Baby It's Cold Outside
John Legend Lyrics


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I really can't stay (baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (but, I can call you a ride)
This evening has been (I'm so glad you that you dropped in)
So very nice (time spent with you is paradise)
My mom will start to worry (I'll call the car and tell him to hurry)
My daddy will be pacing the floor (wait, what are you still livin' home for?)
So, really, I'd better scurry (your driver, his name is Murray)
But maybe just a half a drink more (oh, we're both adults, so who's keepin' score)
What will my friends think? (I think they should rejoice)
If I have one more drink? (It's your body and your choice)
Ooh you really know how (your eyes are like starlight now)
To cast a spell (one look at you and then I fell)
I ought to say, "No, no, no, sir" (then you really ought to go, go, go)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (well, Murray, he just pulled up outside)

I really can't stay
(I understand, baby)
Baby, it's cold outside

I simply should go (text me when you get home)
Oh, I'm supposed to say no (mm, I guess that's respectable)
This welcome has been (I feel lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (but you better go before it storms)
My sister will be suspicious (well, gosh your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (oh, he loves my music, baby, I'm sure)
My gossipy neighbor's vicious (I'm a genie, tell me what your wish is)
But maybe just a cigarette more (oh, that's somethin' we should probably explore)
I've got to get home (oh, baby, I'm well aware)
Say, lend me a coat (oh, keep it girl, I don't care)
You've really been grand (I feel good to touch me hands)
Don't you see? (I want you to stay, it's not up to me)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (well, they can talk, what do they know)
At least there will be plenty implied (oh, let their mind do this, and-)
Ma'am, I really can't stay

Baby, just go
It's cold, baby
It's cold, baby




But, ooh, I don't wanna go
It's cold outside

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Legend & Teyana Taylor's song "Cold" tell a story of two individuals who are engaged in a playful and flirtatious conversation about whether or not they should stay together for the night. The song borrows elements from the classic holiday tune, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," but takes on a modern twist with a more respectful and consensual tone.


The song opens with the female singer expressing her desire to leave, but the male singer suggests calling her a ride instead. He mentions how enjoyable their time together has been and tries to assure her that her parents won't worry about her leaving. The male singer also implies that they are both adults and can make their own decisions about having another drink. He compliments the female singer's beauty and refers to her eyes as "starlight."


As the conversation continues, the female singer mentions what others might think if she stays and how her sister and brother might react. The male singer reassures her by saying her lips look delicious and that her brother loves his music. He continues to flatter her by calling her a genie and expressing his desire for a cigarette, suggesting further exploration. However, the female singer insists on going home and asks for a coat. The male singer acknowledges that he wants her to stay, but ultimately respects her decision.


The song ends with a playful exchange where the male singer states that he can't stay, and the female singer tells him to leave, acknowledging that it is cold outside but expressing her reluctance to let him go.


Overall, the lyrics portray a lighthearted and charming interaction between two people who are considering spending the night together. The song highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and making consensual choices.


Line by Line Meaning

I really can't stay (baby, it's cold outside)
I don't want to leave because it's cold outside, but I can arrange transportation for you.


I've got to go away (but, I can call you a ride)
I need to leave, but I can arrange for someone to take you home.


This evening has been (I'm so glad you that you dropped in)
I've enjoyed spending time with you tonight.


So very nice (time spent with you is paradise)
Being with you feels like being in paradise.


My mom will start to worry (I'll call the car and tell him to hurry)
If I stay longer, my mom will start to worry, so I'll call the driver and ask him to hurry.


My daddy will be pacing the floor (wait, what are you still livin' home for?)
My dad will be worried, questioning why you're still living at home.


So, really, I'd better scurry (your driver, his name is Murray)
I should hurry, and your driver's name is Murray.


But maybe just a half a drink more (oh, we're both adults, so who's keepin' score)
Maybe I'll have just half a drink more, as we're both adults and it doesn't matter.


What will my friends think? (I think they should rejoice)
I'm worried about what my friends will think, but personally, I think they should be happy for us.


If I have one more drink? (It's your body and your choice)
If I have another drink, it's ultimately your decision and your body.


Ooh you really know how (your eyes are like starlight now)
You have a special way of captivating me with your starlight-like eyes.


To cast a spell (one look at you and then I fell)
You have the power to enchant me with just one look.


I ought to say, "No, no, no, sir" (then you really ought to go, go, go)
I should refuse, but then you should also leave.


At least I'm gonna say that I tried (well, Murray, he just pulled up outside)
I can say that I made an effort, but Murray has arrived outside.


I simply should go (text me when you get home)
I should leave, but please text me when you arrive home safely.


Oh, I'm supposed to say no (mm, I guess that's respectable)
I'm expected to refuse, and I suppose that's considered respectable.


This welcome has been (I feel lucky that you dropped in)
I feel fortunate that you came to visit.


So nice and warm (but you better go before it storms)
It's cozy and warm here, but you should leave before it starts to storm.


My sister will be suspicious (well, gosh your lips look delicious)
My sister will become suspicious, especially since your lips look so enticing.


My brother will be there at the door (oh, he loves my music, baby, I'm sure)
My brother will be waiting at the door, but don't worry, he enjoys my taste in music.


My gossipy neighbor's vicious (I'm a genie, tell me what your wish is)
My nosy neighbor tends to spread rumors, but don't worry, I can fulfill your wishes like a genie.


But maybe just a cigarette more (oh, that's somethin' we should probably explore)
Perhaps I'll have just one more cigarette, something we can explore together.


I've got to get home (oh, baby, I'm well aware)
I need to go home, but I'm fully aware of that.


Say, lend me a coat (oh, keep it girl, I don't care)
Could you lend me a coat? Actually, you can keep it, I don't mind.


You've really been grand (I feel good to touch me hands)
You've been amazing, and it feels great to hold your hands.


Don't you see? (I want you to stay, it's not up to me)
Don't you understand? I want you to stay, but the decision is not solely mine.


There's bound to be talk tomorrow (well, they can talk, what do they know)
People will gossip tomorrow, but let them talk, they don't know the truth.


At least there will be plenty implied (oh, let their mind do this, and-)
At the very least, there will be plenty of suggestions, so let their imagination run wild.


Ma'am, I really can't stay
Ma'am, I truly can't stay any longer.


Baby, just go
Baby, please just leave.


It's cold, baby
It's cold outside, baby.


It's cold, baby
Just a reminder, it's really cold outside.


But, ooh, I don't wanna go
But, ooh, I really don't want to leave.


It's cold outside
It's cold outside, and that's why I want to stay.




Lyrics Š Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Stephens, Natasha Rothwell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@sd.stajic

A bit more like this:

- "Baby, it's cold outside. I really wanna stay"
- (I know, but my wife's coming home)
- "She won't catch us. I promise."
- (I can't take that chance)
- "Just one more drink?"
- (I would love it, but you gotta leave now)
- "I really don't wanna go"

- GET THE FCK OUT!



All comments from YouTube:

@landbeforetimeee

They always ask "where's Murray?" But never "How's Murray". If you're cold, he's cold. Let Murray in.

@tosinakin2508

Murray gets sent off at 3:03. He got tired of them 🤷🏿‍♀️

@crystalandrews8393

Thank you for your kind consideration of Murray. He appreciates that.🤗😂

@adolfoguerra7257

MMF brazzers!!!

@hangeskitten2735

No one asks “why’s Murray” 😔

@dantheman2442

How about another joke, Murray?

3 More Replies...

@brianlambert1444

She’s literally begging this prude to let her stay!!😂😂😂😂

@cruzcntrl3816

This is the longest conversation between two people that want the same thing

@xmichaelwood

HAHAHAHAH! Amazing comment! :P :D

@sofieanderson622

Ugg, he rewrote it to make it look like he wasn’t forcing her to stay but the original song was written by a MARRIED COUPLE that sang it to their family every Christmas. It was an innocent song about a guy not wanting his date to leave because he really liked her and they were both flirting with each other. He wasn’t holding her hostage or anything🤦‍♀️ get it straight John🙄

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