About the song
Meat Loaf’s iconic song, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” is a timeless power ballad that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. Penned by the legendary songwriter Jim Steinman and featured on the 1977 album Bat Out of Hell, this track showcases Meat Loaf’s powerful vocals and Steinman’s dramatic songwriting.
The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have contributed to its enduring popularity. The title itself, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” suggests a sense of compromise and acceptance, a theme that many listeners can relate to. The song’s protagonist grapples with unrequited love, but rather than wallow in despair, he chooses to find solace in the positive aspects of his life.
Meat Loaf’s passionate delivery brings the song to life, conveying both the heartache and resilience of the character. His vocals soar during the chorus, capturing the emotional intensity of the song. Steinman’s songwriting is masterful, crafting a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting. The song’s arrangement, featuring a driving rhythm and soaring guitars, adds to its dramatic impact.
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” has achieved significant commercial success, spending 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 11. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its continued airplay and its status as one of Meat Loaf’s signature tunes.
The song’s legacy extends beyond its commercial success. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Celine Dion and Boyzone, and has been featured in popular culture, including films and television shows. “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” remains a beloved classic, a testament to the power of great songwriting and timeless music.
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Lyrics
Baby, we can talk all night
But that ain’t gettin us nowhere
I told you everything I possibly can
There’s nothing left inside of here
And maybe you can cry all night
But that’ll never change the way that I feel
The snow is really piling up outside
I wish you wouldn’t make me leave here
I poured it on and I poured it out
I tried to show you just how much I care
I’m tired of words and I’m too hoarse to shout
But you’ve been cold to me so long
I’m crying icicles instead of tears
And all I can do is keep on telling you
I want you (I want you)
I need you (I need you)
There ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you
Now don’t be sad (don’t be sad ’cause)
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
Now don’t be sad (’cause)
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
You’ll never find your gold on a sandy beach
You’ll never drill for oil on a city street
I know you’re looking for a ruby in a mountain of rocks
But there ain’t no Coup de Ville
Hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box
I can’t lie (I can’t lie)
I can’t tell you that I’m something I’m not
No matter how I try
I’ll never be able to give you something
Something that I just haven’t got
There’s only one girl I’ll ever love
And that was so many years ago
And though I know I’ll never get her out of my heart
She never loved me back
Ooh I know
Well I remember how she left me on a stormy night
Oh she kissed me and got out of our bed
And though I pleaded and I begged her not to walk out that door
She packed her bags and turned right away
And she kept on telling me
She kept on telling me
She kept on telling me
I want you (I want you)
I need you (I need you)
There ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you
Now don’t be sad (don’t be sad ’cause)
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
I want you (I want you)
I need you (I need you)
There ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you
Now don’t be sad (don’t be sad ’cause)
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
Now don’t be sad
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
Baby, we can talk all night
But that ain’t getting us nowhere