Verse 1:
I really can’t stay (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
C E D C G E E C C E C C
I’ve got to go away (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
D F E D G E F E D F E D
This evening has been (Been hoping that you’d drop in)
C E D C G E E D C E C C
So very nice (I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice)
G C E E D A G D A E D E F
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful, what’s your hurry?)
C A C C C C C C A C C C C C C
My father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
C A C C C C C C D C A C C C C C C C
So, really, I’d better scurry (Beautiful, please don’t hurry)
C G C C C C C C A C C C E E D
But maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour)
C A D D D D E F# G G G G G G A B C
The neighbors might think (Baby, it’s bad out there)
E E D C G E D C E C C
Say, what’s in this drink? (No cab’s to be had out there)
E F E D G C F E D F E D
I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now)
D E D C G A G C E D C E C C
To break this spell (I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
G E E D A G D A G D E F
I ought to say, “No, no, no, sir” (Mind if I move in closer?)
C A C C C C C C A C C C C C C
At least I’m gonna say that I tried (What’s the sense of hurtin’ my pride?)
C C A D D D D D D G G G G G A B C
Chorus:
I really can’t stay
E E D C G
Baby, don’t hold out)
E D C E C
Oh but it’s cold outside
E F G A B C D C
Verse 2:
I simply must go (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
G G A C E G G A C E C G
The answer is no (But, baby, it’s cold outside)
E F E D G G F E D F E D
Your welcome has been (How lucky that you dropped in)
C E D C G E E D C E C C
So nice and warm (Look out the window at the storm)
E E C E D A G D A G D E F
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh your lips look delicious)
C A C C C C C C A C C C C C C
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon the tropical shore)
C A C C C C C C C A C C C C C C C
My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious)
C A C C C C C C A C C C C C C
But maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
C A D D D D E F# G G G G G G A B C
I’ve gotta get home (But, baby, you’d freeze out there)
E E D C G E E D C E C C
Say, lend me a coat (It’s up to your knees out there)
E F E D G C F E D F E D
You’ve really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)
D E D C G C E D C E C C
But don’t you see? (How can you do this thing to me?)
G E C E D A G D A G D E F
There’s bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my lifelong sorrow)
C A C C C C C C A C C C C C C
At least there will be plenty implied (If you got pneumonia and died)
C A C C C D C C C G G G G G A B C
Chorus:
I really can’t stay
E E D C G
(Get over that hold out)
E E F G A G
Baby, it’s cold
E F G A
Baby, it’s cold outside
A A A B G C