Merry Date Rape: The Truth About Bing Crosby's "It's Cold Outside"

I've been prepping for the holidays by breaking my tradition of avoiding Christmas music. (Bless you, Vince Guaraldi.) However, various factors have led me to the conclusion that the Christmas favorite "Baby It's Cold Outside" is, in fact, about date rape.

The most popular rendition of the song features Bing Crosby as the rapist and Doris Day as the victim who asked for it. As proof of my findings, I present the full lyrics to "Baby It's Cold Outside." Since the song is a duet, I've decided to put the man's lyrics in parentheses. And to hammer home the point, I will also interject my comments, which are indented.

I really I can’t stay
(But baby, it’s cold outside)
I’ve got to go away
(But baby its cold outside)

The woman has established that she wants to leave. The man is trying to convince her otherwise. RAPE!

This evening has been so very nice
(I’ll hold your hands — they’re just like ice)

Hold you hands — in my pants.

My mother will start to worry!
(Beautiful, what’s you hurry?)
And father will be pacing with fury
(Listen to the fireplace roar)

She wrongfully believes that her status as a rape victim will shame her family.

So really I better scurry!
(Beautiful, please hurry)
Well maybe just a half a drink more

Roofie colada.

(Put some records on while I pour)
The neighbors might think
(Baby, its bad out there)
Say, what’s in this drink?

Roofies. Lots of roofies.

(No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how to break the spell
(Your eyes are like starlight now)

Glazed from the roofies.

I’ll take your hat
(Your hair looks swell)
I ought to say no! no! no!

And she is.

(Mind if I move in close?)
At least I'll say that I tried.

"Rape schmape. I give up easily, apparently."

(What’s the sense of hurtin’ my pride?)
I really can't stay
(Baby, don’t hold out)

But it’s cold outside!

I simply must go
(But baby it’s cold outside)
The answer in no

He knows. He ain't listening.

(But baby it’s cold outside)
This welcome has been so nice and warm
(Look out the window at that storm!)
My sister will be suspicious!
(Your lips look delicious!)

How is she still standing after all those roofies?

My brother will be there at the door!

"Waiting to hit me for being a whore."

(Waves upon a tropical shore!)
My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious

"Maiden aunt"? What the hell?

(Gosh, your lips are delicious!)
Well maybe just a cigarette more
(Never such a blizzard before)
I’ve got to get home!
(But baby, you’ll freeze out there!)
Say lend me a coat?

He's not gonna give you any more clothes, honey.

(It’s up to your knees out there)

Her knees would be much warmer on the carpet.

You’ve really been grand!
(I thrill when you touch my hand)

"And even more if you'd touch my penis."

But don’t you see?
(How can you do this thing to me?)

"Don't be like that, baby."

There’s bound to be talk tomorrow
(Think of my lifelong sorrow!)
At least there will be plenty of implied

We're way beyond implication here.

(If you caught pneumonia and died!)
I really can’t stay!
(Get over that old out)
But baby it’s cold outside!

The message: though it may be cold outside, nothing beats the warm embrace of non-consensual sex.