After the commercial success of Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, and earning a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for the song "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", Meat Loaf nevertheless experienced some difficulty establishing a steady career within the United States. The key to this success was his popularity in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland. He received the 1994 Brit Award in the United Kingdom for best-selling album and single. He appeared in the 1997 film Spice World and he ranked 23rd for the number of weeks spent on the UK charts in 2006. He ranks 96th on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock". Meat Loaf appeared in over 50 films and television shows, sometimes as himself or as characters resembling his stage persona. His film roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Robert Paulsen in Fight Club (1999). His early stage work included dual roles in the original Broadway cast of The Rocky Horror Show. He also appeared in the musical Hair, both on and Off-Broadway.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meat_Loaf
Studio albums
Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Dead Ringer (1981)
Midnight at the Lost and Found (1983)
Bad Attitude (1984)
Blind Before I Stop (1986)
Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993)
Welcome to the Neighbourhood (1995)
Couldn't Have Said It Better (2003)
Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006)
Hang Cool Teddy Bear (2010)
Hell in a Handbasket (2011)
Braver Than We Are (2016)
Rock And Roll Hero
Meat Loaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stacks of scratched up 45's and taught myself how to sing
What does it take to be a rock 'n' roll hero, just like the king
Livin' your life in a blaze of glory, burnin' it up in a smoke filled club
Givin' your soul to the world
Chorus:
Like a rock 'n' roll hero, when the white hot lights cut through the night
And the sound of the thunder starts roaring
That's when you know what you're savin' it for
And you're feeling like a rock 'n' roll hero
I owe it all to rock 'n' roll, and I wouldn't want to change a thing
Got this old guitar strapped round my neck, and my baby waitin' in the wings
What does it take to be a rock 'n' roll hero, just like the king
Livin' your life in a blaze of glory, a spark in your eyes
A flame in your soul, givin' it all to the world
(chorus)
Yes you're feeling like, oh you're feeling like
(chorus)
(Like a rock 'n' roll hero, like a rock 'n' roll hero)
The lyrics to Meat Loaf's "Rock 'n' Roll Hero" reflect on the sacrifice, dedication, and passion needed to become a rockstar. The first verse starts with "I sold my soul to rock 'n' roll when it didn't cost a thing," indicating that the singer's devotion to music is so strong that he is willing to give up everything for it. He mentions stacks of scratched up 45s, indicating that he learned his musical craft by practicing along to records. The line "taught myself how to sing" suggests that the singer had no formal training and learned by trial and error, again highlighting his dedication to his craft. The second verse mentions owing everything to rock 'n' roll and not wanting to change a thing. The singer has an old guitar strapped around his neck, indicating the importance of the instrument in his life, and his baby waiting in the wings, likely referring to his love interest or bandmates.
The chorus of the song talks about what it takes to be a rock 'n' roll hero - "livin' your life in a blaze of glory" and "givin' your soul to the world." The repetition of the phrase "like a rock 'n' roll hero" highlights how the singer wants to be viewed as a hero-like figure to his fans. He's willing to be a "soldier of fortune in the night" and withstand the pressures that come with the lifestyle. The last line of the chorus - "And you're feeling like a rock 'n' roll hero" - further emphasizes the importance of how one feels in their own mind and heart.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the hard work, sacrifice, and passion that is needed to become a successful rockstar - one that is idolized and becomes a hero to their fans.
Line by Line Meaning
I sold my soul to rock 'n' roll, when it didn't cost a thing
I sacrificed everything for music, before it became a profitable industry.
Stacks of scratched up 45's and taught myself how to sing
I learned to sing by practicing with old, worn-out records.
What does it take to be a rock 'n' roll hero, just like the king
What qualities does it require to achieve the status of a legendary rockstar, like Elvis?
Livin' your life in a blaze of glory, burnin' it up in a smoke filled club
Living your life boldly and recklessly, performing in a dim, hazy music venue.
Givin' your soul to the world
Offering everything you have to the world, through your music.
Like a rock 'n' roll hero, a soldier of fortune in the night
Like a daring, adventurous fighter out on a mission in the dark.
When the white hot lights cut through the night
When bright, blinding stage lights illuminate the darkness.
And the sound of the thunder starts roaring
And the deafening noise of the audience cheering with excitement fills the air.
That's when you know what you're savin' it for
That's the moment you realize why you've been working so hard for this.
And you're feeling like a rock 'n' roll hero
And at that moment, you experience the sensation of being a legend on stage.
I owe it all to rock 'n' roll, and I wouldn't want to change a thing
Music has given me everything and I wouldn't want to alter a single part of it.
Got this old guitar strapped round my neck, and my baby waitin' in the wings
I carry my trusty old guitar around my neck, and my loved one waiting backstage for me.
Livin' your life in a blaze of glory, a spark in your eyes
Living your life in a bold, exciting way, with a passionate twinkle in your eyes.
A flame in your soul, givin' it all to the world
A burning, passionate desire to give everything you have to the world, through your music.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN GRIFFITT WILCOX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@swedichboy1000
Rest in peace, Rock n Roll hero.
@christine85571
R.I.P. Meat Loaf. 🤘 ❤
Michael Lee Aday. September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022
@AccurateCrabLegs
In 1989, I performed a lip sync routine to this song for my 4th grade talent show in Yorktown, Virginia dressed as a heavy metal singer - leather pants, spiky hair, sunglasses, etc. All the students loved it, but several of the teachers complained that the song was too heavy and too rowdy. After the show, one of them actually told me that I should be ashamed of myself.
@ShaunMcGuile
You know you nailed it.
@dopiaza2006
I hope you told them you'd go blind before you stop.
@lexslate2476
Then you performed it correctly.
@carlleighton4892
you were a true rock and roll hero RIP Meatloaf much love xx
@FARRosbach
R.I.P. Meat Loaf. This anthem is dedicated to you.
@lilly5157
So long Meat. Thanks for the music. 💔
@pundemoniuumgames3815
Anthem for a Rock N Roll Hero \m/ Rest In Peace, you are sorely missed...