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2. Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalbán, Baby It's Cold Outside

Rainey Knudson
Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalbán sing "Baby It's Cold Outside" in the 1949 film Neptune's Daughter. Written by Frank Loesser, 1944.

 

My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious) But maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)



Buried in this cloying holiday tune is a mystery. Who’s this maiden aunt? Could her niece be mistaken about her viciousness? We once belittled unmarried women, but this aunt might simply be starved for love, even the love of friends or an affectionate family or a beloved pet. Maybe somewhere along the way, she missed out on tenderness when she needed it most. Maybe nobody overcame whatever obstacles she threw in their way. Was there someone she loved, but feared telling them so? It’s a cautionary tale, a reminder to fix our hearts and love bravely. It’s never too late.



 

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to May 31, 2025.


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