She's So Cold

Album: Willie Nile (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Not be confused with the Rolling Stones song of the same name, this Chuck Berry-influenced tune about an ice queen who freezes out Willie Nile appeared on his self-titled debut album in 1980.
  • Nile was on tour with The Who when he learned the Stones came out with a song that sounded a lot like his on their Emotional Rescue album. When asked about the similarity in a 1983 interview with The Face, Mick Jagger denied any hints of plagiarism. "I know Willie Nile, he's a right little stirrer," he claimed. "He's a sort of Latin kind of singer - no it's not true, he'd be suing me if it was."

    According to Nile, a lot of folks who were interested in being his manager did want him to go after the Stones, but he refused. "Sue the Stones! l play their songs back to back," he said in a 2021 Songfacts interview. "I love the Stones. No way am I going to be in that category of suing the Stones. Forget it! I loved the Stones. If it influenced their song, fine."

    But Nile has a cheeky sense of humor, which was on full display at a Stones show where they performed "She's So Cold." He recalled: "When the Stones played Buffalo Stadium, in front of 80,000 people or something, I took a bow [in the stands] after they played it. 'Thank you very much!' Literally I did."
  • The album was produced by Roy Halee, who frequently worked with Simon & Garfunkel. He also helmed Journey's debut album in 1975.
  • Jay Dee Daugherty, a former member of Patti Smith's band, played drums on the album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.