[Verse 1: Sharon Van Etten & Rufus Wainwright]
I really can’t stay (Baby, it’s cold outside)
I’ve got to go ‘way (But baby, it’s cold outside)
This evening has been (I’ve been hopin’ 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)
And father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really, I’d better scurry (Beautiful, please don’t hurry)
Well, 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 oughta say no, no, no sir (You mind if I move in closer)
At least I’m gonna say that I tried (What’s the sense of hurting my pride)

[Chorus: Sharon Van Etten, Rufus Wainwright & Both]
I really can’t stay (Oh baby, don’t hold out)
Oh, but it’s cold outside

[Verse 2: Sharon Van Etten & Rufus Wainwright]
I simply must go (Baby, it’s cold outside)
The answer is no (But baby, it’s cold outside)
The welcome has been (How lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (Look out the window at the storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh, your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Like waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious (Gosh, your lips look delicious)
Well maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I’ve got to get home (Baby, you’d freeze out there)
Say darling, can you lend me a comb (It’s up to your knees out there)
You’ve really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)
But don’t you see (How can you do this thing to me)
There’s bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my lifelong sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)
[Chorus: Sharon Van Etten, Rufus Wainwright & Both]
I really can’t stay (Get over that old doubt)
Oh, but it’s cold outside