“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” is a song by Meat Loaf, released in August 1993 as the lead single from his album Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell. Written and produced by Jim Steinman, the song is an epic rock ballad filled with dramatic orchestration, soaring vocals, and theatrical intensity—hallmarks of Meat Loaf’s signature style.
Lyrically, the song is about devotion, passion, and sacrifice in love, with the protagonist declaring he would do anything for love, except for one unspecified “that.” Over the years, the meaning of “that” has sparked debate, but Steinman clarified that it refers to specific things mentioned in the lyrics (e.g., “forget the way you feel right now,” “stop dreaming of you every night”).
Musically, the track is a powerful mix of rock, opera, and classical influences, with grand piano chords, guitar solos, and symphonic elements. Meat Loaf’s booming, theatrical vocals add to the song’s dramatic impact, and the duet in the final verses, sung by Lorraine Crosby, adds an emotional push to the climax.
The music video, directed by Michael Bay, features a Beauty and the Beast-inspired storyline, with Meat Loaf as a mysterious, reclusive figure pursued by a woman drawn to his tortured soul. The cinematic, gothic visuals perfectly match the song’s grandiose feel.
The song was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 in 28 countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It became Meat Loaf’s biggest hit, becoming the best-selling single of 1993 in the UK and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo in 1994.
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” remains one of the most iconic power ballads of all time, known for its emotional depth, theatrical grandeur, and unforgettable chorus.