Baby It’s Cold Outside has long been a considered a classic Christmas song – and lots of us have it on our festive playlist.

But now the holiday tune has been banned by a radio station in the US, and it’s all because of the lyrics.

On the surface, the song’s lyrics are meant to read as flirty banter, but in an age where sexual consent is a hotly debated topic the words are eyebrow-raising to some.

Star 102 Cleveland said that the song’s lyrics may not be appropriate, especially in light of the #MeToo movement, WOIO reported .

The call-and-response song, written in 1944, includes lines normally sung by a woman that could be considered controversial.

A woman on the track sings lines like: "Say, what’s in this drink?" and "I simply must go," and "The answer is no" as the male voice tries to persuade her to stay with him.

Before making the decision, the radio station hosts asked listeners their thoughts on the song before making the call.

"People might say, ‘Oh, enough with that #MeToo,’ but if you really put that aside and listen to the lyrics, it’s not something I would want my daughter to be in that kind of situation.

The tune might be catchy, but let’s maybe not promote that sort of an idea," host Desiray said to local media.

People on Twitter have had strong views about the decision.

One wrote: "Ridiculous! I plan to sing that duet at a Xmas party but with my husband singing the female part!!"

Another said: "I’m so tired of this. The song seems odd now not cuz it’s about coercing sex but about a woman who knows her reputation is ruined if she stays.

"’Say what’s in this drink’ is an old movie line from the 30’s that means ‘I’m telling the truth.’ She wanted to get down and stay over."

A third said: "Banishing a classic like "Baby, It’s Cold Outside" from airplay is ridiculous."

It’s not the first time the festive song has come under fire.

Last year, BBC Three questioned in an article whether the song is interpreted as "creepy or empowering" in the eyes of a modern audience.

In 2016, Vanity Fair argued that the song is emblematic of the kind of "culture clash" row that regularly flares up in politically and socially polarised times like these.

Do you think the song is appropriate? Let us know in the comments.

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