"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?)"
The line, "Say what's in this drink" has caused the most controversy of all due to its possible reference of spiking the woman drink. But others have a different take on the line. Slay Belle, a feminist blogger from Persephone Magazine commented about the lyric by defending it. "A well-used phrase that was common in movies of the time period and isn’t really used in the same manner any longer. The phrase generally referred to someone saying or doing something they thought they wouldn’t in normal circumstances; it’s a nod to the idea that alcohol is “making” them do something unusual. But the joke is almost always that there is nothing in the drink”
Question:
1. Do you think that this song is portraying a negative or positive message?
2. If you were a radio station host, would you allow the song to be played? Why or why not?
3. Should we be analyzing lyrics in depth and coming up with possible theories or should we just enjoy the song for what it is?
As starch of a feminist and #metoo supporter as I am, I think that we should just enjoy the song for what it is and not look too deep into it. As we all know, times were much different at the time of this song's conception, and the original intent may not even be what we are analyzing it to mean. We can absolutely still defend the #metoo movement and push for progress while still enjoying holiday classics. Many pieces of pop culture raise eyebrows for me because of sexist and racist remarks, but these things are unchangeable. The only thing we can do now is monitor pop culture's message for future generations.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the song was purposely meant to be looked at negatively. It was written in 1944, 74 years ago and times have definitely changed. Although I am an avid supporter of the #metoo movement, I think people are analyzing and looking too deeply to the lyrics when I don't think the original intent was what people are saying it is. Our society today has become too sensitive to small things, especially small things such as lyrics from a song written 74 years ago. As Yasmina said earlier, it is great that people are defending the #metoo movement but this song isn't something people should be targeting. We should be enjoying the song for what it is, a Christmas classic.
ReplyDeleteI think in the current context, the song has a decidedly negative implication. It wasn't written that way, but that's what ended up happening. I wouldn't play this on radio the same way I would avoid calling someone "retarded". That word used to be a medical term, before it's meaning was abridged by people using as an insult. The listener decides what they hear, not the speaker, so just don't play this song.
ReplyDeleteTaking into context of when the song was written, I agree with other comments that the song shouldn't be analyzed in the context of a society today. I agree with the blogger that the line about the drink was a common line in movies and did not allude to spiking a drink. I don't think radio stations should stop playing this song because of the lyrics. It is meant to be a lighthearted Christmas song that should be enjoyed for what it is.
ReplyDeleteI do not think this song is portraying a negative message. Even despite the song being written more than seven decades ago, I do not think it was intended to sound sexist or offensive in any way. In fact, considering the background of the song, in which the songwriter wrote the song to sing with his wife, it seems more likely that the song is more positive. If I was a radio station host, I would allow the song to be played if the people wished it to. The song is a classic "symbol" of Christmas, and as a song, it is a way to express one's beliefs. Therefore, unless those listening to the radio are deeply offended by its playing, I find no reason to restrict it. In general, I believe we should not be analyzing the lyrics in depth unless the songwriter had an intended deeper meaning. For example, in "This is America", singer Childish Gambino, definitely had an underlying message in his song and especially his music video. As a result, it was analyzed very in depth. However, regarding "Baby, it's cold outside," it is unlikely to me that the song is more than a love song towards the songwriter's wife.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the comments above that the songs probably wasn't meant to be negative message, rather a love song. I also think because it was written over 70 years ago, it would make sense that the lyrics were somewhat sexist as the world has changed a lot from the 1940s. However, i don't think this song should be under fire due to the time period it was written and we should just enjoy it as a Christmas song.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments above that there was probably no malice or negative intent with the song and it really was meant to be a love song. The tone of the song and how it is sung makes the interaction playful and sarcastic and not creepy/scary. We have sung this song in choir and when we went over the lyrics for just a read through, it hit basically everyone the creepiness of these lyrics. I think in the context of the song being written over 70 years ago it makes sense that the lyrics would be sexist and conforming to the gender roles of the time. I think that it is a classic that should be played because it does portray history, and what society was like when the song was written. That being said, I think that people still need to be aware of the context of society today and not take the lyrics to use in their life of trying to turn this "no" in to a yes. This song needs to be listened to in context of the time period and overall tone of the piece.
ReplyDeleteI do think that we should look at the lyrics of songs to make sure that we are simply singing words with a negative or even sexist message to them. However, the song has become some what of a Christmas tradition and while I don't think we should encourage or promote a song like this, I believe it may be too late to completely get rid of it during the holiday season. If I has my own radio station, I would likely try to avoid it, especially because there are so many other holiday songs to choose from that we need not be limited to a certain selection of Christmas music.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there might be some sort of negative implication from these lyrics in today's eyes, however, I feel like it wasn't intended for the artist to offend anybody. I agree that this song is old and nobody's complained about it up to this point, so we might as well continue our traditions. People aren't filing grievances that this song has ruined their lives and I feel like playing a song that has subtle insinuations is a minor issue and doesn't really pertain to the big picture of solving today's gender injustices. If I were a radio station host, I would ask for the opinion of my viewers on the song. If a significant amount were offended by the lyrics, and didn't want to hear the song, then I would listen to them and avoid playing it. The radio is about satisfying your listeners, and when there isn't something obviously inappropriate, then I feel like it's up to the viewers to decide what they want to hear.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comments, as I think the year the song was made should be taken into context and I don't believe that the lyrics have negative intent. As Sam mentioned, the tone of the song is playful and although questionable, it doesn't have a strong message of creepiness. It is a Christmas classic and the solidity the song has in pop culture is much too strong to reverse. That being said, the messages that are conveyed in pop culture now and in the future shouldn't promote pressuring someone into changing a "no" into a "yes."
ReplyDeleteAs stated before, I agree with others that this song wasn't meant to have a negative implication. While the lyrics do seem very questionable, however just as previously stated, it doesn't give off a creepy tone. The song was also written over 70 years ago where times were different. I think we should enjoy this song as a classic, but take in the context and understand the lyrics and not to relate them into today's society.
ReplyDeleteAlthough in the times that we are in, the song may be judged as a weird and suspicious song, it is important to keep in mind and realize that the song itself was written years ago. There was even someone who stated that the song itself and the line that sparked controversy now was a popular saying back in the day. Therefore, although it may have some form of suspicious lyrics, the writer probably did not meant to have it in the song.
ReplyDeleteThe lyrics of the songs seem to be more acceptable during those times when there was no #metoo movement, so it has a negative imagery and message now than it did then. With this song, being a big Christmas song hit, I don't agree that it should be played. But I think that most people are not really listening to the lyrics and analyzing, but are more listening for the nostalgic feeling. With thousands of other songs in todays music that have similar music, this song should be listened to regardless, because it fit the context during that time period. The intention of the song was to be a Christmas song and can be decided by each individual.
ReplyDeleteThis song isn't really portraying a message, and according to some, it's actually common banter around and shortly after prohibition (when this song was written) in reference to the alcoholic nature of the drink. People are looking at old songs with a modern perspective and reading too much into it. I would let it be played because almost no one cares, despite vocal objectors and supporters a vast majority of the people don't see this as making light of rape or being a bastion of free speech, they see it as Christmas music, and since it's good Christmas music I'd keep playing it. Deep analysis is OK, some songs can have topics that aren't promoting a healthy message that it's understandable for people to oppose, but it's also OK to listen to music for the music not the message, seriously most songs don't even have intelligible lyrics, it's not why anyone listens.
ReplyDeleteI think that the writers of this song probably did not intend for the song to have any negative messages, but rather be a festive Christmas song to be enjoyed throughout the holidays. Given that the song was written so long ago, the writers were obviously not aware of the future #MeToo movement and the lyrics which could later cause controversy. Even though the lyrics may sound slightly offensive in today’s context, the feminist blogger defended some of the lyrics by explaining that the lyrics weren’t meant to be harmful toward women. I think that we are just overanalyzing the song and its lyrics especially since its original intent was not supposed to be malicious in any way.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your second question, I don't think there is a significant issue with playing this song on the radio. As many others have commented, "Baby It's Cold Outside" was written in the 1940s, many years before the #MeToo movement stressed the importance of consent and respect for personal boundaries. Moreover, this song has become a classic, and I doubt most listeners listen to Christmas songs with the intent to actually understand the lyrics. While the lyrics may seem disrespectful as we observe the song through a modern lens, I think it is important to contextualize the song, and remember its cultural value as an uplifting Christmas song.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything that was stated in previous comments so I won't repeat it. I will say though that I am a little concerned about this story because it is possible that more and more classic songs will be over analyzed and subsequently banned from the radio. I think that the U.S. is becoming overly sensitive about controversial topics. By that I mean that if there is even a sliver of doubt that something has a slight connection to a controversial topic people begin to cry wolf.
ReplyDeleteI believe that historical music,films, and books can be appreciated, regardless of their traditional and outdated content. A caveat to this, though, is that I strongly believe that we must acknowledge and be aware of the sexism, and or racism of this media in order to appreciate it. Otherwise, these sources will perpetuate these outdated ideals.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a radio host I would allow for the song to be played because it was written 74 years ago when culture in America and society was drastically different than how it is today. Any song written around that time could have some mention that would appear to be offensive to today's extra sensitive society. I think that we should just enjoy songs on the radio because many songs have underlying meanings in the lyrics that may be interpreted and be taken offensively. If someone really takes a song to offense they can decide to not listen to the song, but there are still listeners who will enjoy the song.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments above in that the song was probably was not intended to have a negative effect. Especially since the writer wrote the song as a duet with his wife, I think the song was intended to have a positive and festive effect for the holidays. Moreover, while it's great for the radio host, who is a man, to try and prevent sexism from appearing, I think the interpretation of the "what's in this drink" would be overanalyzing the lyrics. Besides, what's more important than the acknowledgement of sexism is the fact that men should change their perception of women and themselves, take responsibility for their actions and not objectify women. Since this song is already entrenched in our tradition and was intended to boost holiday spirits, it should be enjoyed as a festive, cheerful song.
ReplyDeleteDespite the song have some concerning underlying suggestions, we must consider that the time it was written and the phrases used were acceptable when it was written. I understand we live in a more sensitive time, but I think people should just enjoy the song and not dissect everything that may not seem compatible with today's views. Furthermore, I applaud the DJ for banning the song with the intention of preventing the appearance of sexism. However, if I was the DJ I would play the song because I like it and because I believe people's over analyzations were necessary. If there is a large backlash from playing the song, then I would remove it, but prior to that I would continue playing the song because as Kai mentioned it is a part of holiday tradition.
ReplyDeleteDespite the recent controversy surrounding the song lyrics, we still have to recognize the time period that the was written.74 years ago, culture and society was different from what it is now. We shouldn't read too much into the lyrics as that could possibly lead to analyzing other old songs and consequently banning more songs from being played on radio stations. However, it is important to recognize current issues and take actions such as the DJ did in this situation.
ReplyDeleteThis song is a classic, written in a different time with different social climates. We need to see that society is changing but at the same time we should continue to see where we came from. Over analyzing the song totally kills the mood. I don't think it was necessary to ban the song, although this action is with good intentions, I would not have done so. I think it is great that society is informed about the lyrics, because that is what they are singing along to, but I will continue playing the song because it is a classic. Personally, I understand that this song was written in a different time, and I have accepted it, and I move on. Just because I sing along, doesn't mean I agree with the lyrics. People are becoming too serious and sensitive these days. We should enjoy songs for what they are and make personal choices about whether or not we listen to them, but banning a song as a society is too much.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the lyrics of the song should be meticulously analyzed. There are many different ways to interpret the same set of words, and, depending on the perspective taken, the lyrics could be seen as good or bad. A perfectly innocuous song could be analyzed as insulting, which completely defeats the purpose of the song. The aforementioned song is meant to be a Christmas song, so I would say just enjoy the song for what it is.
ReplyDelete