Moving in the Wrong Direction
I love this whole resurgence of the feminist movement and yes, I believe Dr. Ford, but sometimes in the pursuit of righting all the wrongs we overthink things.
Like the song Baby It's Cold Outside. I love this song - so much so that I created a t-shirt with that text on it. And when I was trying to remember which version of the song I heard as a child, I ran into a whole slew of articles about the song. And they were calling it a date rape song.
Romance Dance
Are we really at a point where we just assume that men (both real and in songs) are plotting out a date rape just because they are politely asking a girl to come inside??? OK - he may be a little persistent but she is flirting back and not leaving right away on her own accord. It's just depicting biology, that fun sexy romance dance.
Musicologist Thomas Riis wrote, “Loesser can be said to have built his little tune into a miniature dramatic scene, a scena in the operatic sense, in which two characters and the nature of their relationship are fully sketched with efficiency and emotional clarity.”
And frankly, it's just beautiful.
The Lyrics
I've got to go away (but baby, it's cold outside)
So very nice (i'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
But maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while I pour)
Say what's in this drink? (no cabs to be had out there)
To break this spell (i'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I really can't stay - Baby don't hold out
Ah, but it's cold outside
Say, lend me your coat, it's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand, thrill when you touch my hair
Why don't you see, how can you do this thing to me?
At least there will be plenty implied, if you caught pneumonia and died
I really can't stay, get over that hold out
Ah, but it's cold outside
Oh, baby, it's cold outside
Oh, baby, it's cold outside
