The speaker in the song is defiant in the face of warnings about someone they love who is described as cold and damaging. Despite being told that the love is hell, kissing is painful, and touching is burning, the speaker is unable to resist the allure of this person.

Meaning of "Run Cold" by Holly Golightly

The lyrics of "Run Cold" by Holly Golightly explore the intoxicating and destructive nature of love. The speaker is warned about the coldness and harmfulness of the person they are drawn to, yet they are unable to resist the pull of their love. The repeated refrain of "I wish I'd stayed away" showcases the speaker's regret at their inability to resist the dangerous love they have found themselves in. The song captures the complexity of human emotions and the often tumultuous nature of relationships, highlighting how people can often be drawn to what is ultimately bad for them. Despite knowing the potential pain and danger, the speaker finds themselves unable to stay away, demonstrating the power of love to overcome reason and logic.