John Legend Kelly Clarkson Baby Its Cold Outside
After the controversy over the 1944 song "Baby It's Cold Outside" last holiday season, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson have given the winter classic a modern-day refresh.
The original song was banned by radio stations across the country in 2018 for its lyrics that some say are inappropriate in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Those against the song say it promotes date rape, describing a man pressuring a woman to stay despite her adamantly telling him "no, no, no." But supporters argue that context is important, and when the song was written 70 years ago, it had a different meaning.
Here are the complete lyrics from the 1944 version of the now-controversial song alongside the updated 2019 version (in bold):
(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
(Well, maybe just 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 of hurting my pride
(I really can't stay) Baby, don't hold out
[Both] 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
(The welcome has been) How lucky that you dropped in
(So nice and warm) Look out the window at the 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
(But maybe just a cigarette more) Never such a blizzard before
(My sister will be suspicious) Well gosh your lips look delicious
(I got to 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 life long sorrow
(At least there will be plenty implied) If you caught pneumonia and died
(I really can't stay) Get over that hold out
[Driver] Uh, ma'am, I really can't stay
(Baby just go)
[Both] Baby, it's cold outside
[Both] Baby, it's cold outside
Legend is aware of the mixed opinions from listeners. While sharing the new song to his Twitter Friday, he wrote, "A welcome update or 'PC Culture run amok & destroying everything great in the history of music?' (🙄). You decide."
And as the singer expected, Twitter reactions to the song were split, with some praising the new version.
"You guys sound great together! The lyrics are cute and humorous. It's fun," @SonomaDesigner replied to Legend's tweet.
"Just bought the album based on this excellent rewrite alone," @JeetoCheesus tweeted after tweeting a thumbs up emoji to the new lyrics "it's your body and your choice."
Some, however, thought the update was unnecessary.
"Love you all, but way too PC and totally not necessary to change the lyrics. People are beyond too sensitive today!" @vickylynnd tweeted.
"It's a shame that people decided an innocent classic Christmas song was somehow promoting date rape. I for one will NOT be listening to this new version," @JamesDi17664136 tweeted. "People need to stop looking for trouble in everything."
Others like both versions.
"I had no issue with the original lyrics myself but your version is absolutely wonderful as well. Both of your voices are awesome," @JesseRoth1 tweeted.
More:Sharon Osbourne calls John Legend's 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' rewrite 'ridiculous'
More:Music lyrics are getting angrier, sadder over time, study finds
John Legend Kelly Clarkson Baby Its Cold Outside
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/11/08/john-legend-kelly-clarkson-updated-baby-its-cold-outside-lyrics/2530400001/