James Richard Steinman (born November 1, 1948 in New York City, New York, d… Read Full Bio ↴James Richard Steinman (born November 1, 1948 in New York City, New York, died April 19, 2021 in Danbury, Connecticut) (more commonly known as Jim Steinman) was an American rock and musical theater composer. He was notable for having written most of Meat Loaf's hit songs, in addition to hits for many other musical artists. His three biggest musical successes were an album, Bat Out Of Hell (1977), sung by Meat Loaf, a song, Total Eclipse Of The Heart (1983), sung by Bonnie Tyler, and a German musical, Tanz der Vampire (1998). He also formed the female group Pandora's Box for the album Original Sin. Several of the songs from this album have appeared on later Meat Loaf albums.

Surf
Jim Steinman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The waves are poundin' on the sand tonight
I want to take your hand and make it feel so right
I know I'm ready and I'll never be like this again
And the sky is trembling and the moon is pale
We're on the edge of forever and we're never gonna fail
I know you're ready and we're running on the back of the wind

Chorus:

And my body is burning like a naked wire
I want to turn on the juice, I want to fall in the fire
I'm gonna drown in the ocean in a bottomless sea
I'm gonna give you what I'm hoping you'll be giving to me
And when the waves are poundin' on the sand tonight
I want to take your hand and make it feel so right
I know I'm ready and I'll never be like this again
Now the sky is trembling and the moon is pale
We're on the edge of forever and we're never gonna fail

How hard, how hard, how hard do I gotta try (I want all of your love)
Surf's up (I need it so bad),
Surf's up (I need it so bad),
Surf's up and so am I (I gotta give you some love)
Surf's up and so am I

(chorus)

Surf's up and so am I,
Surf's up and so am I

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jim Steinman's song Surf's Up are a passionate and intense expression of desire towards someone special. The first lines of the song suggest an irresistible urge to be with the other person, to hold their hand and make them feel appreciated. The subsequent lines describe the overwhelming feeling of being in the present moment with this person and the fear of losing it. The reference to the trembling sky and pale moon represents a metaphor for the significance of the moment and the need to embrace it fully.

The chorus of the song amplifies the intensity of the emotions, describing the burning sensation of desire and the eagerness to dive headfirst into deep waters. The repetition of the phrase "Surf's Up" conveys the idea of taking a risk and experiencing life to the fullest. The closing lines of the song "How hard, how hard, how hard do I gotta try" reveal a level of vulnerability and uncertainty that tempers the confident tone of the earlier verses.

Overall, Surf's Up is a song about seizing the moment, embracing the intensity of life, and taking risks in love and passion.

Line by Line Meaning

The waves are poundin' on the sand tonight
The sound and force of the waves on the beach make the evening an ideal time to enjoy the moment with someone special.

I want to take your hand and make it feel so right
I have strong feelings for you, and I want to show you that by holding your hand.

I know I'm ready and I'll never be like this again
I feel confident and sure about what I want with you, and I don't want to miss this opportunity.

And the sky is trembling and the moon is pale
The sky looks dramatic, as if it's responding to the intensity of my emotions, and the moon is creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.

We're on the edge of forever and we're never gonna fail
We're embarking on a moment where everything seems perfect, and I feel sure that it will be memorable and without anything going wrong.

I know you're ready and we're running on the back of the wind
I sense you're feeling the same as me, and we're both eager to embrace what is to come, willing to act on instinct and passion for the moment.

And my body is burning like a naked wire
My desire for you is so intense, it feels like a physical ache that consumes me.

I want to turn on the juice, I want to fall in the fire
I want to take a risk and let go, giving myself over completely to my passion.

I'm gonna drown in the ocean in a bottomless sea
I'm willing to let go of everything else so I can focus on this moment and this connection — allowing our love to envelope us fully.

I'm gonna give you what I'm hoping you'll be giving to me
I'm hoping that the level of love, desire and passion I have for you will be reciprocated and returned in the same way.

How hard, how hard, how hard do I gotta try (I want all of your love)
I want everything you have to offer -- all of your love, your fullest expression, your true self -- and I'm willing to work for it, to prove worthy and deserving of it.

Surf's up (I need it so bad), Surf's up (I need it so bad), Surf's up and so am I (I gotta give you some love)
The waves and energy of the water symbolize the intensity and momentum of our connection, and I'm feeling it just as much as you are, wanting to give you everything I have in return.

Surf's up and so am I
This moment is thrilling and exciting, and we're both feeling the same level of passion and desire for it.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JIM STEINMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@RIDETHESUNSHINE

4y↑5

"The smell of her hair, the taste of her mouth, the feeling of her skin seemed to have got inside him, or into the air all round him. She had become a physical necessity."
George Orwell, 1984
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I sigh, upon wistful sigh, Will

All comments from YouTube:

@kopilit

3y↑70

RIP Jim. Best songwriter of my lifetime.

@VincentVanGamer

3y↑10

The Earth has let go of her final composer.

@oderso3480

2y↑3

Er war der Beste. Unglaubliche Musik. Meat ist weg, Jim ist weg……traurige Zeit. 😢

@dianaraisa9420

2y↑2

@Oder So yes😿 / ja😿

@oderso3480

2y↑4

@Diana Raisa I was 6 years old when I listened to Bat Out Of Hell album the first time. I pushed the play button and the intro started with that „Bum-Bum….Bum-Bum….“, after that this fast piano. My eyes were wide open and I thought: „Oh my god, what is that?!?“
This was 25 years ago and I listened to the album hundreds of times but it is still not boring or lame. It is powerful and magical.

@dianaraisa9420

2y↑1

@Oder So it is powerful and magical, it's true. ❤❤❤
Your eyes were wide open ... and I remembered that I was once surprised when I learned that little children also love Meat Loaf (not because of the ''Bum-Bum-Bum'' musical accompaniment but because it seemed to me that kiddies should be scared of the "bat out of hell"🦇🧛‍♀️)😉

5 More Replies...

@simonbevington6156

4y↑40

Jim Steinman, genius. Never really gets the widespread recognition that he deserves. Amazing contribution to music.

@cyraswift4789

3y↑18

Surf's up, so am I. 😪 R.I.P Jim Steinman - your musical talent will live on forever! ❤

@janskeet1382

3y↑20

I cried when I first played this when I bought it in 1983. I could hear the way the piano sounds like waves on the beach and the stuff he borrowed from Phil Spector along with his romantic lyrics and the orchestra rock. Go Well and Blessed Be. 💕

@dane1615

2y↑6

Jim Steinman an meatloaf are hopefully rocking heaven,They are greatly missed🌹

@Sandy-zr5hs

3y↑12

One of my favourite albums, me at 14 in my bedroom blasting this out, so many memories, mum and dad downstairs telling me to turn the volume down! Oh boy do I feel melancholic.....💘

@billbaggins1688

1y↑1

Sounds like your Dad has alot to learn about rock and roll.

@professorplums722

40w

@@billbaggins1688😂

@JohnnyJoe

3y↑12

One of the best songwriters and composers of all time.

We miss you, Jim. We will always miss you.

@ketevansazandrishvili5096

2y↑1

❤️❤️

@brian7193

2y↑8

I never thought that Jim steinman got the recognition he deserved, I don't know if it was down to the fact most of his songs were probably considered too long to play on the radio,but the man was a musical genius,apart from the obvious bat out of hell and bat out of hell 2, songs like it's all coming back to me now,rock n roll dreams Come through,making love out of nothing at all, what part of my body hurts the most everyone has their favourites mine were fire inc's version of tonight is what it means to be young the future ain't what it used to be and Barry Manilow's version of read em and weep, bit there were so many great songs r.i p Jim and most recently meat loaf r .i.p meat loaf too

@Josp1966

3y↑17

Jim, to me you're a legend and the greatest songwiter ever – your songs have meant so much to me throughout my life. Your songs will continue to brighten up my life. RIP Jim and thank you for the music.

@TruthrConsequences

3y↑6

Ever the fearless artist... brave enough to release an entire album without a song less than 4:36. American radio just wasn't ready for Steinman!

@markgsmith1266

3y↑8

Seriously the best songwriter ever beautiful composition

@chrisfranklin8985

3y↑16

Such a moving song..... Thank you for the music Jim Steinman R.I.P.

@m0v13knut

13y↑11

There's no doubt that Jim is one of (if the) best song writers of his generation. I remember buying this in 'Thr Other Record Shop' in Inverness back in '82. A brilliant album.

@carlaschreiber5938

11y↑60

I absolutely love Jim Steinman......I guess I'm an unashamed fan of bombastic orchestral rock

@SusieQ826

3y↑8

My favourite Jim Steiman song. An amazing songwriter, hugely under-rated.

@localguidegoogle7869

Oui mais c'est Rory Dodd qui chante avec son falsetto unique ! Cette chanson est magnifique et la voix Dodd tout juste époustouflante ! Les chœurs à l'outro sont magiques ! Pour l'anecdote la chanson a été enregistrée en une seule prise car c'était une démo mais tout les musiciens étaient tellement choqués de sa performances en une seule prise que c'était impensable que quelqu'un d'autre puisse la chanter à sa place et mieux que lui ! Jim a essayé de la chanter mais c'était mauvais selon certains musiciens donc c'est la version de Rory Dodd qui est sorti. Bien que si l'on écoute bien, des chœurs lui répondent. C'est Jim qui la rajouter au montage de la chanson. Et c'est Rory Dodd avec Eric Troyer qu'ils les ont enregistré. Jim ne figure aucunement sur la chanson. Il a écrit cette magnifique balade avec une instrumentale simple mais tellement touchante mais la voix sur la chanson c'est Rory Dodd. Malheureusement jamais mentionné ni connu... et son travail ne s'arrête pas là d'autres chansons sur l'album sont chantées par Rory Dodd également comme par exemple la célèbre Rock'n roll dreams come through ou il a enregistré les chœurs avec Eric Troyer également qui ont été rajoutés lors du mixage de la chanson !

@danielbramlett1

12y↑23

This is one of the most under rated songs...listen to the words. Where is love like this??

@Happyevs

3y↑8

R.I.P Jim My favourite song you wrote Fly high.

@howardanderson8270

3y↑3

I feel so emotional listening to this 😓😔...RIP Jim

@MsAgnut

3y↑4

The greatest singer/songwriter/composer you didn't know you loved! R.I.P. Jim Steinman.

@localguidegoogle7869

50w

Grand auteur, compositeur c'est certain ! Après cette chanson est chanté par Rory Dodd, comme beaucoup d'autres... les deux formés un combo parfait.

@vanwinter

13y↑20

Bad For Good is one of my favorite albums as well as favorite album cover art! Jim Steinman is far underrated!

@KlipsenTube

3y↑4

Sadly, just a few days ago, another "surf" was up for Jim Steinman. May he rest in peace.
For me, it's time to binge-listen to his wonderful songs.

@rockinrobo84

3y↑4

Beautiful song. R.I.P Jim Steinman.

@Skepticyy

2y↑4

This song is so good

@vanessawarren9019

6y↑11

I want this song played at my funeral. Jim Steinman was a genius.

@Giskard1000

6y↑4

Wow. I've been listening to Jim Steinman songs for twenty years and ONLY JUST DISCOVERED THIS! It is AWESOME!

@localguidegoogle7869

29w

C'est Rory Dodd qui chante cette chanson et il faut reconnaître que pour une démo il à tout déchirer ! C'est pour ça que c'est la démo chanté par Rory Dodd qui est sorti ! Cette chanson et sa voix sont incroyable ! Jim un génie de la composition mais Rory un brillant chanteur choriste !

@milepostuk8802

3y↑2

Thank you "Twiggy" for introducing me to this almost 40 years ago when we were 16. Still one of my favourite albums

@spacefacegojira

4y↑4

Perfection. No other way to put it

@lloydhentley7639

2y↑2

6/25/22 MY LOVE FOR THIS SONG BROUGHT ME HERE TODAY!!!

@theking-kh2wc

3y↑3

RIP YOU LEGEND

@markgsmith1266

3y↑7

Rip jim steinman

One of the greatest musicians ever!

@RIDETHESUNSHINE

2y↑2

“I miss you in waves and tonight I’m drowning.
You left me fending for my life and it feels like you’re the only one who can bring me back to the shore alive.” Denice Envall.

@batmuir6167

12y↑11

Got to be one of the best songs ever written - I love the drums!

@LordOmnipraetor

11y↑10

Jim Steinman's songs are always full of life wisdom, perfectly putting words on the emotinos and turmoils caused by love.

@ketevansazandrishvili5096

❤️❤️

@mcblay3

9y↑54

Nothing will ever compare to the 80's...so glad I was a teen into the 80's... the music now a days is such a struggle....really sucks most of it...

@kevinfearnley6490

8y↑8

+Missy L no fewer words so true ever said,TRUE MUSIC

@danielkane9047

7y↑7

Missy L im with you on that best decade

@GenaFrog

6y↑5

Me too, I was born in 1970 so came into eighties music from the start. I wish I could go back there again and also for my children to be able see for themselves what I'm always going on about... the olden days! I don't think anyone grew up in a better decade than we did.

@antontalbot9148

Ehhh. 50s is pretty good. 60s is my fave.

@martinleech3720

2y↑1

One day before I die I will sing this song in public busker style I'm 62 and have no voice but will do my very best x

@tamuir1

7y↑13

This song has everything - vocals, guitar, piano, drums, and even a mandolin - what more could you want?

@lilly5157

7y↑1

Meat Loaf in his prime singing it.

@davidbenstead6614

4y↑3

5.25 mins of shivers it's so good

@martinprice6793

7y↑6

Just simply puts me in the best place ever, the song makes me want to do better! Just imagine singing this song at your best mates wedding or something similar without then knowing the gift you have being given. Sing it loud and proud Rory, love you Jim!

@xomthood

3y↑3

RIP Jim Steinman. My fave.

@skyblazeeterno

11y↑3

one of the best songs ever - handled with a subtlety that Meat never quite grasped

@jlocorriere05

13y↑8

I bought this album, this was my favourite song on it. Absolute magic!

@localguidegoogle7869

2y↑4

Rory Dodd était un grand chanteur qui est resté dans l'ombre, et surtout méconnu du grand public ! Tant de chansons qui la chanté ou il n'est pas crédités ni mentionné...

@thkoby

3y↑3

RIP to the legend

@bartmartin5155

5y↑11

I listen to this since 1989. So freaking good. Unbelievable.

@1965Chasman

12y↑6

One day .... hopefully soon ... people will understand what a truly great album this is ....still in one way it's nice to own it and not hear it on radio blah blah :-)

@willeh8158

6y↑6

Pure power. Pure talent. 100 % genius

@zackmitchell2138

5y↑11

Without a doubt one of the greatest songs ever written! There’s literally nothing negative to be said about it— the vocal performance by Rory Dodd is incredible, the piano is tremendous by the greatest rock and roll pianists Roy Bittan, Todd Rundgren’s guitar solo is probably his greatest ever, the backing vocals sound like heavenly angels, and the climax of the song is on par with the finale of Stairway to Heaven as the most epic I’ve ever heard honestly. Jim Steinman even pays homage to The Beach Boys at 1:55 with the faint voice heard on the track, obviously a nod to the voices heard on Pet Sounds. This song is just an absolute work of art and it’s a shame this album was so underrated.

@dave6467

4y↑1

What? I've been listening to this song, on and off for early 30 years. I thought Steinman sang it? Well, there's a turn up.

@paulmcgregor391

one of the greatest song ever

@RIDETHESUNSHINE

4y↑5

@jackywisdom

14y↑5

This is so reminiscent of my teen years..and I still remember the words!

@neil5030

12y↑2

This has got to be a brilliant funeral song, especially the way the guitar comes in at 2.15, very heart moving music, nothing like it nowadays......

@dianeharrison4975

8y↑3

how can a song make you cry with emotion?yes i am x

@MarkSmith-ou7ty

48w↑1

Rory dodds voice and jim steinman music perfect!

@bigmuvatrucker

13y↑8

I am a massive fan of Jim's work.......... This is the most outstanding piece of musical art ever...... his vocals are far superior on this track to the Meat loaf version......... Sorry Meat i'm still ya biggest fan....lol.....The power and passion with the slightly rough cut guitar are awesome........ shame fb doesnt have a love it button

@localguidegoogle7869

50w↑1

Mais ce n'es pas Jim qui chante mais Rory Dodd ! Il avait une voix magnifique ! Se falsetto incroyable, sa voix glisse c'est incroyable. Cette version qui était a la base une démo est sortie car la perfection de Rory sur une seule prise à subjugué tout les musiciens, Jim y compris !

@billobyrne

11y↑5

One of the greats that shall echo down the corridors of time.

@shanester71

14y↑7

pure genius!

@canerovali5499

5y↑3

This version is incomparable. Second to none.

@JeffBend

11y↑1

I was walking down a street 200 miles from home when I was seized by the need to hear it - so thanks .

@gbtalking

10y↑12

amazing guitar solo, amazing lead vocal from Rory Dodd. Fucking flawless.

@geni2906

10y

Jim Steinman is lead vocal, wrote it for Meatloaf but was convinced to bring the album out with himself on vocals as Meatloaf was ill.

@gbtalking

10y↑4

cat sadly Jim didnt sing quite a few on this album. Surfs up, rock n roll dreams and Lost boys. Rory Dodd sang lead. Which doesnt take anything away from the art. Rory sang plenty more. Check out Rory singing Vaults of Heaven. Meat couldnt sing the album. Although everything else had been recorded. So some of the songs would have been in Meat's key, and only the best vocalists would have been able to hit those notes!

@kingrick5494

9y↑1

Paul Matthews He should've just had Dodd sing all the songs

@gbtalking

9y↑5

No argument from me. Rory's is my favourite voice

@kingrick5494

9y↑1

Paul Matthews Word up, same here!

@jamarar0x

14y↑3

I remember being 19 and so broken hearted:( i felt as though my heart had been ripped out! i just listened to this and got a grip!!! x lol x

@hairfight

14y↑12

probably my favorite song off my all time favorite album.

@tamuir1

4y↑2

Me too

@honeyamethyst

19w

sooo happy i found him. 💘

@amandatideswell2283

5y↑3

The guitar solo is just amazing

@GenaFrog

6y↑3

Love this song, reminds me of my teenage years

@adamnicholson1273

9y↑21

Could possibly be my favorite chorus of all time.

@kevitime23

14y↑3

great tune

@peteraar

12y↑3

great album of Jim teinman my friends had to love it too because the heard this album at home and in my car

@NeovenatorRex

6y↑10

This album has some extremely good songs..this one is probably the best.

@djdm2000

12y↑4

One of Jim Steinman's best songs....he should really recycle it and bring it up to date!

@williampollock9736

7y↑15

Jim has got to be one of the most gifted/talented guys in the business well along with bob dylan,my opinion only....

@dianeharrison4975

6y↑4

What a voice

@localguidegoogle7869

50w↑1

Rory Dodd, brillant chanteur !

@martinprice6793

8y↑17

short but awesome guitar solo. This album gives me so many good memories.

@toddism

Rundgren Baby!

@soupinacan

14y↑3

Extremely underrated record.

@tamuir1

7y↑10

Surfs up and so am i - classic!

@dianeharrison4975

8y↑2

hes brilliant love this..takes me back to me my youth 🙄

@DollyParton1234

11y↑3

I love this song

@rockhero70s

12y↑1

now... i live alone in other country, i listen this song since i was a little girl~ mommy always play this song and listen it with me..... i miss home now..... when i miss home... i just replay and replay

@davidgreen7837

7y↑3

love this song!!

@jessicapeters1585

2y↑2

All time favorite song🥰

@Lisa-66666

2y↑1

My favourite ❤

@paulbarnes3791

6y↑5

Pure quality

@neil5030

11y↑3

2:15, what a guitar solo, very moving....

@tamuir1

8y↑77

This has got to be the best song ever written!

@kingrick5494

8y↑24

It's better than every song ever written with the exception of other songs written by Jim Steinman. But what Jim writes isn't really music, it's something greater than that, so it's really not fair to compare music with what Jim creates.

@baizmohamedachraf9582

8y↑5

+King Rick i can't agree more (y)

@williampollock9736

7y↑5

Got to agree,and the next best bad 4 good and the next best left in the dark next best ....

@blasabb

7y↑14

This song is amazing to say the least. Dramatic, romantic, epic and true when it comes to emotions like these.
Is and could only be written by Steinman. Like all of Steinman's songs it's timeless.

@tonyvideos5

7y↑5

tamuir1 perfection. loved it since 1981

9 More Replies...

@klc227

8y↑7

makes you remember the first time you where in love

@SongToKill

13y↑3

Simply amazing! :D

@splankhoon

14y↑2

This is the real thing. Wonderful musicians bringing a great song to life. Great details in the arrangement. And of course.....TODD !! :-)

@kittymurphy381

8y↑3

I have listened to the jim steinman version a few times again and you could be right.

@vincentc010

13y↑8

Beautiful, underrated song by a terrific lyricist. I think it's got a strong "from the heart" feel, and it's a rare instance in which I prefer it to Meat Loaf's version.

@tex6815

2y↑2

Jim is sat in front of his piano waiting for Marvin to join him. RIP guys.

@ketevansazandrishvili5096

2y↑1

💔💔😪

@Lisa-tp4sf

6y↑2

Absolutely brilliant

@jmedia1102

7y↑4

Definitely IN the soundtrack to my life.

@athreepercenter1837

7y↑6

Goosebumps.....

@williampollock9736

7y↑1

Athreepercenter ? goosebumps here as well..

@camero26

10y↑36

Hadn't listened to this in years. And while I tend to prefer a lot of Meat's versions of the songs off of this album, I've gotta say that Rory Dodd absolutely KILLS this vocal. Always wondered why that guy never had a bigger career. That falsetto is INCREDIBLE.

@coeurdelion3113

6y↑1

I don't think it's a falsetto, actually.

@stefoncoricu8054

5y↑1

@Eric Ehmann what not jim performing thats why never kept lp but heres to daddy and long island+fire surfing

@davelightman

5y↑1

I agree entirely. The songs that Meat covered on Bat 2 are superior to the versions here. But his covers elsewhere of the remaining songs, including this one, are not up to scratch. This is the definitive version of the song, no question. Same with Left In The Dark.

@lilly5157

@loughrey101 you can't be serious

@830catwoman

10y↑2

one of the greatest of all time Todd guitar work on this is truly amazing it a constant work and wonder Yes Genius

@stephenmuir1676

9y↑2

Great song love the keyboards and the mandolin

@youngglenfarg

10y↑4

One of my favourite guitar solos (Todd Rundgren.) Turn up the volume ...

@meatloaf93

10y↑1

Totally agree. A VERY underrated lead guitarist.

@RIDETHESUNSHINE

4y↑1

“I miss you in waves and tonight I’m drowning.
You left me fending for my life and it feels like you’re the only one who can bring me back to the shore alive.” Denice Envall.
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Will