The Meaning Behind The Song: I’d Do Anything for Love by Meat Loaf
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” is a Grammy award-winning song by Meat Loaf. It was released in 1993 and has become one of the most iconic songs of the 90s. This song has a powerful message about love, devotion, and sacrifice. Despite the controversy surrounding the meaning of the song, Meat Loaf explained its true intention.
The Controversy
When “I’d Do Anything for Love” was initially released, it sparked a considerable amount of controversy. The song’s title and lyrics led many people to question the meaning behind it. It was widely believed that “that” referred to something sexual. However, Meat Loaf has stated that the song is not about anything sexual.
The True Meaning
The true meaning behind “I’d Do Anything for Love” is about the lengths a person will go to for their significant other. The lyrics explore the idea of being in love so much that one would do anything to make their partner happy, except for certain things.
Meat Loaf explained that the line “But I won’t do that” refers to anything that would betray his commitments, including lying, cheating, and hurting his significant other.
The Composition of the Song
Composer Jim Steinman wrote the song. He was inspired by a quote from Wuthering Heights, “I am Heathcliff. He’s always, always in my mind, not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being.” Steinman admitted that references to Heathcliff are notable in the song’s lyrics.
The song features a 12-piece orchestra, a choir, and three guitar solos. It was released as a single from the album “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell” and went on to be a massive hit.
Impact on Music
Since its release, “I’d Do Anything for Love” has become an iconic love song. It has been covered by many artists and has been featured in several films and television shows.
The song’s impact on music includes its influence on the power ballad genre, which became popular in the 90s. Additionally, the song’s arrangement with its orchestral and rock elements has become a trademark of Jim Steinman’s music.
Meat Loaf’s Performance
Meat Loaf’s vocal performance in the song has been widely praised for its intensity and power. The singer’s theatrical and emotional delivery further emphasized the song’s message.
The Music Video
The music video for “I’d Do Anything for Love” was directed by Michael Bay and featured several elements of a gothic romance. It includes shots of Meat Loaf and his partner in various settings, including a haunted mansion, a graveyard, and a church.
The video’s gothic horror approach highlights the theme of the song’s commitment to love, even in death.
FAQs
1. Did Meat Loaf write “I’d Do Anything for Love”?
No, the song was written by Jim Steinman, who also wrote several other classic songs for Meat Loaf.
2. What does “that” mean in the song?
The line “But I won’t do that,” does not refer to anything sexual, as many people believed. It means that Meat Loaf would not betray his commitments by lying, cheating, or hurting his significant other.
3. When was the song released?
“I’d Do Anything for Love” was released in 1993.
4. Was the song a hit?
Yes, the song was an instant hit and went on to become one of Meat Loaf’s most famous songs.
5. Was the song covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by several artists, including Justin Vivian Bond, Céline Dion, and Patty Griffin.
6. Who directed the music video for “I’d Do Anything for Love”?
The music video was directed by Michael Bay, who is famously known for directing action movies such as Transformers.
7. What is the meaning of the song?
The song explores the idea of being in love so much that one would do anything to make their partner happy, except for certain things. “That” refers to betraying commitments by lying, cheating, or hurting his significant other.
8. Was the song inspired by a book or movie?
The song was inspired by a quote from Wuthering Heights, “I am Heathcliff. He’s always, always in my mind, not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being.”
9. What is Jim Steinman’s contribution to music?
Steinman is famous for his orchestral and rock arrangements, and he also wrote several classic songs for Meat Loaf, such as “Bat Out of Hell” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
10. Who performed the song with Meat Loaf?
The female vocalist featured in the song is Lorraine Crosby, who is known for her soulful voice.
11. Was the song featured in any films or TV shows?
Yes, the song has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Simpson’s episode, “Trash of the Titans,” and the film, “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.”
12. What is the power ballad genre?
The power ballad genre is a slow-tempo rock ballad that incorporates elements of orchestration and often has emotional and dramatic themes.
