I'm defending the song of the same name because it's rarely heard in today's world. Once, you'd hear it during the holidays until some people interpreted the song as a date-rape warning. That's all it took for radio stations to ban it.
The song, written by Frank Loesser and his wife, Lynn Garland, was first sung at their New York City home in 1944. They performed it as a humorous way to tell their guests that it was time to go home.In 1949, the song was featured in the MGM movie "Neptune's Daughter" which starred Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalbán. Then in 1950, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Recorded by many artists from Dean Martin to Lady Gaga, the song was placed on some kind of "hit list" but not the kind that celebrates popular music but the kind that seeks to have music banned.
I never saw it neither as a rape anthem nor a as a man coercing a woman into having sex. Too me it was funny and about a man pleading with a woman for her affection. Maybe I'm a naive, but the song was written back in the day when courtship still meant courting—not forcing. I grew up in a couple of decades beyond the song's creation, but I still didn't think it was offensive.
I do think we live in an era when people seem to be looking for offense where none is intended. I think Mr. Loesser and his wife would be shocked that the song they wrote is now banned from the airwaves.
WHAT DO YOU THINK
I'd be interested in hearing what you think about this topic. If you leave a comment, please leave your approximate age because perhaps age has something to do with what is found offensive.
If you'd rather read a romantic comedy than discuss this topic, may I recommend JUST ONE LOOK?
What would you do if the gynecologist subbing for your regular doctor turned out to be your old high school crush? Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Monroe does what any normal, well-adjusted woman would do. She makes an excuse, sends the doctor and the nurse from the room, dives into her clothes, and flees—hoping she'll never run into him again.
Unfortunately, her running away makes conscientious Dr. Matt Penrose conclude she has a problem and wants to refer her to another doctor for her exam, but she refuses to take his calls. Dallas is a big city. What are the odds these two will ever meet again?
Even money, when Fate lends a hand.
JUST ONE LOOK is a Kindle Unlimited free read for subscribers.
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Although it was never a favorite song, I thought the demonization of it was ridiculous--and still do. I'd never even looked up its history, though. That's interesting.
ReplyDeleteI always thought that was a cute song, but there are a couple of unfortunate lines in it, particularly the "what's in this drink" line. I love the song, but I'm guessing if I had gone through date rape, it wouldn't be funny at all. I wonder if anyone's ever tried to alter it so it wouldn't be such a trigger for people. The general premise is amusing and kind of heartwarming, in its way, and I love the back and forth, so I hate to lose it. Joan, I love the last line of that blurb, "Even money, when Fate lends a hand." That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved that song. Some people simply don't have enough to occupy their mind and spend time looking for offense. And, sometimes people take themselves too seriously. I look forward to reading your book--it sounds clever. Best wishes for its success.
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