The narrator recounts a strange encounter with a woman by a cold river, where they drove through a storm and ended up in the back of a car. The woman seemed to have taken the narrator's pride in some way, leaving a sense of loss.

Meaning of "Cold River" by A-ha

The lyrics of "Cold River" by A-ha seem to tell the story of a fleeting and possibly destructive encounter between the narrator and a mysterious woman symbolized by the cold river. The cold river could represent a dangerous or turbulent situation that the narrator finds themselves in, perhaps taking risks or engaging in activities that lead to emotional loss. The lyrics portray a sense of recklessness and surrender to a force that is beyond control, resulting in a loss of pride and perhaps a realization of the consequences of their actions. The theme of the river running deep could hint at the depth of emotions involved and the lasting impact of the encounter. Overall, the song paints a picture of a temporary escape from reality that ultimately leads to a sense of regret and emptiness.