life Cold
Cold Cold Cold Cold Cold
| [DISCOGS] |
