Christmas tunes are tantamount with end of the year celebrations, however, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, popular festive jingles have come under scrutiny for being remarkably non-PC, and just plain problematic – have you listened to “Baby It’s Cold Outside” recently?
Cue: Christmas angel, Miley Cyrus.
Not unfamiliar with festive jibes, Cyrus performed a refreshingly feminist alt version of “Santa Baby” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday night. Making pointed commentary on the highly suggestive original, Cyrus’ version speaks of independence, equality and respect.
“Listen Santa to what I say, a girl’s best friend is equal pay,” she quips. Followed by, “Santa Baby, I’d love to know my ass won’t get grabbed at work by some ignorant jerk.”
Instead of requesting yachts, convertibles and signed cheques, Cyrus edits: “I can buy my own damn stuff!”
The much-needed revamp of the 1953 lyrics has come soon after another popular Christmas song – “Baby It’s Cold Outside” – was banned from several radio stations after its questionable lyrics came under debate. The song which narrates a man’s efforts to persuade his date to spend the night, has been interpreted (under the #MeToo lens) as presenting themes of manipulation and sexual coercion.
And while we must consider the context in which these lyrics were penned (“Baby It’s Cold Outside” is 74 years old), there’s no reason why we can’t create new and more feminist versions of these Christmas classics.
Thank you, Miley!
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