Eddie Van Halen at Fender's Winter NAMM 2007 Global Dealer and Distributor Reception

Perceived ambiguity of "that"

Each verse comprises two things that he would do for love, followed by one thing that he would not do. It is that latter part of each chorus that is the "that" of the title. However, some people misunderstand the lyrics, claiming that the singer never identifies what the "that" is that he is unwilling to do.[8] Indeed, Steinman predicted this confusion during production.[9] All Music Guide also misunderstand the lyric, saying that they "build suspense by portraying a romance-consumed lover who pledges to do anything in the name of love except "that," a mysterious thing that he will not specify."[6] They say that the mystery is revealed during the closing stages of the song, but do not observe that "that" is revealed in every chorus throughout.

Although some people assume that "that" is an exophoric reference to a sex act,[10] it is actually an anaphoric reference to the varying activities and feelings that are specified as antecedents in the lyric that the singer says that he won't do.
Jimmy always said, "You know what? Nobody's gonna get it." And he was right.
-- Meat Loaf[9]

"I'll never forget the way you feel right now ..."
"I'll never forgive myself if we don't go all the way tonight ..."
"I'll never do it better than I do it with you ..."
"I'll never stop dreaming of you every night of my life ..."

In addition, the female vocalist identifies two other things that the lead singer denies that he will do: "You'll see that it's time to move on" and "You'll be screwing around." To both of these, the lead singer emphatically responds, "I won't do that! No, I won't do that!"

Meat Loaf says that the question "what is 'that'?" is one of the most popular questions he is asked.[10]. In his 1998 VH1 Storytellers special, he even explained it on stage using a blackboard and a pointing stick.

In his cameo in Spiceworld, he is asked to fix a toilet for the Spice Girls. He says that he would do anything for them, but he won't do that.

Jim Steinman, in an interview, states that the definition of "that" is fully revealed in the song in each of the several verses in which it is mentioned. He intended the "that" reference to be a "puzzle" which would be ambiguous at first, but which could be solved by attentive listening to the lyrics. [11]

Arizona Basset Hound Rescue

I will be waddling with basset hounds on March 17 to raise money for Arizona Basset Hound Rescue. I'm hoping you'll help me raise money to help save some basset hounds! Here is the link to my fundraising page where you can help me reach my goal of raising $987. Make your donations here and then watch me in the St. Patty's Day parade. I'll be the redheaded Irish lady walking a cute basset hound who just so happens to be up for adoption! So open your wallets...how can you refuse a face like this?


djhall1