Frank Loesser (1910–1969) was a renowned American songwriter and composer, known for Broadway hits like Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

He won an Academy Award for songwriting.

About the Song

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is a playful duet by Frank Loesser, written in 1944, humorously captures a conversation where one person persuades the other to stay indoors during cold weather.

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Frank Loesser

Intro, spoken: Frank Loesser

Hey baby, where you going?

Verse 1: Lynn Garland & Frank Loesser

I really can’t stay (But baby it’s cold outside)
I’ve got to away (But baby it’s cold outside)
This evening has been (So happy that you’d dropped in)
So very nice (I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice)
My mother will start worry (Beautiful what’s your hurry)
My father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I’d better scurry (Beautiful please don’t hurry)
Well maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour)
The neighbors might think (But baby it’s bad out there)
Say what’s in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)
I seem to be in (Your eyes are like starlit sin)
Some crazy spell (I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say “No, no, no sir” (Ya mind if I move in closer?)
At least I’m gonna say that I tried (Baby make my conscious your guide)

Chorus: Lynn Garland & Frank Loesser, Both

I really can’t stay (Oh, baby don’t hold out)
Ah but it’s cold outside

Post-Chorus, spoken: Frank Loesser

Baby come back

Verse 2: Lynn Garland & Frank Loesser

But I simply must go (But baby it’s cold outside)
The answer is no (But baby it’s cold outside)
Your welcome has been (So lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (Look out the window at the storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon the tropical shore)
My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious)
But maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I’ve gotta get home (But baby you’d freeze out there)
Say lend me a comb (It’s up to your knees out there)
You’ve really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)
But don’t you see? (How can you do this thing to me?)
There’s bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my lifelong sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)

Chorus: Lynn Garland & Frank Loesser, Both

I really can’t stay (Get over that old doubt)
Ah but it’s cold outside

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Dean Martin

Verse 1: Marilyn Maxwell & Dean Martin

I really can’t stay (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
I’ve got to go away (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
This evening has been (Been hoping that you’d drop in)
So very nice (I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful, what’s your hurry?)
My father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So, really, I’d better scurry (Beautiful, please don’t hurry)
But maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour)
The neighbors might think (Baby, it’s bad out there)
Say, what’s in this drink? (No cab’s 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 of hurtin’ my pride?)

Chorus: Marilyn Maxwell, Dean Martin & Both

I really can’t stay
(Oh, baby, don’t hold out)
Baby, it’s cold outside

Verse 2: Marilyn Maxwell & Dean Martin

I simply must go (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
The answer is no (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
Your welcome has been (How lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (Look out the window at the storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon the tropical shore)
My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious)
But maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I’ve gotta get home (But, baby, you’d freeze out there)
Say, lend me a coat (It’s up to your knees out there)
You’ve really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)
But don’t you see? (How can you do this thing to me?)
There’s bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my lifelong sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you got pneumonia and died)

Chorus: Marilyn Maxwell, Dean Martin & Both

I really can’t stay
(Get over that cold out)
Baby, it’s cold
Baby, it’s cold outside

Covers of Baby Its Cold Outside by Other Artists 

Baby, It’s Cold Outside By John Legend ft. Kelly Clarkson (Lyric Video)

Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Brett Eldredge ft. Meghan Trainor (Audio)

Baby, It’s Cold Outside By Tom Jones Ft. Cerys Matthews (Official Music Video)

Baby, It’s Cold Outside By Frank Sinatra and Dorothy Kirsten

FAQ’s

What Is the True Meaning of The Song “baby, It’s Cold Outside”?

It’s a flirtatious duet where a couple playfully debates whether to extend their evening together, with one person making excuses to stay.

Why Did Baby It’s Cold Outside Get Canceled?

It faced criticism for lyrics seen as problematic, particularly concerns about consent in modern contexts, leading to debates and temporary bans by some radio stations. However, many defended it as a product of its time.

Who Did the Original Baby It’s Cold Outside?

Frank Loesser and Lynn Garland first performed the song in 1944 at a party which later gained popularity in films and recordings

Who Did Lady Gaga Sing It’s Cold Outside With?

Lady Gaga performed “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a gender-reversed version during a 2013 holiday special.

What movie is Baby It’s Cold Outside from?

The song debuted in the 1949 film Neptune’s Daughter, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song