It's known as one of his greatest songs of all time, but for decades, fans have pondered the true meaning behind Meat Loaf 's 1993 smash-hit, I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That).
Following the news of his sad death at 74, tributes have been pouring in for the legendary singer who sold over 100 million albums worldwide throughout his incredible career.
Along with the gushing tributes, Meat Loaf fans have also unearthed a former interview by the singer where he explains the meaning behind his most misunderstood lyric.
One of the most famous lyrics of his career, ‘I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that’, which is repeated nine times in the song I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) on the album Bat out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, is now being debated again by heartbroken Meat Loaf fans.
But one eagle-eyed music fanatic appears to have cracked the code.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here.
For years, Meat Loaf fans have been left wondering what the true meaning behind 'the thing' he wouldn't do for love is - but the singer actually explained the lyric in a 2009 interview.
The iconic rocker told talk show host Ali Wentworth the line was one of the most widely misunderstood lyrics of his career because it doesn’t mean just one thing - it means many different things throughout the duration of the song.
At the time, Meat Loaf revealed that his co-writer Jim Steinman foresaw fans being left confused by the lyric, but Meatloaf believed that was what made it all more beautiful.
The legendary singer explained : "When we were recording it, Jim brings up the thing – he says, “People aren’t gonna know what that is.” I said, “Of course they are. How can they not know?” He goes, “They’re not gonna.”
"It’s the line before every chorus, there’s nine of them, I think. The problem lies because Jimmy likes to write, so you forget what the line was before you get to “I won’t do that.”‘
Therefore, 'the things' that Meat Loaf wouldn't do according to the lyrics include ‘forget the way you feel right now’, ‘forgive myself if we don’t go all the way tonight’, ‘do it better than I do it with you’ and ‘stop dreaming of you every night of my life’.
Essentially, Meat Loaf insisted in the song that while he's in a relationship and while he's in love, he will never forget how special it is.
The actor and musician's wife released a statement via Facebook saying: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.
"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
"His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “ Fight Club ”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”
“Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.
"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man."
"We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!"
His cause of death has not yet been released by his family.
