Tom T. Hall：Meaning of It Sure Can Get Cold In Des Moines Songmeaning

The song tells the story of a traveler who has come to Des Moines, Iowa for a radio show. The Iowa weather is incredibly cold, with temperatures reaching as low as 15 below zero. The traveler wakes up in the evening from a restless sleep and is hungry, but finds out that the restaurant is closed. Desperate for something to eat, the traveler goes to the lounge where he has two double gins. It is there that he sees a girl crying in the smoky, half-dark room, and he knows that life can be tough sometimes and that people don't always speak up to help each other when they need it. Despite the cold temperatures and the difficult circumstances, the traveler is inspired to write a song about his experience. The lyrics of the song capture the feeling of loneliness and despair that can be experienced in life, but also suggest that there is hope and beauty even in the bleakest moments.