Baby It's Cold Outside is one of my favorite Christmasy songs. I love the back and forth structure, and it's just a cute little song. However, when you've been hearing it over and over again for two months (and it's still not even Christmas yet), you start to read a little more into the lyrics than perhaps you should.
The song was written by Frank Loesser in the 30s (not the 40s as the video states). We're talking 75 years ago. It's all about context here. Lyrics that made perfect sense back then feel a little different today. Take a listen:
Cute, right? Well, let's see...
It's clear when the song starts that she's saying she should go, and he's saying please stay. Here are the lyrics, with my comments in bold.
I really can't stay
But baby, it's cold outside
I've got to go 'way
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
He really doesn't want her to go, does he?
My mother will start to worry
Beautiful, what's your hurry?
And father will be pacing the floor
Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry
Beautiful, please don't hurry
Well, maybe just a half a drink more
Put some records on while I pour
She said NO, buddy, okay? Don't press your luck! And chica, don't let a man sweet-talk you with all that beautiful stuff into doing something you don't want to.
The neighbors might think
But, baby it's bad out there Yeah, we get it. The weather's bad. She's still trying to leave.
Say, what's in this drink? ROOFIE!
No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how
Your eyes are like starlight now
To break the spell WTF did you put in my drink... I feel funny...
I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell No running away now...
I ought to say no, no, no sir So say it! Don't let him bully you.
Mind if I move in closer? What part of 'I really should go' would make you think that?
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
What's the sense of hurting my pride? WHAT? Is this like the old-time equivalent of "If you loved me, you'd do it"?
I really can't stay
Oh baby, don't hold out Don't hold out, PUT OUT!
Ah, but it's cold outside No, don't succumb to his pressure!
Baby, it's cold outside
I simply must go
But baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no You tell him!
But baby, it's cold outside
The welcome has been
How lucky that you dropped in (Cue maniacal laughter and evil hand-rub)
So nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious
Gosh, your lips look delicious
My brother will be there at the door
Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious In other words: People will be looking for me, you creep!
Gosh your lips are delicious He just kissed her... even after her all her protests
Well maybe just a cigarette more Where's your backbone??
Never such a blizzard before
I got to get home
But baby, you'd freeze out there
Say, lend me your comb
It's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand Has he, really? Sounds more like he's been a jerk.
I'm thrilled when you touch my hand
Why don't you see
How can you do this thing to me? By 'this thing' I assume he means be such a tease.
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
Think of my lifelong sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied
If you caught pneumonia and died WHAT?! This could be either another attempt to guilt her into staying, or a thinly veiled threat, as in, if you leave, you might "catch pneumonia and die"
I really can't stay
Get over that hold out He's gonna get what he wants
(Together:) Ah, but it's cold outside
So, you see how a girl could misinterpret this little ditty as being an account of date rape, right?
Oh, and if you're really dimwitted enough to think this song is actually about date rape, please take a look at this.
In the next installment, I'll take a look at another very old song that makes me giggle with its unintended sexual innuendo.
Oddly enough I was listening to this song at my friend's house last night and somewhere in the back of my mind I picked up on a line or two and went, "Wait, what?" LOL some of those Christmas songs are terrible but we love 'em anyway :D
ReplyDeleteI never liked this one. Even if it isn't date rape, the guy is a whiny pain in this ass, and she an vacillating jellyfish. Why don't they grow up?
ReplyDeleteThis song goes to show you how much society has changed.
ReplyDeleteJace - I've been listening to this song several times a day for many weeks now haha. So yeah, I had lots of those 'wait a minute...' moments.
ReplyDeleteTy & Darke - I feel like it definitely has to do with the 'times have changed' thing. Ty, if you look at the link at the end of the post, it really explains a lot about the true context of the song. Sure, today it might seem like the guys is whiny and the girl is a world-class waffler. But in the time period when it was written, it definitely fits the attitudes and mores. Nowadays we don't need our boyfriends to provide us with excuses (baby, it's cold outside!) if we want to stay the night, and if our maiden aunt's mind is vicious, we just say mind your own business haha.