Singalong! Baby, It's Cold Outside by She & Him

Like many people these days, I have very mixed feelings about the song Baby, It's Cold Outside. At best, it's an old fashioned song that reinforces damaging gender roles that women must put on a show of resisting while men persist (even through straightforward statements like "the answer is no"). At worst, it's about a woman trying to get away from a date rapist. But because it's got a nice old time jazzy vibe and allows for cute "romantic" duets, it has persisted into our eternal holiday rotations.

That's why I love the She & Him cover so much. They swap out the gender roles and turn the whole thing on its head. So, if you MUST sing along with this somewhat problematic song this Christmas, try following their lead. It's more interesting, it's more fun, and it maybe makes you think a little bit about our expectations regarding gender and sex (and who doesn't want that on Christmas Eve?)

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

as performed by She & Him

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

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 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)

But maybe just a half a 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 this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair 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 in hurtin' my pride?)

I really can't stay (oh baby don't hold out)

But 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)

Your welcome has been (how lucky that you dropped in)

So nice and warm (look out the window at this dawn)

My sister will be suspicious (gosh your lips look delicious)

My brother will be there at the door (waves upon the tropical shore)

My maiden aunts mind is vicious (gosh your lips are delicious)

But maybe just a cigarette more (never such a blizzard before)

I've gotta 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 thrill 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 (think of my lifelong sorrow)

At least there will be plenty implied (if you got pnuemonia and died)

I really can't stay (get over that old out)

Baby, it's cold

Baby, it's cold outside

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