Baby It's Cold Outside
Jeffrey Osborne & Chaka Khan Lyrics
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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 words you're humming
And father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
The neighbours might think - But 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 the spell - I'll take your hat, your hairs looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no sir - Mind if I move in closer?
At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense of hurting my pride?
I really can't stay - Oh baby don't hold out
Ah but it's cold outside - Baby it's cold outside
I simply must go - But baby it's cold outside
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 that window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious - God 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
I got to get home - But baby you'd freeze out there
Say, lend me a coat - It's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand - I'm thrilled when you touch my hand
Why don't you see - How can you do this thing to me?
There's bound to be talk tomorrow - 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
Ah but it's cold outside - Ah but it's cold outside
Where could you be going
When the wind is blowing
And it's cold outside?
Baby it's cold, cold outside
The song “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is a classic duet, initially composed in 1944 by Frank Loesser. The lyrics of the song describe the conversation between the two entertainers as they get ready to leave each other’s company. The song has been regarded as both romantic and controversial, as it depicts the female singer repeatedly attempting to leave while the male singer persuades her to stay.
The lyrics of the song display the societal expectations of the 1940s, particularly regarding women's behavior. The female singer represents the expectations of decency and propriety, while the male singer represents masculinity and forcefulness. The female singer mentions several times that she ought to leave, and that society judges women who stay out late, but the male singer convinces her to remain.
The song has been interpreted in different ways by different generations. Some argue that the lyrics are suggestive and promote sexual coercion, while others indicate that it is merely playful banter between two interested parties. Regardless of interpretation, the song remains relevant today as a historical text reflecting societal norms and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I really can't stay - but baby it's cold outside
I want to leave but it's cold and I don't want to be alone
I've got to go away - but baby it's cold outside
I need to go home but I'm afraid of the cold weather
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
I've been enjoying your company and was hoping you would come over
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
It's nice to have you here, but your hands are really cold
My mother will start to worry - Beautiful words you're humming
My mom will be concerned but I love the song you're singing
And father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
My dad will be nervous but let's enjoy the sound of the fireplace
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
I should leave soon, but stay a little longer, you're beautiful
Well, maybe just a half a drink more - Put some records on while I pour
I'll have a little more to drink, let's listen to some music
The neighbours might think - But baby it's bad out there
People might judge us for staying here, but it's too dangerous to leave
Say, what's in this drink? - No cabs to be had out there
What's in my drink? I can't find a cab to go home
I wish I knew how - Your eyes are like starlight now
I don't know what to do, your eyes are so beautiful
To break the spell - I'll take your hat, your hairs looks swell
I need to snap out of it, but first let me help with your hat
I ought to say no, no, no sir - Mind if I move in closer?
I should say no and leave, but I want to be closer to you
At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense of hurting my pride?
I'll pretend to try to leave, but I don't want to hurt my ego
I really can't stay - Oh baby don't hold out
I really need to go, but please don't make me feel guilty for leaving
Ah but it's cold outside - Baby it's cold outside
I don't want to leave because it's too cold outside
I simply must go - But baby it's cold outside
I have no choice but to leave even though it's cold
The answer is no -But baby it's cold outside
I'm saying no to what you're suggesting, even though it's cold outside
The welcome has been - How lucky that you dropped in
I'm happy you came, it was nice having you here
So nice and warm - Look out that window at that storm
I'm warm and cozy, but it's scary looking at the storm outside
My sister will be suspicious - God your lips look delicious
My sister will think there's something going on between us, and you look tempting
My brother will be there at the door - Waves upon a tropical shore
My brother will be home soon, let's pretend we're somewhere exotic like a beach
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious - Gosh your lips are delicious
My aunt can be judgmental, but I can't resist your lips
Well, maybe just a cigarette more -Never such a blizzard before
Let's have one more cigarette and stay inside because it's a really bad snowstorm
I got to get home - But baby you'd freeze out there
I need to leave, but you'd freeze to death if you followed me
Say, lend me a coat - It's up to your knees out there
Let me borrow a coat so I can leave without getting frostbite
You've really been grand - I'm thrilled when you touch my hand
You've been amazing, and I enjoy when you touch me
Why don't you see - How can you do this thing to me?
Can't you see how much you're affecting me? Making me not want to leave
There's bound to be talk tomorrow - Think of my lifelong sorrow
If people find out and talk about this, I'll be sad for the rest of my life
At least there will be plenty implied - If you caught pneumonia and died
Even if nothing is said, it's implied that you could get sick and die from being out in the cold all night
I really can't stay - Get over that hold-out
I'm serious about leaving, don't try to convince me otherwise
Ah but it's cold outside - Ah but it's cold outside
It's cold outside, so it's hard to leave
Where could you be going - When the wind is blowing - And it's cold outside?
Where are you going when it's so cold and windy outside?
Baby it's cold, cold outside
It's really cold outside
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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