Six years ago, I wrote a semi-humorous column for Dundalk Patch in which I poked fun at the lyrics of several Christmas songs.
I pointed out the suggestive overtones of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and the bullying tactics employed in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
It was a light-hearted, word-nerd analysis of popular songs sung by generations over the years.
In 2012, when I penned (keyboarded?) that column, I could not have anticipated the political climate of 2018, to say nothing of the #metoo movement.
So to say I’m shocked to hear that there are serious efforts to ban “Baby It’s Cold Outside” from the airwaves (and several radio stations have promised to stop playing it) and planned protests of Rudolph is an understatement.
In listening to some of the pros and cons being tossed around regarding the songs and the supposed ill behavior being touted, I am hearing many of the things I brought upon in jest six years ago … the violence, particularly against women, often touted in rap music being one.
I think it’s sad that something that was fodder for a fun, light-hearted column six years ago has now become the latest chapter in the #metoo book.
I would like to think that there are much more serious and real problems in regard to sexual harassment and abuse, and I don’t really think Christmas song lyrics from the 1940s, ’50s and 60’s are the inspiration of that behavior.
Unfortunately, there are too many other places that model and inspire that kind of abusive behavior — maybe those are the situations we need to be protesting and working to change.
Here’s the column as published on Dundalk Patch on Dec. 25, 2012:
Ever Really Listen to Christmas Song Lyrics?
Around-the-clock Christmas music for the past month has caused me to really listen to the words—and I'm shocked!
By Marge Neal, Patch Staff | Dec 25, 2012 10:43 am ET | Updated Dec 26, 2012 7:40 pm ET
I love Christmas music and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
And I'm not a Christmas music snob—I listen to it all. I have some very musically inclined friends who are a little snobby about their music; if it isn't classical music or traditional folks songs from across the globe, it's junk as far as they're concerned.
Me? I like it all.
And I get to indulge in it all this time of year, thanks to radio stations that play Christmas music around the clock from before Thanksgiving to just after the big day.
I listen to a Baltimore station at home and a Washington station in the car, so I get a fair mix of styles and artists.
I love hearing the old Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, Tony Bennett (and the new Tony Bennett) and Nat King Cole; the medium-old Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Reba McIntyre and Barry Manilow; and the newer Sarah McLaughlin and Barenaked Ladies, Lady Antebellum and Blake Shelton. And old-timers like Rod Stewart have brand-new seasonal albums out.
And because I've already told you I'm not a Christmas music snob, I like Pachebel Canon and Ave Maria (which get more play this time of year) as much as I like White Christmas and even the hippopotamus song—though I am tiring of the Grinch song.
But have you ever really listened to the lyrics of some of the time-honored songs sung around the fireplace each year?
Don't let the lilting, soothing melodies fool you—some of these songs are mean and demanding and others are a little on the risque side.
While they'll never challenge some modern rap for most hateful song ever, I thought you might get a kick out of me bringing some of these "innocent" songs to your attention.
Let's start with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
Sounds innocent enough, right? It starts out with a group wishing others a merry Christmas, but then the demands start.
The group wants figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer, and they want it brought to them.
Then, after making their demand, they further state that they won't go until they get some, so bring it RIGHT NOW.
How rude.
Next up is "Baby It's Cold Outside," more of a Christmastime pop song first popularized by Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting and then Bing Crosby and Doris Day. There are also many more modern versions.
In this suggestive (for its time) song, a couple is enjoying a date by the fireplace while a snowstorm rages outside.
The man does everything in his power to convince the woman to spend the night, while she says her parents, siblings and even her maiden aunt will be waiting for her to come home and judging her if she does not.
"I ought to say no, no, no sir," the lady says.
"Mind if I move in closer," the man responds."
Later in the song, he asks, "How can you do this to me?"
She responds: "There's bound to be talk tomorrow."
In true fashion of probably the 1940s, the songs ends with the impression—but not the declaration—that she spends the night.
There are others, like "Let It Snow" and "Winter Wonderland" — you can look them up if you'd like (the links take you to the lyrics).
But let's end with "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
What is probably one of the most popular Christmas tunes among the elementary school-age set is in essence a song about bullying, with many of the defined characteristics of bullying mentioned.
Rudolph, because he is physically different than the rest of the reindeer, is laughed at and called names by his peers.
He is excluded and shunned; forbidden to play games with the other reindeer in the neighborhood.
Only when his special, different physical attribute saves their butts do they accept him into their inner circle.
Oh, and the really bad guy in this song?
Santa Claus himself.
As the responsible adult, he should have stepped in and put an end to the bullying but he looked the other way.
Guess who's on the naughty list now?
Merry Christmas, everyone!
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| Christmas decorations at the home of Kathi and Boyd Crouse, also known as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Photo by Marge Neal |
