<P> Meat Loaf believed that the lyrics were unambiguous, but Steinman predicted that they would cause confusion . 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 ." A reviewer writing for AllMusic commented 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 ." Frank O'day says the lyrics provide "an enlightening example of how listeners project their own thoughts, values, and concerns onto the meaning of the song with misconstrued lyrics ." </P> <P> The phrase "I would do anything for love but I won't do that" had previously appeared as a spoken interlude in the song "Getting So Excited," released in 1985 by Bonnie Tyler in her album Faster Than the Speed of Night . In this song, the phrase's meaning is more clear: a woman is refusing an offensive proposal . Steinman produced this record and wrote many of the songs but this song is credited to Alan Gruner . </P> <P> Steinman's songs are usually long, and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" is no exception . The song is a full 12 minutes, and Steinman was deeply upset when executives advised him that he had to cut it down to get radio play . Manager Allen Kovac warned that any song over five minutes would not be played on radio, saying that if Steinman and the group did not make the cuts then the stations would . Even after they made the cuts, Steinman sent his own version to the stations . </P> <P> The single version was edited down to five minutes and 25 seconds, with the motorcycle introduction omitted . The video version was whittled down to seven minutes and 38 seconds, with part of the motorcycle intro remaining . In the video version and single version, the lengthy instrumental break is completely omitted . In the video and single versions, the refrain is abridged as well; Lorraine Crosby sings six verses in the complete song . In the video version, the second and third verses are omitted . In the single version, the second, third, and fifth verses are omitted . </P>

What is the meaning of i would do anything for love