What the hell is this song referring to? If you don't want to answer that, what's that you won't do? I think that questions wide open enough for you folks.
I'd like to ask Fatty how this song didn't end up on the Worst Song Ever list. Actually, arkoe, I'm kind of pissed that you mentioned it because this is my most hated song of all time. Just the thought of this song makes me want to bash my brain in until I forget it. A lot of it has to do with your question. I have no f***ing idea what he won't do.
Sorry. It came on over the jukebox at Slick's tonight. I was sitting there listening to it when I was like "wait a minute. What will he not do?!?" And don't you people say give up your Dr. Pepper.
wikipedia to the rescue: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'd_Do_Anything_for_Love_(but_I_Won't_Do_That) Perceived ambiguity of "that" Each verse comprises two things that he would do for love, followed by one thing that he would not do. It is that latter part of each chorus that is the "that" of the title. However, some people misunderstand the lyrics, claiming that the singer never identifies what the "that" is that he is unwilling to do.[8] Steinman predicted this confusion during production.[9] An early episode of the VH1 program Pop-up Video made this claim at the end of the song's video: "Exactly what Meat Loaf won't do for love remains a mystery to this day."[10] A reviewer writing for All Music Guide also misunderstood the lyric, commenting that "The lyrics build suspense by portraying a romance-consumed lover who pledges to do anything in the name of love except "that," a mysterious thing that he will not specify."[6] While the reviewer concludes that the mystery is revealed during the closing stages of the song, it is not observed that "that" is revealed in every chorus throughout. Although some people assume that "that" is an exophoric reference to a sex act,[11] it is actually an anaphoric reference to the varying activities and feelings that are specified as antecedents in the lyric that the singer says that he won't do. * "I'll never forget the way you feel right now ..." * "I'll never forgive myself if we don't go all the way tonight ..." * "I'll never do it better than I do it with you ..." * "I'll never stop dreaming of you every night of my life ..." In addition, the female vocalist identifies two other things that the lead singer denies that he will do: "You'll see that it's time to move on" and "You'll be screwing around." To both of these, the lead singer emphatically responds, "I won't do that! No, I won't do that!" Meat Loaf says that the question "what is 'that'?" is one of the most popular questions he is asked.[11]. In his 1998 VH1 Storytellers special, he even explained it on stage using a blackboard and a pointing stick. Jim Steinman, in an interview, states that the definition of "that" is fully revealed in the song in each of the several verses in which it is mentioned. He intended the "that" reference to be a "puzzle" which would be ambiguous at first, but which could be solved by attentive listening to the lyrics.
my bad, i wasn't trying to steal somebody's line. that popped into my head and i posted. i didn't read all the responses. so much for being original
The way i understand the song, and what it means is this : He will do anything for love, but he wont do 'that'. at stated above by Harrisment and wikepedia, when the female sings "sooner or later you'll be screwing around" he replies "no i wont do that" i take this to mean he will do anything for love, but he wont leave her or cheat on her to find love with someone else. basically he is saying he will be faithful to her
The answer is "anal." Harrisment & his girl can attest to me singing this song loudly at bars and always saying "anal." It makes you feel better. As for worst song? Sorry, it wasn't in any of the polls I reviewed, oddly enough, plus I like the song.
