Editor’ Note: Originally published in December of 2018, when the PC police went one song too far and came after “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”….and republished this year because traditions are important and it’s also important to realize the false pretense and logic of trying to apply one generation’s cultural perceptions vs. an earlier generation’s ideals….we side with Mel Brooks on the PC movement: not a good idea and very bad for comedy.
Paying Attention:
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A radio station in Cleveland,Ohio has completely lost both their nerve and the holiday spirit.
WDOK (FM 102.1) has pulled all versions of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” from their holiday playlist because of a complaint from a single listener–although the station said, in a namby-pamby press release–that the move was the result of a “decision by our listeners”. The station cited a poll as the basis for the decision but–in a namby-pamby move–didn’t give the results of the poll.
On Facebook, another source said the station’s site noted that “92% of the listeners favored the song” and only “8% were for removing it from the playlist. ” The station’s program director pulled it anyway, showing true namby-pamby spirit.
The usual suspects also chipped in with over-reaction to the song, saying “it’s not something I want to promote” in commenting on the lyrics of a song first published in the 1940s and played during every Christmas season since. We have seen this problem before, when someone applies standards (not necessarily advanced) of one century to cultural icons and practices of the past.
It’s always a disaster. Different time periods. Different standards.
Wait until they start going after all those early suggestive paintings, like Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” or Goya’s “The Nude Maja”. Oh boy…….
Here are the lyrics:
I gotta go away (Baby it’s cold outside)
This evening has been (Been hoping that you’d dropped 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?)
My 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 (I’ll put some records on while I pour)
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) (Why thank you)
I ought to say no, no, no sir (Mind if move in closer?)
At least I’m gonna say that I tried (What’s the sense of hurtin’ my pride?)
I really can’t stay (Baby don’t hold out)
Baby it’s cold outside
I like to think of it as opportunistic
The answer is no (But baby it’s cold outside)
The welcome has been (How lucky that you dropped in)
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 (Gosh your lips are delicious!)
Well maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before) (And I don’t even smoke)
Say lend me a coat? (It’s up to your knees out there!)
You’ve really been grand, (I feel when I touch your 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!)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died!)
I really can’t stay (Get over that old out)
Baby it’s cold
Baby it’s cold outside
Okay fine, just another drink then
That took a lot of convincing!”
The people who thought “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is not proper ought to take a few minutes to listen to some rap lyrics if they’re looking for verbal targets. Good luck with that crusade……those are guys are going to tell the too-easily-offended to beat it–although in much more colorful language.
There will not be a poll.
The solution to this particular type of my-taste-is-better-than-your taste/ my-perception-sees-sexual connotations-where-there-are none situation is dead simple: if you don’t like the song or it’s lyrics, turn it off or change the channel and don’t listen.
Freedom of speech covers the right to play the song and also the right to not have to listen to it. Just because some see evil in every lyric or photo doesn’t mean that others do.
No one needs a press release or a quote from the self-appointed PC police. Just turn the song off on your radio and keep it to yourself.
As for the rest of us?
Baby it’s cold outside.
We’re turning it up.
The Fine Print: Photo embed courtesy of our friends at GettyImages.com, who have the photographic history of the 20th and 21st century on file. This image has not been altered in any way. All rights belong to GettyImages.com or their designee. We thank them for sharing. Have a Happy Holiday season.