From the film “Neptune’s Daughter”, 1948.
Words and music by Frank Loesser.
Sheet music provided by Nicholas Leunissen:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- I really can’t stay
But baby, it’s cold outside
I’ve got to go ‘way
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?
And 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 wish I knew how
Your eyes are like starlight not
To break the 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’ the sense of hurting my pride
I really can’t stay
Oh, baby, don’t hold out
Ah, but it cold outside
Baby, it’s cold outside
- I simply must go
But baby, it’s cold outside
The answer is No!
But baby, it’s cold outside
The welcome has been
How lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious
Gosh, your lips look delicious
My brother will be there at the door
Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunts’ mind is vicious
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’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
I really can’t stay
Get over that old doubt
Ah, but it’s cold outside
Baby, it’s cold outside
Sung here by Laurence and Lisa Rubenstein: