The MythIn recent years, post publicity of Weinstein and other perverted and/or crimal celebrities, as well as the beginning of the #MeToo movement (which is important), a controversy, was born around the message in the song “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Some argue, with a strong defense, that the song is a “rape anthem” because it seems to encourage men to ignore when women say no to certain activities. If you listen to the lyrics, you’ll probably hear it. It sounds like the woman is saying, “No,” and the guy just keeps saying, “Oh, come on.” And to today’s standards, this song is horrible because, duh, no means no. Note: I actually prefer the phrase: only yes means yes because the absence of a no is not the presence of a yes. Consent is a sober, volentary, enthusiastic yes. Here's the thing: context.The song was composed by Frank Loesser, Jethro Burns, and Henry D. Haynes in 1944. It gained wide recognition in 1949 when it was performed in the film Neptune's Daughter and has since been performed by countless artists. As with any piece of art, one must look at the relevant historical background and context. Words and phrases, especially slang, change dramatically over time. By the time the woman sings, “Say what's in this drink?” (line 10) she’s already begun to list reasons she should leave. Note that none of the reasons are because she wants to, rather because of societal expectations. Feminism has come a long way in the 75 years since this song was written (no, we’re not “there” yet). The female character is the song is an unmarried, young woman. She would not have been “allowed” to be alone with a man. It’s getting late and she says, “I ought to say, no, no, no sir.” I ought to. If I were a “good girl” I would leave right now. Back to the drink, “Say what's in this drink?” (10). Nothing. Nothing is in the drink. That’s the joke. She is using alcohol as an excuse for her (socially unacceptable) behavior. ...the line “Say, what’s in this drink” needs to be explained in a broader context to refute the idea that he spiked her drink. “Say, what’s in this drink” is a well-used phrase that was common in movies of the time period and isn’t really used in the same manner any longer. The phrase generally referred to someone saying or doing something they thought they wouldn’t in normal circumstances; it’s a nod to the idea that alcohol is “making” them do something unusual. But the joke is almost always that there is nothing in the drink. The drink is the excuse. (Persephone Magazine) That joke has mostly been forgotten. Time moves on. Still, there’s more to the story: Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is particularly telling about the role of women in the era before the Pill arrived in 1960. There were huge risks for women having sex outside of marriage at a time when abortion was illegal and birth control was unreliable. “Nice girls” were not allowed to say yes to sex -- “yes” was only for designated sluts. So for the first half of the 20th century, everyone engaged in a kind of double-speak in which saying no could mean a variety of things, depending on the context. (Rupp) Didn’t see that coming, did you? So, what’s the verdict? This song was NOT written as a “rape anthem” nor do I believe it should be interpreted as one, today. It was actually pretty risque for the time. Personally, I love this song and I was really sad when I “had” to stop listening to it. I’m here with a Christmas miracle, people: you can listen to “Baby It’s Cold Outside” again! Or not, you know, if you don’t like the song. :) I love this cover of the song. Sources
LyricsI 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 [together] Baby, it's cold outside
1 Comment
Suzy
12/3/2019 10:55:33 am
I love the song too and couldn't figure out all the hullabaloo.
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Painting by Whit Acrylics on masonite April 20th, 2019 Words are a Quaker saying. George Fox? |