
By now you’ve heard the news, radio stations are dropping Baby It’s Cold Outside from its playlists as the lyrics are debated with respect to the #metoo movement. So, my question is: can #metoo go too far? I’m genuinely asking.
I admit I scoffed and said, “Really?!” I mean, come on folks, how stupid can you be? This song is from 1944 – can we apply today’s lens on a different generation? Is it really what people are making it out to be? What is the fuss about? I decided to listen to the song. Multiple times. For non-native English speakers, I can see where confusion can happen for them; these lines fit right in with the #metoo movement—
- Say what’s in this drink?
- Ah, you’re very pushy you know?
- The answer is no
- That took a lot of convincing
But there are other lyrics that add context and take away from the implication of those other lines. It’s more like a “thou doth protest too much” than ignoring the word “no”. It’s a playful exchange between two consenting adults—
- The neighbors might think
- My sister will be suspicious
- My brother will be there at the door
- My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious
- But don’t you see?
- There’s bound to be talk tomorrow
- At least there will be plenty implied
When you single something out, without considering other context, you distort intention and meaning. Just sayin’.
namaste
I love this song. It’s flirtatious and a bit non-PC for today but I still look for it on Youtube every year.