Drum Sheet – Meat Loaf – I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)

“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meat Loaf is one of the most dramatic, larger-than-life rock epics ever recorded, and its creation was just as bold as the music itself. Written by longtime collaborator Jim Steinman, the song began as a massive, cinematic composition—an idea Steinman had been refining since the late ’80s. He envisioned it as a grand, operatic love declaration carried by shifting musical landscapes, powerful orchestration, and emotional extremes. When Meat Loaf returned to the studio in the early ’90s for Bat Out of Hell II, Steinman brought the song back, believing it was the perfect vehicle for Meat Loaf’s booming, theatrical voice.

Recording sessions took place primarily at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles, with producer Steinman and arranger Todd Rundgren crafting the signature “rock opera” sound. The track runs over 12 minutes in its album version, making it one of the longest mainstream hits ever. But what truly elevates the song—especially for drum lovers—is the incredible drum performance by Kenny Aronoff, one of the most in-demand session drummers of the era.

Aronoff’s drumming is a masterclass in rock dynamics. From the slow, heartbeat-like pulse in the intro to the explosive, thunderous patterns in the choruses, he brings intensity and drama without overwhelming the vocals. Steinman wanted the song to feel like a journey—with crescendos, valleys, and emotional peaks—and Aronoff’s playing is what makes those transitions powerful. The tom-heavy fills, booming snare hits, and the steady, almost martial groove during the big sections push the song forward like a galloping cinematic score. Despite the dense orchestration—strings, choirs, guitars, and layered keyboards—the drums remain the engine of the track.

Backing vocals, including the famous duet section performed by Lorraine Crosby, were layered meticulously to match the song’s epic scale. Every element was designed to feel huge, romantic, and theatrical.

When the song was released in 1993, it became an instant phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and reviving Meat Loaf’s career. Live performances were equally dramatic. Meat Loaf performed the song extensively throughout the Bat Out of Hell II world tour, using special lighting, staging, and additional percussion to recreate the bombastic studio sound. On stage, the drummer often expanded the fills and added even heavier accents, giving fans an even more powerful rhythmic experience. The song also became a staple in Meat Loaf’s later tours, including The Very Best of Meat Loaf and Hair of the Dog tours, always delivering a combination of theatrical storytelling and pounding drums.

For fans of drumming, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” stands as a reminder of how essential rhythm is to emotional storytelling in rock—bold, passionate, and larger than life.