I Really Can't Stay...

Today’s song is surrounded in controversy, which is partly why I have chosen this particular song and video. First of all, the video is absolutely adorable. Secondly, I love this song and do not see it the way so many people see it.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside  was written by the husband and wife team of Frank Loesser and Lynn Garland in 1944 and was performed by the couple as a duet at many parties. Loesser sold the rights to the song to MGM for use in the film Neptune’s Daughter. The song was actually performed twice in that film, each time with the roles reversed.

In today’s world, this song seems rather “rapey,” which I am sure might offend some people. However, when you look at the song in its context {written in 1944, remember that}, it takes on a different tone--not an innocent one, just a different one. In 1944, it was socially unacceptable for a woman to spend the night at the home of a boyfriend or fiancée. Therefore, the couple in the song is basically talking out a good reason--a socially acceptable reason--to prevent her from being home. No one has ever sung the song in a fearful tone; to me, it sounds like she isn’t completely opposed to the idea of staying, she is just playing coy and waiting to be convinced. And the line “what’s in this drink?” in our modern world with date-rape drugs, sounds much more sinister than its intent:  boy, whatever alcohol was in this drink is so strong that I should probably stay here and sleep it off.

I, myself, tend to have a more innocent and romanticized view of the world as it is. In my mind, the fella is concerned about her going out in the cold. He wants to spend more time with her because he enjoys her company, and she wants to stay, too, but everybody {including her brother} will think less of her--unless they use the cold as an excuse.

You might not agree, or maybe you do, but either way, you can’t help but enjoy this cute video. Those kids are good dancers!

~Stay Gold!