Baby, It's Cold Outside
A Cozy Dilemma: Dean Martin's Charming Winter Tango
Lyrics
I really can't stay (but, baby, it's cold outside)
The speaker expresses a desire to leave.
I've got to go away (but, baby, it's cold outside)
The speaker emphasizes the cold weather as a reason to stay.
This evening has been (been hoping that you'd drop in)
The speaker reflects on the pleasantness of the evening.
So very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
The speaker comments on the coldness of the other person's hands.
My mother will start to worry (beautiful what's your hurry?)
The speaker imagines their mother worrying about their delayed departure.
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
The speaker envisions their father being concerned and pacing.
So really I'd better scurry (beautiful please don't hurry)
The speaker suggests the need to leave quickly.
But maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while I pour)
The speaker contemplates having another drink before leaving.
The neighbors might think (baby, it's bad out there)
The speaker acknowledges potential judgment from neighbors about staying.
Say what's in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)
The other person questions the content of the drink, possibly implying intoxication.
I wish I knew how (your eyes are like starlight now)
The speaker admires the attractiveness of the other person's eyes.
To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
The speaker offers to assist with the other person's belongings.
I ought to say, no, no, no, sir (mind if I move in closer?)
The speaker considers refusing but hints at a desire to get closer.
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (what's the sense in hurtin' my pride?)
The speaker expresses the importance of trying, despite potential embarrassment.
I really can't stay (oh, baby, don't hold out)
The speaker reiterates the intention to leave.
But (oh), baby, it's cold outside
The other person insists on the cold weather as a reason to stay.
I simply must go (but, baby, it's cold outside)
The speaker feels the need to leave.
The answer is no (but, baby, it's cold outside)
The other person denies the request to leave due to the cold.
Your welcome has been (how lucky that you dropped in)
The speaker acknowledges the warmth of the welcome.
So nice and warm (look out the window at this dawn)
The speaker describes the warmth inside, contrasting with the cold outside.
My sister will be suspicious (gosh, your lips look delicious)
The speaker anticipates suspicion from their sister about staying longer.
My brother will be there at the door (waves upon the tropical shore)
The speaker envisions the brother waiting at the door, possibly disapproving.
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (gosh, your lips are delicious)
The speaker mentions the potential negative thoughts of a family member.
But maybe just a cigarette more (never such a blizzard before)
The speaker suggests having another cigarette before leaving.
I've gotta get home (but, baby, you'd freeze out there)
The speaker expresses the urgency to leave due to the cold outside.
Say, lend me a coat (it's up to your knees out there)
The speaker requests a coat to withstand the cold weather.
You've really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)
The speaker appreciates the time spent together and the physical connection.
But don't you see? (How can you do this thing to me?)
The speaker questions the other person's decision to leave, expressing hurt.
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (think of my lifelong sorrow)
The speaker anticipates gossip and potential social consequences.
At least there will be plenty implied (if you got pneumonia and died)
The speaker mentions the implied consequences if the other person leaves in the cold.
I really can't stay (get over that old doubt)
The speaker reiterates the desire for the other person to stay.
Baby, it's cold
The speaker emphasizes the cold weather once more.
Baby, it's cold outside
A final plea for the other person to stay due to the cold weather.
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