Good morning and happy holidays. I have a spirited and timely story to a remake of the classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with less sexist/ aggressive lyrics.
Chicago feminist and entrepreneur Genevieve Thiers came up with the timely spin on the song while producing her new independent TV pilot “RUN the Series” about women running for public office, and she suggests it as the perfect gift for misogynist relatives.
The song and lyrics are below, and because it’s a satire its safe to play/ air publicly. Please feel free to broadcast/ stream/ post on your channels — it’s the perfect song to bring a laugh this holiday season. Genevieve is also available for interview.
Introducing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” the Feminist Version! Have a sexist relative? Give them a gift this season that they can’t ignore.
CHICAGO — The #MeToo era has forced us to take a look at a lot of things that we used to take for granted, including the holiday favorite “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
Filled with cringeworthy, rape-ey lyrics, the song has been called out in today’s era as problematic, and for good reason. But it still pervades holiday airwaves and even popular films, including the holiday film Elf. There seems to be no getting away from it.
Until now.
Chicago feminist and entrepreneur Genevieve Thiers saw an opportunity this season when making a holiday gift for the fans of RUN the Series, a new independently-produced TV pilot that helps women running for office win their campaigns.
“I just figured that we should do something completely feminist, along the lines of the show, and doing a satire version of a sexist song fit the bill,” she states.
One of three female producers of RUN (in a team that includes Chicago comedian and Women in Comedy founder Victoria Elena Nones and Samantha Bee producer Ana Breton,) Thiers knew who to call.
“I have a friend that is a 350 lb. male feminist, and we hopped into a recording studio and got it done in under 30 minutes. We didn’t overthink the lyrics—we just had fun with it.”
Among the changes in the song are the fact that the male vocalist, John Vincent, is a totally supportive boyfriend to his mate. He helps her get period supplies, supports her in telling off her obnoxious Boss, suggests that she run for office and offers to sleep on the floor while she takes his bed.
“We just thought about all the ways that this guy could actually be sweet and supportive in the song, vs. a jerk,” states Thiers. “The running for office part was the only thing we made sure to get in there, because of the mission of RUN.”
The new version was sent out last week on social media and via RUN’s email list, and immediately gathered comments and likes. In this way, it’s echoed the trajectory of the show.
RUN’s trailer since launch has gathered close to 500,000 views, and since the launch of the trailer online, the following for the show has shot to over 30k. It’s won major awards on the film festival circuit including Best New Reality series at Catalyst Film Festival and at NYC TV festival in New York.
You can see more about the show and watch the trailer at www.runtheseries.com and download the song free at https://soundcloud.com/genevieve-thiers/run-holiday-card-baby-its-cold-outside-the-feminist-version.
Song Lyrics
I really can’t stay (Darling I understand)
Auntie Flo’s on the way (Oh crap! Let’s make a plan)
I really must go (What can I do dear?)
Get some supplies (You put your feet up and I’ll drive)
The Walgreens is nine to five here (Your chariot is waiting)
And Ben and Jerry’s comes by the pint (I’m just glad we are dating)
So let’s get the car and go out (I can just sleep on the floor)
And then we can just call it a night (Or I’ll take the couch while you snore)
I’m in a bad slump (How about we get Chinese?)
That time of the month (Spring rolls and soy sauce please)
And I hate my job (They don’t deserve you)
I need a change (You’ve got this babe, you’ve got such range!)
I ought to say Boss, I’m leaving (He’ll be so disbelieving!)
I really am unhappy inside (Well you’ve got a fan at your side)
Hmmm maybe I’ll stay (That’d would be super)
(Unison) Because it’s cold outside!
This takeout is great (How ‘bout this great kung pao!)
I might just gain weight (You’re still look great anyhow)
The snow’s coming down (Here take this pillow)
We’re nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)
I need a ten year career plan (You ought to run for office)
I’m working but I just want more (Your run would be just flawless)
Do you think I could just do that? (Yes, I think you’d climb quite high
I have never done that before (Well there’s nothing else but to try)
But what about kids? (We can start to prepare)
And heaven forbid (We’ll get some good childcare)
That we have it all (I could stay home here)
That just can’t be! (Why don’t you trust some more in me?)
You’ll be a perfect husband (Well I’m gonna certainly try)
And I’ll try to make a good wife (I will be the luckiest guy)
Ok so I’ll stay (Don’t have any doubt)
We’ll make a warm….warm life!
HER: You know, I keep thinking you’re gonna just be a jerk.
HIM: THIS is what a feminist looks like, babe.
About Genevieve Thiers and John Vincent
Chicago-based singer and tech entrepreneur Genevieve Thiers has performed in opera and musicals all over the world, including soloist work at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Chicago Lyric Opera (where she played Praskovia in The Merry Widow alongside Renee Fleming and Thomas Hampson,) Goodman Theater, Porchlight Theatre and more. Soloist John Vincent is famous for his Sinatra-like crooning at Chicago hotspot Ditka’s and for performing the national anthem at Cubs games in the Chicago area. He has sisters and is a big supporter of women.
About RUN the Series
RUN is a new series produced by Ana Breton, Victoria Elena Nones and Genevieve Thiers. The show uses a “Queer-Eye-meets-Knock-Down-the-House” model to help women running for office win, and features five female experts in Campaign Strategy, PR, Tech, Activism, and Comedy called “The Boss Squad.” In each episode of RUN, a different woman’s campaign is transformed from striving to thriving. Filmed in the heart of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, RUN’s pilot episode follows 21 year old muslim candidate Bushra Amiwala in her race for School Board in Skokie, IL. (Spoiler alert—she wins!). The show aims to inspire, educate, and empower an audience of women and girls to get out and knock doors, become a donor, take the leap to run for political office and build squads around each other to win . See more at www.runtheseries.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
