Given the current political climate in America, it shouldn't be surprising that the holiday season would bring controversy.

At issue is the holiday classic Baby, It's Cold Outside.

A Denver radio station stopped playing the song for a time after receiving listener complaints about the song. This followed the national news that a Cleveland radio station stopped playing the song because of the "me, too" movement.

The Denver station polled its listeners and after an overwhelming response, put the song back on the air. So, now we bring the story to Grand Junction.

Grand Junction's classic hits station KOOL 107.9 is thrilling Christmas music lovers by playing holiday music all day every day until Christmas Day. That means, 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' is going to be playing a lot in the coming days. But, should that song be taken off the radio?

In case, somehow, you aren't familiar with the song, it's a conversation between a man and a woman who have spent the evening together. It's time for her to leave and go home, but the man tries to persuade her to stay.

There are numerous versions of this song out there, and no two are exactly alike. Take a look at the Frank Loesser lyrics he wrote in 1944 as sung by Dean Martin and Martina McBride.

I really can't stay (but baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (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?)
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (beautiful please don't hurry)
But maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while I pour)
The neighbors might think (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 now)
To break this 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's the sense in hurtin' my pride?)
I really can't stay (oh baby don't hold out)
But baby, it's cold outside

Fact #1 - The song is suggestive, there's no question about it. That in itself is nothing new. Probably at least half or more of all the songs on secular radio today across all formats contain lyrics that range from mildly suggestive to blatantly explicit.

Fact #2 - Nobody really knows how the story ends. I don't think we get a resolution to the situation in any version of the song. Does she stay or does she go? If she does stay, what do they do? Perhaps they are both members of the local chess club, or maybe they are going to do a Santa Claus movie marathon.

Fact #3 - The song amounts to some playful banter between two people who obviously like each other a lot. For all the reasons she gives in the song, the woman is trying to say 'no' but the fact is, she really likes this guy and there's a part of her that really wants to stay and spend more time with him. Clearly, they are a couple who are involved romantically with each other. Flirtatious dialogue between two people romantically interested in one another is quite common and generally accepted in our society.

I am deeply sympathetic to the #metoo movement and all of the women who have been subjected to the inappropriate, unwanted, and unsolicited advances of a despicable and detestable man. When I hear stories of what some men have done to certain women, it makes me angry. It's shameful, disgraceful, and unacceptable.

It would be my opinion, however, that 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' (and I don't even necessarily like the song) does not condone, promote, or excuse the inappropriate behavior of a man. I think the uproar over this song is taking political correctness too far, and at some point, we have to have some common sense about things.

But, I'm interested in the thoughts of opinions of others. Take the poll below and tell us how you feel about the holiday classic 'Baby, It's Cold Outside." Should we get it off the Grand Junction airwaves or leave it alone? Feel free to comment as well.

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