Paradise by the Dashboard Light
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| "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" | |||||
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| Single by Meat Loaf | |||||
| from the album Bat out of Hell | |||||
| Released | 1977 | ||||
| Recorded | 1976 | ||||
| Genre | Rock and Roll | ||||
| Length | 8:28 | ||||
| Label | Epic Records | ||||
| Writer(s) | Jim Steinman | ||||
| Producer | Todd Rundgren | ||||
| Meat Loaf singles chronology | |||||
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"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" is a song written by Jim Steinman. It was first released in 1977 on the album Bat Out of Hell, with vocals by the American musician Meat Loaf alongside Ellen Foley. It most notable for its unique structure and length, and has become a classic rock radio staple.
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[edit] Background and recording
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This section requires expansion. |
"Paradise" is one of the longest songs to ever be put uncut on one side of a 45 RPM record.[citation needed] The only minor difference is the song fades out almost immediately after the final line is sung.
[edit] Song sections
- "Paradise"
This three-part epic opens with part one "Paradise," characters protrayed by Ellen Foley and Meat Loaf are reminiscing about days as a young high school couple on a date. Everything is well, and they are getting along just fine. However, as the song progresses, it's clear that the boy has a bit more on his mind than just holding his girlfriend.
He continues to push the matter, and makes some progress, mirrored by New York Yankees announcer Phil Rizzuto broadcasting a portion of a baseball game that serves as a metaphor at his attempts to "steal home base". Things are looking up, and it appears the boy is going to 'score' when suddenly Foley's character bursts to life telling him to "Stop right there!"
- "Let Me Sleep on It"
The girl refuses to go any further unless the boy promises that he will marry her, love her forever, and stay faithful to her. The boy can't commit to her, begging her to continue on for the time being and he'll answer her proposition in the morning. This answer doesn't satisfy the girl and an argument takes place.
- "Praying for the End of Time"
As the third part begins, things snap back to the present instead of reminiscing the long-ago date. Things are not perfect like they were before, but the boy and the girl are sticking to their vows, despite longing to be dead instead.
[edit] Music video
Although Ellen Foley is recorded on the album, another woman, Karla DeVito, was used for the music video and for live performances.[1] This would also happen for Meat Loaf's 1993 hit "I'd Do Anything for Love (but I Won't Do That)", where Dana Patrick mimed to Lorraine Crosby's vocals.[2]
[edit] Reception
The single had limited success in the US, peaking at number 39 in the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, it didn't chart at all. However, in the Netherlands, the single became Meat Loaf's biggest all time hit, reaching number one at the end of 1978. "Paradise" became a hit again in 1988 and is still a huge party favorite in The Netherlands. In various all time charts, such as the Radio 2 Top 2000 or Radio Veronica's All Time Top 1000, it consistently charts inside the top ten.
[edit] Miscellaneous
- This has been one of the most requested karaoke songs for a male/female duo.[citation needed]
- In a nod to the Yankees/Red Sox baseball rivalry, some radio stations in Boston created a version where Phil Rizzuto's part was substituted with Red Sox announcer Dick Stockton describing the baseball play.
- This song is currently used by AT&T in commercials for the Go-Phone, in which a father and mother (Meat Loaf and singer Tiffany) argue over buying the son a phone. The commercial uses altered lyrics.
- Rob Evan and Patti Russo have performed this song at live shows, and as part of a show called The Rock Tenor
[edit] Chart performance
| Chart (1977) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Dutch Top 40 | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 39 |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Karla DeVito's biography". Karl Devito. http://karladevito.homestead.com/Biography.html. Retrieved on 2006-09-24.
- ^ "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)". songfacts.com. http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2952. Retrieved on 2006-08-29.
[edit] Further reading
- James F. Harris (1993). Philosophy at 33 1/3 Rpm: Themes of Classic Rock Music. Open Court Publishing. pp. 116–118. ISBN 0812692411.
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