The Strange Defense Of Baby It's Cold Outside

A radio station recently announced its decision to ban "Baby It's Cold Outside" from its airwaves.  It cites its allegiance to the #metoo movement as its reasons.  Immediately the whining and kvelling commenced, with most complaining that the station simply is kowtowing to politically correct sentiments.  They mock the notion that "baby" promotes date-rape - although the lyrics lend credence to that allegation.

What truly baffles me is how many Catholics are defending the song, claiming that:

• It's a Christmas classic (even though Christmas isn't even mentioned)
• The lyrics are silly and harmless, especially compared to today's rap music.

First, let's take a look at the lyrics, and a piece that I wrote about the matter three years ago.  As I read the lyrics and notice the line "what's in this drink", I acknowledge the possibility of date rape being implied in this song.  Even if it weren't, the singers are flirting - not only with each other but the mortal sin of fornication.  Someone attempting to defend the song said "it was written in a sane time when they wouldn't be contemplating sex".  Why, oh why, should I accept that theory?  He's asking her to stay the night.  If nothing else, that constitutes near occasion of mortal sin, does it not?

Others cite the course music of today.  Yes, rap is truly raunchy - but did music degrade to its current state only within the past several years?  No, it's been a gradual process.  Many decades ago, the proverbial envelope was pushed, little by little, to the current dismal state of affairs today.  "Baby It's Cold Outside" was a definite push of the envelope.  Is that so difficult to understand?

This song isn't worthy of the ears of decent people.  It certainly isn't worthy of the defense that Catholics are lending to it.  My fellow Catholics, we can - we must - do better than that.  There is so much decent, uplifting music to help us dwell on the Birth of Our Lord.  That is real Christmas music.