During World War II, he wrote 1942's "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition". Formerly a successful lyricist in collaboration with other composers, this was the first song for which Loesser composed the melody in addition to the lyric.
Loesser was awarded a Grammy Award in 1961 for Best Original Cast Show Album for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.
He wrote the following Broadway musicals:
* Where's Charley? (1948) (starring Ray Bolger)
o "Once in Love With Amy"
* Guys and Dolls (1950)
o "A Bushel and a Peck"
o "Fugue for Tinhorns"
o "I'll Know"
o "If I Were A Bell", a favorite of Miles Davis, featured in recordings with John Coltrane
o "Luck Be a Lady Tonight"
* The Most Happy Fella (1956)
o "Standing on the Corner"
o "Big D"
o "Somebody Somewhere"
o "Joey, Joey"
* Greenwillow (1960)
* How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (1961)
o "I Believe In You"
o "The Brotherhood Of Man"
* Pleasures and Palaces (1965)
Some well-known songs he composed for movies and Tin Pan Alley:
* "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter (1949). This was originally a song which Loesser and his wife Lynn (born Blankenbaker) performed at parties for the private entertainment of friends. They also recorded the song for Mercury Records. Under contract to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to supply a full score for Neptune's Daughter, Loesser included this song which he had created in 1944, originally for their housewarming party.
* "Heart and Soul" (from the Paramount Short Subject A Song is Born) -- lyrics
* "I Don't Want to Walk Without You" (from the Paramount Pictures motion picture Sweater Girl)
* "Inch Worm" (from the motion picture Hans Christian Andersen)
* "(I'd Like to Get You on a) Slow Boat to China"
* "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year" (from the motion picture Christmas Holiday)
* "Thumbelina" (from Hans Christian Andersen)
* "Two Sleepy People" (music by Hoagy Carmichael, 1938)
* "What are You Doing New Year's Eve?"
* "Wonderful Copenhagen" (from Hans Christian Andersen), which is now the official song of the city of Copenhagen.
He was also the author of "The Ballad of Rodger Young".
2006 saw the release of the PBS documentary, Heart & Soul: The Life and Music of Frank Loesser.
Baby It's Cold Outside
Frank Loesser Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby it's cold outside
No I've got to go away
Baby it's cold outside
Well this evening has been
Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice, I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
Beautiful, what's your hurry?
And 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
Put some records on while I pour
The neighbors might think
Baby, it's bad out there
Hey, 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
'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no
Mind if I move in closer?
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
What's the sense in hurting my pride?
I really can't stay
Baby don't hold out
Ah, but it's cold outside
I simply must go
But, baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no
But, baby, it's cold outside
This 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
Ooh your lips are delicious
Well maybe just a cigarette more
Never such a blizzard before
I've got to get home
Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there
Hey, lend me your coat
It's up to your knees out there
Oh, you've really been grand
Thrill when you touch my hair
Why 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 hold out
Oh, baby, it's cold outside
Goodbye
The song "Baby, It's Cold Outside," is a duet between a man and a woman, where the woman is trying to leave and the man is trying to persuade her to stay longer with him since it's bitterly cold outside. The song was written by Frank Loesser in 1944 and has been recorded by several popular artists since then. In context, the song represents two people who have been enjoying each other's company. However, the woman knows she has to leave, but the man is doing his best to convince her to stay a little longer, in his tender loving care. Even though the song was written in 1944, it has sparked quite a bit of controversy in recent years with critics pointing out the song's lyrics, which they say portray a lack of consent.
This interpretation of the song has led people to scrutinize the lyrics carefully. Interestingly, the woman constantly mentions reasons she needs to leave while the man tries to keep her inside, offering her alcohol and trying to keep her around for various reasons. For instance, he reminds her of the bad weather condition outside and how dangerous it could be for her to leave. At the same time, it also seems as though the woman is struggling with her feelings and desires, making it challenging for her to leave the man's presence. The song can be understood as a playful conversation between two people who are attracted to one another, but it is also possible to interpret it as a situation where a man is pressuring a woman into staying against her will.
Line by Line Meaning
I really can't stay
I don't want to overstay my welcome
Baby it's cold outside
It's not safe or comfortable outside, and I'd rather stay here
No I've got to go away
I need to leave for my own reasons
Baby it's cold outside
It's still cold outside and I'm not changing my mind
Well this evening has been
I had a good time tonight
Been hoping that you'd drop in
I was looking forward to seeing you
So very nice, I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
Your hands are cold, but I still enjoy spending time with you
My mother will start to worry
My mother will be concerned about me
Beautiful, what's your hurry?
You're beautiful, there's no need to rush
And my father will be pacing the floor
My father will be anxious about me
Listen to the fireplace roar
Let's enjoy the warmth and comfort of this place
So really I'd better scurry
I should probably leave soon
Beautiful, please don't hurry
You're beautiful, there's no need to rush me out the door
Well maybe just a half a drink more
Maybe I'll have just a little bit more to drink
Put some records on while I pour
Let's play some music and relax
The neighbors might think
Other people might get the wrong impression
Baby, it's bad out there
It's unsafe or uncomfortable outside
Hey, what's in this drink?
I'm not sure what's in this drink
No cabs to be had out there
There are no taxis available
I wish I knew how
I'm not sure how to handle this situation
Your eyes are like starlight now
I'm captivated by your beauty
To break this spell
To end this moment of attraction
I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I'll help you get ready to leave
I ought to say no, no, no
I should refuse your advances
Mind if I move in closer?
Can I come closer to you?
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
I want to make it clear that I did my best
What's the sense in hurting my pride?
Why would you want to hurt me in that way?
Baby don't hold out
Don't keep me waiting any longer
I simply must go
I have no other choice than to leave
But, baby, it's cold outside
It's still cold outside and I'd rather stay here
The answer is no
I'm saying no to your request
This welcome has been
I'm grateful for your hospitality
How lucky that you dropped in
I'm happy you came over
So nice and warm
It's cozy and comfortable here
Look out the window at that storm
It's not safe or comfortable to leave
My sister will be suspicious
My sister will judge me harshly
Gosh your lips look delicious
I find you very attractive
My brother will be there at the door
My brother is protective of me
Waves upon a tropical shore
Imagining a warm, tropical place
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
My aunt is very judgmental
Ooh your lips are delicious
I find you very attractive
Well maybe just a cigarette more
Maybe I'll have just one more cigarette
Never such a blizzard before
I can't remember such a severe snowstorm
I've got to get home
I need to go back to where I was before
Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there
It's not safe or comfortable to leave
Hey, lend me your coat
Can I borrow your coat?
It's up to your knees out there
The snow is very high outside
Oh, you've really been grand
I appreciate your hospitality
Thrill when you touch my hair
I enjoy your touch
How can you do this thing to me?
How can you make me leave when it's this cold outside?
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
People will talk about us
Think of my life long sorrow
Considering the consequences of our actions
At least there will be plenty implied
People will assume a lot based on what they see
If you caught pneumonia and died
You could get seriously sick if you go out in the cold
Get over that hold out
Stop hesitating and come here
Oh, baby, it's cold outside
It's still cold outside and I'd rather stay here
Goodbye
I'm leaving now
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Connie Britton, Will Chase
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lelandlewis7207
Anyone who listens to this song without bias can tell that it is far from a "date rape" song. It is a song that shows the constant battle many women went through in their minds trying to decide if they will do what they want to do, which is stay with the man, or, do what society tells them the "should" do, which is to say "no" or be branded an "easy woman". It was this internal strife that started the old expression, "Her mouth says no, but her eyes say yes." It wasn't that men would force women into a situation after they said no, it was that women would say no for propriety's sake but still remain engaged in the act.
Another saying that people use as a joke, especially women, is "I'll give you an hour to stop that!". This shows the conflict very well since she wants to say yes and enjoy whatever, but propriety tells her to say no.
I have always been courteous to women and when they said no, I respected that position. That respect cost me many prospective relationships because although they said "no", they were only doing it because that is what society required of them. When I didn't pursue it further, they assumed I wasn't interested in them romantically and lost interest in the relationship. And for those who disagree with that reasoning on my part, I was told that by more than one woman when I spoke with them after they had moved on.
Women need to stop seeing bad in everything and start looking at what it actually means. Women of the era this song was written in were starting to take control of their own lives. They were starting to dress sexier, starting to become more aware of what they wanted sexually rather than what they thought men wanted, were starting to take a more active role in politics, were taking jobs outside the home and supporting themselves, but, they also were still under societal pressure to be a "lady" or a good wife and in every situation they had to decide whether to do what they wanted or bow to that pressure and do what is "right".
There were also celebrities like Mae West and Betty Page who were showing women that they could be sexual and successful as well as desirable to men. It was the start of feminism and this song shows just how women were conflicted during this period of change, and, for that matter, still struggle with it today. Feminists should be looking at this song as showing how far they have come, not as a sign of male impropriety.
@wandererwerewolf477
Yep. The lyrics are a bit clearer than the altered ones for Neptune's Daughter :
Mouse : I really can't stay
Wolf : But Baby, it's cold, outside.
Mouse : I've got to go 'way
Wolf : But Baby, it's cold outside
Mouse : This evening has been
Wolf : So happy that you dropped in
Mouse : So very nice
Wolf : I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
Mouse : My mother will start to worry
Wolf : But Beautiful, what's your hurry?
Mouse : My father will be pacing the floor
Wolf : Listen to the fireplace roar
Mouse : So really, I'd better scurry
Wolf : Beautiful, please don't hurry
Mouse : Well, maybe just a half a drink more
Wolf : Put some records on while I pour
Mouse : The neighbors might think...
Wolf : But Baby, it's bad out there
Mouse : Say, what's in this drink?
Wolf : No cabs to be had out there
Mouse : I seem to be in...
Wolf : Your eyes are like starlit sin...
Mouse : Some crazy spell
Wolf : I'll take your hat. Your hair looks swell.
Mouse : I ought to say 'No, no, no, sir'
Wolf : You mind if I move in closer?
Mouse : At least I'm gonna say that I tried
Wolf : Baby, make my conscience your guide
Mouse : I really can't stay
Wolf : Baby, don't hold out
Both : Baby / Ah, but it's cold outside
Wolf (spoken): Baby, come back.
Mouse : But I simply must go
Wolf : But Baby, it's cold outside
Mouse : The answer is no
Wolf : But Baby, it's cold outside
Mouse : The welcome has been
Wolf : So lucky that you dropped in
Mouse : So nice and warm
Wolf : Look out the window at that storm!
Mouse : My sister will be suspicious
Wolf : Gosh, your lips look delicious
Mouse : My brother will be there at the door
Wolf : Waves upon a tropical shore
Mouse : My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
Wolf : Gosh, your lips are delicious...
Mouse : Well, maybe just a cigarette more
Wolf : Never such a blizzard before
Mouse : I've got to get home
Wolf : But Baby, you'd freeze out there
Mouse : Say, lend me a comb?
Wolf : It's up to your knees out there
Mouse : You've really been grand
Wolf : I thrill when you touch my hand
Mouse : But don't you see?
Wolf : How can you do this thing to me?
Mouse : There's bound to be talk tomorrow
Wolf : But think of my life-long sorrow
Mouse : At least there will be plenty implied
Wolf : If you caught pneumonia and died
Mouse : I really can't stay
Wolf : Get over that old doubt
Both : Baby / Ah, but it's cold outside.
@dominiquelocas5552
Lyrics and voice often carried the entire song back in those days. This is why I love this period. The female voice is warm and very sensual. The girl is clearly in love with the guy. She's mostly worried about her folks and social expectations. The song illustrates the big dilemma and internal struggles of premarital dating back then. It's a great song that required perfect timing from the singers.
It's funny how young people today immediately assume the lass isn't attracted to the guy. Usually, a girl would not allow herself to be alone with the guy in his place if she wasn't in love with him; being alone with him in itself gave her a wild thrill of excitement. Listen very carefully to the song. Saying "I seem to be in some crazy spell" does convey that the dame has strong feelings for the fellow. She's probably his fiancée.
@hiddendrifts
>It's funny<
in fairness, a lack of proper cultural context can make a lot of situations seem more problematic than they are. modern day culture in the states is completely different from traditional culture in the past, and a lot of traditional elements are viewed as problematic in the present, so of course that's the first conclusion they jump to
@tommybool1000
“The lass” bro what 💀💀
@michaelrose122
Hard to imagine the American songbook without Frank Loesser, Not the most prolific but his work was simply amazing.
@TheMysticSaint
I just looked up the original version of this song and was thrilled to see it on YouTube! Thanks for posting it.
@dannyball5524
I knew the story behind this classic, but didn't know there was a recording. What a delight!
@24hourtourist
This version retains the original idea of only the voices carrying the conversational tune. I much prefer it over later arrangements that were overproduced and weighed down with way too much attitude. Less is more - as the saying goes.
@eddiesq
Loesser is more:)
@RulkeMir4Lancer
Best version to date!!
@b.j7211
I cant believe people do not like this song....I love it.....