We've all heard the song hundreds of times. We've probably sung along with it. We've even looked at sweatshirts with the lyrics" Baby It's Cold Outside." But the truth of the matter is, should we really be celebrating a song that uses phrases like "what's in this drink?" as fun, family, holiday music? Granted, with the song being written around the 1940s, but still, it's 2016 (almost 2017), and it's time to take a look at these lyrics:
(the female lines are bolded)
I really can't stay
But, baby, it's cold outside
I've got to go away
But, baby, it's cold outside
This evening has been
Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice
I'll hold your hands they're just like ice
My mother will start to worry
Beautiful, what's your hurry – admit it, if someone said this to you you'd cringe
My father will be pacing the floor – she's clearly trying to leave!
Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry
Beautiful, please don't hurry
Well, maybe just half a drink more
Put some records on while I pour – take note, he's pouring her drink
The neighbors might think
Baby, it's bad out there
Say what's in this drink – how do we let this line slide?
No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how
Your eyes are like starlight now
To break this spell – she's clearly not in her right state of mind
I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no, sir – "no" is a serious word.
Mind if I move in closer – he's moving in
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
What's the sense of hurting my pride – let's roll our eyes together, pitiful.
I really can't stay
Baby, don't hold doubt
I simply must go
Baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no – THE ANSWER IS "NO"
Baby, it's cold outside
The welcome has been
How lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm
Look out the window at the storm
My sister will be suspicious
Gosh your lips look delicious – did anyone else cringe?
My brother will be there at the door
Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
Gosh your lips are delicious– creepy, creepy, creepy.
But maybe just a cigarette more
Never such a blizzard before
I got to get home
But, baby, you'd freeze out there
Say lend me a coat – a gentleman should agree to that
It's up to your knees out there'
You've really been grand
I thrill when you touch my hand
But don't you see
How can you do this thing to me
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
Think of my life long sorrow – another "woe is me" moment
At least there will be plenty implied
If you caught pneumonia and died
I really can't stay
Get over that old doubt
[Both] Baby, it's cold
Maybe I'm reading into this too much. Still, I'm not the first or last one that's thought this. It is a cute song, and I appreciate that. However, having friends that have been sexually assaulted, I think it's important we don't make light of serious situation.
(But also, take note of some of the lyrics from Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw's version:
You better get back over here
Now, you don't give up, do you?
I gotta go home
Then why you go home then, it's fine
Fine, I'm leaving
Good, kill the environment and burn this wish
It's no time of night to be leaving anyways
I gotta go
Give me one more hour
I don't trust you
It's for your own good, Colbie
I am having a really good time
There's really no excuse for these lines.)
