About the song
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is a landmark song, not just for singer Meat Loaf but for rock music itself. Released in 1977 on the album Bat Out of Hell, it’s a sprawling narrative unlike anything heard before. Clocking in at over eight minutes, the song takes listeners on a wild ride through teenage romance, heartbreak, and the unexpected twists of life.
A Songwriter’s Vision
Composed by Jim Steinman, the song was originally conceived as “the ultimate car/sex song” with a surprising turn. Steinman, along with Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley (who provided the stunning female vocals), had a history of outrageous musical comedy sketches. This playful spirit infused the song, making it both humorous and deeply emotional.
A Story Unfolds
The song unfolds in four distinct parts. It opens with a nostalgic reminiscence of a young couple on a date, their “paradise” bathed in the soft glow of the dashboard light. But the mood shifts as the male character pushes for intimacy.
The Unexpected Intervention
A truly unique element is the insertion of a baseball play-by-play narrated by legendary announcer Phil Rizzuto. This unexpected twist becomes a metaphor for the male character’s frustrated attempts.
Love’s Price
The song takes a sharp turn as the female character demands a commitment before going any further. The back-and-forth between the couple reveals the complexities of love and the weight of promises.
The Bittersweet Ending
Years later, the once passionate couple reflects on their relationship. What was once a night of youthful excitement has morphed into a bittersweet memory, filled with regret and a sense of lost innocence.
A Legacy of Innovation
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” defied convention. Its length, operatic approach, and genre-bending elements made it a true rock epic. The song’s success paved the way for more ambitious storytelling in rock music.
Enduring Impact
Despite its unconventional format, the song resonated with audiences. It became a classic rock staple, covered by numerous artists and featured in popular culture. Even Meat Loaf’s live performances were legendary, often featuring spoken-word epilogues that added another layer to the story.
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is more than just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the power of music to tell a story, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
I remember every little thing
As if it happened only yesterday
Parking by the lake
And there was not another car in sight
And I never had a girl
Looking any better than you did
And all the kids at school
They were wishing they were me that night
And now our bodies are oh so close and tight
It never felt so good, it never felt so right
And we’re glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
C’mon! Hold on tight!
C’mon! Hold on tight!
Thought it’s cold and lonely in the deep dark night
I can see paradise by the dashboard light
Ain’t no doubt about it
We were doubly blessed
‘Cause we were barely seventeen
And we were barely dressed
Ain’t no doubt about it
Baby got to go and shout it
Ain’t no doubt about it
We were doubly blessed
‘Cause we were barely seventeen
And we were barely dressed
Baby doncha hear my heart
You got it drowning out the radio
I’ve been waiting so long
For you to come along and have some fun
And I gotta let you know
No you’re never gonna regret it
So open up your eyes I got a big surprise
It’ll feel all right
Well I wanna make your motor run
And now our bodies are oh so close and tight
It never felt so good, it never felt so right
And we’re glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
C’mon! Hold on tight!
C’mon! Hold on tight!
Though it’s cold and lonely in the deep dark night
I can see paradise by the dashboard light
Paradise by the dashboard light
You got to do what you can
And let Mother Nature do the rest
Ain’t no doubt about it
We were doubly blessed
‘Cause we were barely seventeen
And we were barely
We’re gonna go all the way tonight
We’re gonna go all the way
And tonight’s the night…
We’re gonna go all the way tonight
We’re gonna go all the way
And tonight’s the night…
OK, here we go, we got a real pressure cooker going here,
Two down, nobody on, no score, bottom of the ninth,
There’s the windup, and there it is, a line shot up the middle,
Look at him go. This boy can really fly! He’s rounding first and really
turning it on now, he’s not letting up at all, he’s gonna try for
second; the ball is bobbled out in center, and here comes the
throw, and what a throw! He’s gonna slide in head first, here he
comes, he’s out! No, wait, safe-safe at second base, this kid
really makes things happen out there. Batter steps up to the
plate, here’s the pitch-he’s going, and what a jump he’s got,
he’s trying for third, here’s the throw, it’s in the dirt-safe at
third! Holy cow, stolen base! He’s taking a pretty big lead out
there, almost daring him to try and pick him off. The pitcher
glances over, winds up, and it’s bunted, bunted down the third
base line, the suicide squeeze is on! Here he comes, squeeze
play, it’s gonna be close, holy cow, I think he’s gonna make it!
Stop right there!
I gotta know right now!
Before we go any further!
Do you love me?
Will you love me forever?
Do you need me?
Will you never leave me?
Will you make me so happy for the rest of my life?
Will you take me away and will you make me your wife?
Do you love me!?
Will you love me forever!?
Do you need me!?
Will you never leave me!?
Will you make me happy for the rest of my life!?
Will you take me away and will you make me your wife!?
I gotta know right now
Before we go any further
Do you love me!?
Will you love me forever!?
Let me sleep on it
Baby, baby let me sleep on it
Let me sleep on it
And I’ll give you an answer in the morning
Let me sleep on it
Baby, baby let me sleep on it
Let me sleep on it
And I’ll give you an answer in the morning
Let me sleep on it
Baby, baby let me sleep on it
Let me sleep on it
And I’ll give you an answer in the morning
I gotta know right now
Do you love me?
Will you love me forever?
Do you need me?
Will you never leave me?
Will you make me so happy for the rest of my life?
Will you take me away and will you make me your wife?
I gotta know right now!
Before we go any further
Do you love me?
And will you love me forever?
Let me sleep on it
Baby, baby let me sleep on it
Let me sleep on it
And I’ll give you an answer in the morning
Let me sleep on it
Will you love me forever?
Let me sleep on it
Will you love me forever!
I couldn’t take it any longer
Lord I was crazed
And when the feeling came upon me
Like a tidal wave
I started swearing to my god and on my mother’s grave
That I would love you to the end of time
I swore that I would love you to the end of time!
So now I’m praying for the end of time
To hurry up and arrive
‘Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you
I don’t think that I can really survive
I’ll never break my promise or forget my vow
But God only knows what I can do right now
I’m praying for the end of time
It’s all that I can do
Praying for the end of time,
So I can end my time with you!
It was long ago and it was far away
And it was so much better that it is today
It never felt so good
It never felt so right
And we were glowing like
A metal on the edge of a knife