Don't Read This if You Love "Baby It's Cold Outside"

Remember yesterday when I posted about the holiday music swap?

So it's no real secret that I love Christmas music.  I love old classics almost as much as I love current pop holiday tunes.  That being said, there is one song that it's wildly popular which I absolutely cannot stand.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

If you don't want it ruined forever, please stop reading.  But it more than just bugs me so I think I'm allowed to share why.


Have you ever listened to the words of that song?  Really listened to them?

I really can’t stay (Baby, it’s cold outside)

I’ve got to go ‘way (Baby, it’s cold outside)

The evening has been (I’ve been hopin’ that you’d drop in)

So very nice (I’ll hold your hand, they’re just like ice)

My mother will start to worry (Hey beautiful, what’s your hurry)

And father will be pacing the floor (Listen to that fireplace roar)

So really, I’d better scurry (Beautiful, please don’t hurry)

Well, maybe just a half a drink more (Put some music on while I pour)

The neighbors might think (Baby, it’s bad out there)

Say, what’s in this drink (No cabs to be had out there)

I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now)

To break this spell (I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell)

I oughtta say no, no, no sir (You mind if I move in closer)

At least I’m gonna say that I tried (And what’s the sense in hurting my pride)

I really can’t stay (Oh baby, don’t hold out)

Oh, but it’s cold outside

I simply must go (It’s cold outside)

The answer is no (Baby, it’s cold outside)

The welcome has been (So lucky that you dropped in)

So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)

My sister will be suspicious (Your lips look delicious)

My brother will be there at the door (I ain’t worried about you brother)

My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious (That ol’ biddy, she ain’t gonna bother me)

Well maybe just a cigarette more (You don’t need no cigarette, it’s smokin’ plenty up in here)

I’ve got to get home (Baby, you’ll freeze out there)

Say, lend me a comb (It’s up to your knees out there)

You’ve really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)

Oh, but don’t you see (How can you do this thing to me)

There’s bound to be talk tomorrow (Well, think of my lifelong sorrow)

At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)

I really can’t stay (Get over that hold out)

Oh, but baby it’s cold outside

Ok, so I am well aware that this song was written in the 1940's, during a time when spending the night alone with a man could ruin you.  So the song was probably written to be much more innocent than how I am going to interpret it.  But having worked with college students, specifically in Res Life, for a number of years I can't help but be creeped out by this song.

Lyrics like

"Say, what's in this drink"

"I ought to say no, no, no; At least I'm gonna say that I tried"

"The answer is no"

raise serious red flags for me.  

Am I reading into it?  Probably.  

Am I the only one?  Not according to the song's Wikipedia page.  

If you know me well you know I refer to this song as the "date rape song" on a fairly regular basis.  I'm not trying to poke fun at it.  I just have a major issue with the fact that she's trying to leave and he doesn't let her and we're all supposed to be ok with that.  Call me a freak - I don't care.  I have had far too many conversations describing similar situations to this one that weren't nearly so innocent.

All of that being said, one of the songs included on my swap CD is an excellent update to this song that I have completely fallen in love with.  In fact, it's going to become a new favorite of mine.  If you haven't heard Christmas Tonight by Dave Barnes, check it out.  Now that's a mutual "let's stay home and snuggle instead of going out in this bad weather" song.  That is something I can get behind.