Tears and Laughter: What to avoid if ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ bothers you
Multiple radio stations across the country have pulled the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” due to listener complaints concerning the lyrics – which can be interpreted as a man making unwanted advances toward a woman. Multiple other stations are playing the song incessantly.
Maybe it is a bit of a generational thing. It may be helpful for anyone offended by the song to remember that it is just a call and return style song. The people in it aren’t real, they aren’t at work, and nowhere in the lyrics is she like, “get your damn hands off of me!”
The song was made famous in 1959 by Dean Martin and has since been covered by numerous artists including Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. But it was written in 1944, when the United States was fighting in World War II. Many of the nation’s men were serving overseas and many women were missing them. People didn’t have phones to fondle, and romance was still alive.
Even in today’s politically correct world some people prefer it hot when it’s cold outside. It is all in the way we each perceive things…not unlike the lightweight world title match between Vasilly Lomachenko and Jose Pedraza Saturday night. A lot of viewers might have watched a few minutes of that action and thought it was two men beating the hell out of one another.
It kind of looked that way because in a way that is what was happening.
It was at Madison Square, the arena was full, some people had dressed up, there were peanuts and hot dogs being sold, a fair amount of wagers had been placed, sponsors were involved, girls in bikinis kept marching around the perimeter of the ring holding numbers above their heads – generously helping everyone stay abreast of which round was about to begin. There was a bell, and managers, and a referee. It was professional.
When it was over, Pedraza thanked Lomachenko, the lightweight champion of the world, for spending 12 rounds punching on him. He said it was an honor, and that he appreciated the opportunity…or something along those lines – I don’t know, he was speaking Spanish, and it was being translated. The point being, what seemed like a fight to some was a good time for others.
If “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is upsetting to you, there are many other songs you will want to avoid in order to protect yourself from your feelings starting with John Cougar before he added Mellencamp. “Hurt so Good” is not going to set well with you. Sometimes love really doesn’t feel like it should, yet it has remained popular year after year. Sensitive listeners probably won’t like his little ditty about Jack and Diane either.
Likewise, you will want to watch your ears around Conway Twitty songs. “Hello Darlin” is only a start. An evening with Conway can have women wanting advances they previously didn’t know they even cared for. There are women who go there entire adult lives searching for a man who can growl like Conway Twitty.
Having feelings of potential unwanted advances may not be limited to songs. Those susceptible might also be uncomfortable watching M.A.S.H, every single episode, and WKRP in Cincinnati might make them anxious too.
Once upon a time it really was a man’s world. That has mostly changed, but to many, life would still be nothing without women. It’s the blessing of some and the curse of others I suppose.
Amanda Walker is a contributor with AL.com, Selma Times Journal, Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, Alabama Gazette, and the Wilcox Progressive Era. Contact her at Walkerworld77@msn.com or at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist.