A radio station in Cleveland, Ohio, stopped playing “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” a song from the 1940s, amid the “Me Too” movement.
WDOK Christmas 102.1 said it pulled the song from its around-the-clock rotation of Christmas music this week after a listener complained, Fox8
reported.
The song includes a woman singing about leaving a man’s house as he implores her to stay.
The woman sings, “I really can’t stay” and he responds with “but baby, it’s cold outside.”
“Say, what’s in this drink?” she sings and “I simply must go… the answer is no.”
WDOK midday host Desiray told WJW: “It wasn’t really our decision. It’s the decision of our listeners.” He said the station’s lineup of music is decided by the listeners.
The station posted a poll about the song on its website, and a majority of people said it should be pulled from the station’s rotation.
“People might say, ‘Oh, enough with that #MeToo,’ but if you really put that aside and listen to the lyrics, it’s not something I would want my daughter to be in that kind of a situation,” Desiray explained. “The tune might be catchy, but let’s maybe not promote that sort of an idea.”
On the station’s website, however, the results of the poll aren’t available. It can be
accessed here.PC Gone Amok?
The move drew backlash online from commenters around the United States and in Cleveland, accusing the station of giving into rampant political correctness.
“THIS IS NUTS! If we start ignoring or banning anything that is currently politically misaligned we will be doing our history a huge injustice. This is GOING TOO FAR!! Not only that but this is my FAVORITE Xmas song ... and yes, I AM A WOMAN!!” wrote one woman in the USA Today comments
section.
Said another, “These PC nuts have had their way for too long.”
Added another woman, “It’s a stupid song that was written 75 years ago when men were gentlemen.”
A woman in the comments section
for WDOK 102 Cleveland also wrote: “If you guys start giving into this BS, I’m done. Tired of a bunch of snowflakes that get offended about EVERYTHING ruining EVERYTHING for everyone else. If you don’t like it ... Turn. The. Channel. Obviously, these sensitive people keep on listening to pick the playlist apart.”
Said another: “Do we really have to make ourselves a victim at every turn? People need to stop teaching our future generations that every little thing is bullying or politically incorrect and that they are always a victim in some way. this is an innocent song about a gentleman that wants to snuggle his ladyfriend. NO ONE THAT LISTENS TO THIS IS A VICTIM. Come on 102... Can’t anything be taken for what it really is anymore?”
Here are the full lyrics to the song:
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)
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 aunt’s 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 pneumonia and died)
I really can’t stay (get over that old out)
Baby, it’s cold
Baby, it’s cold outside
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