Lyrics
I really can't stay (baby, it's cold outside)
The speaker expresses reluctance to leave because of the cold weather.
I've got to go 'way (baby, it's cold outside)
Reiterating the desire to leave due to the cold outside.
This evening has been (been hoping that you'd drop in)
The speaker reflects on the enjoyable time spent together.
So very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
Complimenting the partner's hands while suggesting they are cold.
My mother will start to worry (beautiful what's your hurry)
Anticipating concerns of the speaker's mother about the late stay.
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
Expecting the father to be worried and pacing due to the late hour.
So really I'd better scurry (beautiful, please don't hurry)
Expressing the need to leave quickly to alleviate family concerns.
Well, maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while I pour)
Suggesting a compromise with a half drink more and music.
The neighbors might think (baby, it's bad out there)
Acknowledging societal judgment about staying late with someone.
Say, what's in this drink? (no cabs to be had out there)
Raising a playful question about the content of the drink.
I wish I knew how (your eyes are like starlight now)
Complimenting the partner's eyes using metaphorical language.
To break the spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
Expressing a desire to help the partner with their belongings.
I ought to say no, no, no sir (mind if I move in closer?)
Internal struggle to resist the romantic advances.
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (what's the sense of hurtin' my pride?)
Asserting the effort to resist, balancing pride and vulnerability.
I really can't stay (oh, baby, don't hold out)
Reiteration of the speaker's reluctance to leave.
Oh but it's cold outside (baby, it's cold outside)
Emphasizing the cold weather as the reason for not leaving.
I simply must go (baby, it's cold outside)
Expressing the need to depart despite the warm welcome.
The answer is no (but, baby, it's cold outside)
Receiving a refusal but highlighting the cold weather as a reason.
This welcome has been (how lucky that you dropped in)
Appreciating the luck of the partner's visit.
So nice and warm (look out the window at that storm)
Commenting on the warmth inside and the storm outside.
My sister will be suspicious (gee, your lips look delicious)
Anticipating the suspicion of the speaker's sister.
My brother will be there at the door (waves upon a tropical shore)
Expecting the presence of the brother at the door.
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (did I say your lips are delicious)
Highlighting the potential judgment from the maiden aunt.
Well, maybe just a cigarette more (never such a blizzard before)
Suggesting a compromise with a cigarette and mentioning the blizzard.
I've got to get home (but, baby, you'll freeze out there)
Expressing the urgency to leave due to the extreme cold.
Say, lend me your coat (it's up to your knees out there)
Requesting a coat for protection against the cold outside.
You've really been grand (I'm thrilled when you touch my hand)
Expressing gratitude for the pleasant time spent together.
Why don't you see (how can you do this thing to me?)
Questioning the partner's decision to leave and its impact.
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (think of my lifelong sorrow)
Acknowledging potential gossip and societal judgment the next day.
At least there will be plenty implied (if you caught pneumonia and died)
Suggesting potential consequences, even jokingly, of catching pneumonia.
I really can't stay (get over that hold out)
Repeating the reluctance to leave, with a plea to overcome it.
Ah, but it's cold outside
Reaffirming the cold weather as the reason for not leaving.
Baby it's cold outside
Repeating the central theme of the cold weather and reluctance to part.
Baby it's cold out, baby it's cold outside
Reiteration of the cold weather as the shared reason for staying.
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