Baby Its Cold Outside
Various Artists Lyrics


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I really can't stay
(Baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away
(Baby, it's cold outside)
This evening has been
(Hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice
(I'll hold your hands, they're cold as 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 worry)
Maybe just one drink more
(Put some records on, while I pour)

The neighbors might think
(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 hair looks swell)

I say no, no, no sir
(Mind if I move in closer)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
(What's the use of hurting my pride)
I really can't stay
(Baby, don't hold out)
Baby, it's cold outside

I simply must go
(Baby, it's cold outside)
The answer is no
(Baby, it's cold outside)
The welcome has been
(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)
Maybe just a half a drink more
(Never such a blizzard before)

I've got to get home
(Baby, you'll 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)
But don't you see
(How can you do this thing to me)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
(Just think about my lifelong sorrow)
At least there'll be plenty implied
(If you caught pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay




(Get over that hold out)
Baby, it's cold outside

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Various Artists depict a conversation between two people who are hesitant about one person leaving because of the cold weather. The song is often interpreted as a playful, flirtatious exchange between a man and a woman. Throughout the lyrics, the woman expresses her desire to leave due to social expectations and the concern that others will judge her for staying. The man, on the other hand, tries to persuade her to stay, making various attempts to convince her that it's warmer inside and that she should have another drink.


The song touches on themes of societal expectations, gender dynamics, and the struggle between personal desires and outside pressures. The woman expresses worry about her mother and father's expectations, while also fearing judgment from neighbors and her sister. The man, alternatively, uses charm and flattery to try to convince her to stay, disregarding her initial refusal. This tug-of-war between the two characters creates a playful tension throughout the song, exemplifying the complexities of romantic interactions.


Overall, the lyrics of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" can be seen as a reflection of the social norms and expectations of the time the song was written, as well as a commentary on the power dynamics between men and women in relationships. It can be interpreted differently by different listeners, with some perceiving it as a harmless flirtation and others noting the underlying pushiness or coerciveness present in the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

I really can't stay
I don't want to stay


I've got to go away
I need to leave


This evening has been
The time we've spent together


So very nice
Has been enjoyable


My mother will start to worry
My mother will become concerned


My father will be pacing the floor
My father will be anxious


So really, I'd better scurry
I should hurry


Maybe just one drink more
Perhaps have another drink


The neighbors might think
People nearby may assume


Say, what's in this drink
What is the content of this drink


I wish I knew how
I desire to know


To break the spell
To end the enchantment


I say no, no, no sir
I firmly refuse


At least I'm gonna say that I tried
At least I will claim to have made an effort


Baby, don't hold out
Please don't hesitate


I simply must go
I absolutely need to leave


The answer is no
I am declining


The welcome has been
The hospitality has been


So nice and warm
Very pleasant and cozy


My sister will be suspicious
My sister will be distrustful


My brother will be there at the door
My brother will be waiting at the entrance


My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
My unmarried aunt has a mean-spirited nature


Maybe just a half a drink more
Perhaps only consume half a drink more


I've got to get home
I must return to my residence


Say, lend me a coat
Can I borrow a coat


You've really been grand
You have been wonderful


But don't you see
Can't you understand


There's bound to be talk tomorrow
There will surely be gossip in the future


At least there'll be plenty implied
At least there will be much insinuated


I really can't stay
I truly cannot remain


Baby, it's cold outside
The temperature is low outdoors




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank Loesser

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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