Bette Midler

Released: November 12, 1991

Featuring: James Caan

Songwriter: Frank Loesser

Producer: Arif Mardin Dave Grusin Joe Mardin Marc Shaiman

(Bette:) I really can't stay
(James:) But baby, it's cold outside
(B:) I got to go 'way
(J:) But baby, it's cold outside
(B:) This evening has been
(J:) Been hopin' that you'd drop in
(B:) so very nice
(J:) I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
(B:) My mother will start to worry
(J:) Beautiful, what's your hurry?
(B:) My father will be pacing the floor
(J:) Listen to that fireplace roar
(B:) So really I'd better scurry
(J:) Beautiful, please don't hurry
(B:) Well, maybe just a half a drink more
(J:) Put some records on while I pour
(B:) You know the neighbors might think
(J:) But baby, it's bad out there
(B:) Er, what's in this drink?
(J:) No cabs to be had out there
(B:) I wish I knew how
(J:) Your eyes are like starlight now
(B:) to break this spell
(J:) I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
(B:) I ought to say no, no, no sir
(J:) Mind if I move in closer?
(B:) At least I'm gonna say that I tried
(J:) What's the sense in hurtin' my pride?
(B:) I really can't stay
(J:) Baby, don't hold out
(B:) ah, but it's cold outside
(J:) Baby, it's cold outside
(B:) Ah, but it's cold outside
(J:) Baby, it's cold outside

Bette Midler is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, comedienne and actress. Named in honor of Bette Davis, Midler’s career began performing off-broadway until she developed the stage persona The Divine Miss M while singing at the world-famous Continental Baths gay bathhouse. A pre-fame Barry Manilow, the venue’s in-house piano player, produced her Grammy-nominated debut album which scored three US top 40 singles including the Grammy-nominated “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. Midler took home the Best New Artist Grammy that year, her first of three career wins.

Throughout the 1970s, Midler found further success with music, Broadway, television and film. The Rose, Midler’s 1979 acting debut, earned her both Oscar and Academy Award nominations, and its namesake song won her a Golden Globe and another Grammy – also giving Midler her first success overseas.

The early 1980s proved less successful for Midler with four under-performing singles and a box office flop with the film Jinxed. However, the second half of the decade would prove far more fruitful with a handful of very successful films including Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Ruthless People, Outrageous Fortune and Beaches, the latter featuring a chart-topping cover of “Wind Beneath My Wings” that won Midler her third Grammy and is considered one of the greatest songs in American film history.

more tracks from the album

For the Boys (Soundtrack)

From the album

For the Boys (Soundtrack) (1991)

Bette Midler popular songs

Baby, It’s Cold OutsideBette Midler

Bette Midler

For the Boys (Soundtrack)