Kelly Clarkson & John Legend Re-Write ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ Lyrics For #MeToo Era

Kelly Clarkson and John Legend have released an updated version of the classic Christmas song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” with lyrics less suggestive of date rape and over-persistence.

In the past few years and in light of the #MeToo movement, the lyrics to the original tune have faced some backlash. Some critics say that the lyrics in the song hint at the use of date rape and pressure from a man, as he tries to convince a woman to stay over.

The two The Voice judges changed some lyrics in their updated duet. The original lyrics, “I really can’t stay (but baby, it’s cold outside)/ I’ve got to go away (but baby, it’s cold outside)/ 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)” were changed to, “I really can’t stay (baby, it’s cold outside)/ I’ve got to 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)/ My daddy will be pacing the floor (Wait, what are you still livin’ home for?).”

Another major change to the original is Clarkson singing, “What will my friends think if I have one more drink?” with Legend replying, “It’s your body and your choice.”

The updated version was released Nov 8 on Legend’s Christmas album, ‘A Legendary Christmas: The Deluxe Edition.’