John Legend Rewrites Controversial Lyrics From “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
John Legend and Insecure star Natasha Rothwell have penned a modern update of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” for Legend’s new Christmas album, A Legendary Christmas: The Deluxe Edition. The rewrite of Frank Loesser’s 1944 original, which Legend sings as a duet with Kelly Clarkson, scraps lyrics now considered sexually coercive, including those in which the suitor appears to spike his date’s drink.
According to a press release, the rewrite includes the lyrics:
I really can’t stay (Baby, it’s cold outside)
I’ve gotta go away (I can call you a ride)
This evening has been (So glad that you dropped in)
So very nice (Time spent with you is paradise)
My mother will start to worry (I’ll call a car and tell ’em to hurry)
In addition, according to a new cover story by Karen Valby for Vanity Fair, the song includes the following exchange:
“What will my friends think...” sings Clarkson.
“I think they should rejoice,” Legend responds.
“... if I have one more drink?”
“It’s your body, and your choice.”
John Legend’s A Legendary Christmas: The Deluxe Edition is out November 8 (via Columbia).
Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
