I got to a Meat Loaf moment after casually listening to him sing a verse in Tenacious D’s Kickapoo and got lost in his powerful voice for a few minutes before going back to work. It reminded me of the theatrical grandeur of I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) — a song that’s as epic as it is enigmatic.
A Rock Opera in Six Minutes
Released in 1993 as the lead single from Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, the song is a masterclass in over-the-top rock balladry. Written by Jim Steinman, the track combines dramatic piano lines, soaring guitars, and Meat Loaf’s larger-than-life vocals, resulting in a song that feels like it was pulled straight from a rock opera.
Clocking in at over 12 minutes in its album form (and trimmed to a radio-friendly six minutes), I’d Do Anything For Love immediately captured listeners with its emotional intensity and theatrical flair.
But What Won’t He Do?
For decades, one question has haunted fans: “What is the that he won’t do?” The answer lies in the song’s lyrics, though it’s easy to miss amidst the grandiosity. Before every chorus, Meat Loaf sings about something he will do for love — like “never lie to you” or “forget the way you feel right now.” Then, in the next breath, he declares, “But I won’t do that,” referring to the previous line. It’s a clever lyrical trick that’s sparked endless debates and theories over the years.
A Duet for the Ages
The song’s emotional climax comes when Lorraine Crosby (credited simply as “Mrs. Loud”) joins in for a fiery duet. Her powerhouse vocals add a new layer of tension and passion as the two voices weave together in a conversation about love, commitment, and compromise. This interplay elevates the track from a simple love song to a dramatic narrative.
The Legacy of a Classic
I’d Do Anything For Love became an instant hit, topping charts in 28 countries and earning Meat Loaf a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance. Its music video, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, added to its mythos, featuring gothic visuals and an almost cinematic storyline.
Even now, the song remains a cultural touchstone, a reminder of an era when rock could be theatrical, unapologetically emotional, and gloriously excessive. Meat Loaf’s voice carries the weight of every lyric, turning the song into a declaration of love that’s as timeless as it is extravagant.
If you’re in the mood for six minutes of pure rock melodrama, hit play on I’d Do Anything For Love. Just be ready to answer the eternal question: What is the that you won’t do for love?
