Jim Steinman was a prolific American songwriter and producer best known for his work with Meat Loaf. "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" is one of their most famous collaborations. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Jim Steinman:
Epic Length: The song is known for its epic length, running over 12 minutes in its full version. It was released as a single and also featured on Meat Loaf's album "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell."
Chart Success: Despite its length, "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" became a massive commercial success. It topped the charts in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Meat Loaf's Comeback: The song played a significant role in reviving Meat Loaf's career. It was released in 1993, more than 15 years after the original "Bat Out of Hell" album, and contributed to a resurgence in popularity for both Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman.
Mysterious Lyrics: The lyrics of the song are often considered enigmatic, with the repeated refrain "But I won't do that" leaving listeners to wonder what exactly Meat Loaf won't do for love. Jim Steinman himself has given various interpretations, but he intentionally left it open to individual interpretation.
Collaboration History: Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf had a long history of collaboration. Steinman was the songwriter and producer for many of Meat Loaf's most successful songs, including those on the original "Bat Out of Hell" album.
Grammy Award: The song earned Jim Steinman a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1994, recognizing his exceptional songwriting skills.
Video Production: The music video for the song was directed by Michael Bay, who later became known for his work on blockbuster films. The video features a narrative reminiscent of fairy tales and garnered attention for its cinematic quality.
These facts highlight the significance of "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" in the careers of both Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, contributing to their musical legacy.