The iconic Christmas song “Baby it’s cold outside” got the #MeToo treatment, it got Meetoo’d, if we may say. Singers John Legend and Kelly Clarkson just released a new version of the song in which some passages have been changed because, according to some, they alluded to date rape and portray a man trying to have sex with a woman against her will.
“Baby it’s cold outside” has been the target of feminists for the past years. Some view it as offensive, macho, sexist, and others claim that some passages are even promoting rape culture (“What’s in that drink”). In the #MeeToo era, the pressure has increasingly mounted against the song, some radio stations have even removed it from their Christmas playlist. And in 2019, they finally did it, they changed the incriminated words and passages that put some women and men uncomfortable.
Personally, when I first heard about the feminist criticisms against the song in 2018, I was pissed, I was furious against that PC culture. I didn’t’ agree with it. I thought that they should not touch to such an iconic song that was made in a time when a man was considered a gentleman if he didn’t take a woman’s no for an answer and that he had to persuade her to sleep with him no matter what. But recently I took my time to listen to the song. At one time the woman asked to the insisting man who wanted to sleep with her (despite the fact she said no, and wanted to go), “What’s in that drink?”. That made it for me. It seems that the man had slipped something in her drink to get her to sleep with him! That some Pill Cosby stuff!
Moreover, I don’t think that a real gentleman should beg to have sex with a woman. I don’t believe he should take advantage of the bad weather to get some, like we saw it in the song video clip. At one point, it became embarrassing, creepy, the way the guy was insisting, blocking the door, and keeping the woman from getting away. It’s like she was being ambushed. A gentleman doesn’t act like this. You don’t force yourself on people, trying to get them to give you something they apparently refuse to give. You don’t beg for it; you should be offered it instead. Giving it away should be her will, not yours. She should be free to make a decision without being pressured, coerced, ambushed, drugged, blackmailed… If you need to use any of these things to get some, you don’t deserve to get any. You should take a no for a no and move on. Here are the words of the new “Baby it’s cold outside”:
Verse 1: Kelly Clarkson & (John Legend)
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? (Well 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)
Chorus: Kelly Clarkson, John Legend & Both
I really can’t stay
I understand, baby
Baby, it’s cold outside
Verse 2: Kelly Clarkson & (John Legend)
I simply should go (Text me when you get home)
On I’m supposed to say no (Mm, I guess that’s respectable)
This welcome has been (I’ve been 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 neighbors for sure (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 it when you touch my hands)
But 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, but what do they know?)
At least there will be plenty implied (Oh, let them mind their business, and go)
[The driver ] Ma’am, I really can’t stay
Chorus: Kelly Clarkson & Both
Baby, just go
It’s cold, baby
It’s cold, baby
But, ooh, I don’t wanna go
It’s cold outside
Jonel Juste
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