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.)