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"Baby, It's Cold Outside" is a classic song written by Frank Loesser, and it has an interesting history and several noteworthy facts:

1. Origins and First Performance:

   • Frank Loesser wrote the song in 1944 as a duet to be performed with his wife, Lynn Garland, at holiday parties. It was never intended for public release.

2. Academy Award-Winning Song:

   • The song gained widespread popularity after it was featured in the 1949 film "Neptune's Daughter," where it was performed by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalbán. The version sung by Ricardo Montalbán and Esther Williams won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

3. Controversy and Interpretations:

   • Over the years, the song has been subject to controversy due to its lyrics, which some listeners interpret as suggestive or non-consensual. In the context of the time it was written, the lyrics were likely more in line with the playful flirtation of the era, but contemporary interpretations have led to discussions about consent.

4. Cover Versions:

   • "Baby, It's Cold Outside" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Lady Gaga, among others. Each artist brings their own interpretation to the song.

5. Dean Martin's Popular Version:

   • Dean Martin's 1959 recording of the song is one of the most well-known and frequently played versions. His rendition, often performed as a duet with different female singers, has become a holiday classic.

6. Modern Controversy and Censorship:

   • In recent years, the song has faced criticism for its perceived lack of sensitivity to issues of consent. Some radio stations have even removed it from their holiday playlists. Others argue that the song reflects the social norms of its time and should be understood in that context.

7. Gender Reversals:

   • In response to the controversy, some modern renditions of the song have featured gender-reversed lyrics to emphasize mutual consent and avoid the potentially problematic elements associated with the original version.

Despite the controversies, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" remains a widely recognized and cherished holiday song, but its reception and interpretation have evolved over time.