Paradise By The Dashboard Light
by Meat Loaf

Album: Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Charted: 39
Play Video
  • Well I remember every little thing
    As if it happened only yesterday
    Parking by the lake and there was not another car in sight
    And I never had a girl
    Looking any better than you did
    And all the kids at school
    They were wishing they were me that night
    And now our bodies are oh so close and tight
    It never felt so good, it never felt so right
    And we're glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
    Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
    C'mon hold on tight
    Oh c'mon hold on tight
    Though it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night
    I can see paradise by the dashboard light

    Ain't no doubt about it we were doubly blessed
    'Cause we were barely seventeen and we were barely dressed
    Ain't no doubt about it
    Baby got to go and shout it
    Ain't no doubt about it
    We were doubly blessed

    'Cause we were barely seventeen and we were barely dressed
    Baby don't you hear my heart
    You got it drowning out the radio
    I've been waiting so long for you to come along and have some fun
    Well I gotta let you know
    No you're never gonna regret it
    So open up your eyes I got a big surprise
    It'll feel all right
    Well I want to make your motor run
    And now our bodies are oh so close and tight
    It never felt so good, it never felt so right
    And we're glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
    Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife
    C'mon hold on tight
    Oh c'mon hold on tight
    Though it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night
    I can see paradise by the dashboard light
    Though it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night
    (Deep dark night) paradise by the dashboard light
    You got to do what you can
    And let mother nature do the rest
    Ain't no doubt about it
    We were doubly blessed
    'Cause we were barely seventeen and we were barely dressed

    We're gonna go all the way tonight
    We're gonna go all the way and tonight's the night

    We're gonna go all the way tonight
    We're gonna go all the way and tonight's the night

    We're gonna go all the way tonight
    We're gonna go all the way and tonight's the night
    We're gonna go all the way tonight
    We're gonna go all the way and tonight's the night

    Okay, here we go, we got a real pressure cooker going here
    Two down, nobody on, no score, bottom of the ninth
    There's the windup, and there it is
    A line shot up the middle, look at him go
    This boy can really fly
    He's rounding first and really turning it on now
    He's not letting up at all
    He's gonna try for second, the ball is bobbled out in center
    And here comes the throw, and what a throw
    He's gonna slide in head first
    Here he comes, he's out
    No, wait, safe-safe at second base
    This kid really makes things happen out there
    Batter steps up to the plate, here's the pitch-he's going
    And what a jump he's got, he's trying for third
    Here's the throw, it's in the dirt-safe at third
    Holy cow, stolen base, he's taking a pretty big lead out there
    Almost daring him to try and pick him off
    The pitcher glances over, winds up, and it's bunted
    Bunted down the third base line, the suicide squeeze is on
    Here he comes, squeeze play, it's gonna be close, here's the throw, here's the play at the
    Holy cow, I think he's gonna make it

    Stop right there
    I gotta know right now
    Before we go any further
    Do you love me?
    Will you love me forever?
    Do you need me?
    Will you never leave me?
    Will you make me so happy for the rest of my life?
    Will you take me away and will you make me your wife?
    Do you love me?
    Will you love me forever?
    Do you need me?
    Will you never leave me?
    Will you make me so happy for the rest of my life?
    Will you take me away and will you make me your wife?
    I gotta know right now
    Before we go any further
    Do you love me?
    Will you love me forever?

    Let me sleep on it
    Baby, baby let me sleep on it
    Let me sleep on it
    And I'll give you an answer in the morning
    Let me sleep on it
    Baby, baby let me sleep on it
    Let me sleep on it
    And I'll give you an answer in the morning
    Let me sleep on it
    Baby, baby let me sleep on it
    Let me sleep on it
    I'll give you an answer in the morning

    I gotta know right now
    Do you love me?
    Will you love me forever?
    Do you need me?
    Will you never leave me?
    Will you make me so happy for the rest of my life?
    Will you take me away and will you make me your wife?
    I gotta know right now
    Before we go any further
    Do you love me?
    And will you love me forever?

    What's it gonna be, boy?
    Come on, I can wait all night
    What's it gonna be, boy?
    Yes or no?
    What's it gonna be, boy?
    Yes or no?

    Let me sleep on it
    Baby, baby let me sleep on it
    Let me sleep on it
    And I'll give you an answer in the morning
    I gotta know right now
    Do you love me? (Let me sleep on it)
    Will you love me forever? (Baby, baby let me sleep on it)
    Do you need me?
    Will you never leave me?
    Will you make me so happy (let me sleep on it)
    For the rest of my life? (I'll give you an answer in the morning)
    Will you take me away (I'll give you an answer in the morning)
    I gotta know right now?
    Before we go any further
    Do you love me?
    Will you love me forever?

    Let me sleep on it
    Will you love me forever

    Let me sleep on it
    Will you love me forever

    I couldn't take it any longer Lord I was crazed
    And when the feeling came upon me like a tidal wave
    I started swearing to my god and on my mother's grave
    That I would love you to the end of time
    I swore, that I would love you to the end of time
    So now I'm praying for the end of time
    To hurry up and arrive
    'Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you
    I don't think that I can really survive
    I'll never break my promise or forget my vow
    But god only knows what I can do right now
    I'm praying for the end of time
    It's all that I can do (oh oh oh)
    Praying for the end of time, so I can end my life with you

    It was long ago and it was far away
    And it was so much better that it is today

    It was long ago and it was far away (it never felt so good, it never felt so right)
    And it was so much better that it is today (and we were glowing like, a metal on the edge of a knife)

    It was long ago and it was far away (it never felt so good, it never felt so right)
    And it was so much better that it is today (and we were glowing like, a metal on the edge of a knife)

    It was long ago and it was far away (it never felt so good, it never felt so right)
    And it was so much better that it is today (and we were glowing like, a metal on the edge of a knife)

    It was long ago and it was far away (it never felt so good, it never felt so right)
    And it was so much better that it is today (and we were glowing like, a metal on the edge of a knife)

    It was long ago and it was far away (it never felt so good, it never felt so right)
    And it was so much better that it is today (and we were glowing like, a metal on the edge of a knife)

    It was long ago and it was far away (it never felt so good, it never felt so right)
    And it was so much better that it is today (and we were glowing like, a metal on the edge of a knife) Writer/s: Jim Steinman
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 53

  • Barry from MnIt's among my favorite music videos and I've never seen or heard anything quite like it. Today is February 17, 2024 and I turned 80 five days ago. To me the great music virtually ended by the 1990s and I continue to wonder what ever happened to the fantastic songwriting. Actually I consider lyrics to be less important than the melody and arrangement. Lyrics & visuals are secondary to me and if music doesn't sound good I don't bother listening, even if the lyrics/vids are great. There's still very good musicians but they have little to work with and the inspiration/motivation to create and arrange good music has somehow vanished. It seems like the best music was created during the worst of times including The Great Depression, WW1, WW2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, assassinations and social upheaval. Good music did continue after the Vietnam War however, in my opinion, it slowly faded away over the next 30 years.
  • Steve From The 7la from Cooperstown NyThis has bothered me now for 45 years! Why didn't Phil Rizzuto know that NO ONE tries a suicide squeeze when there are already two out? The bunted ball... was thrown to first base. No run scores! Did NOT have to marry her!
  • Chris O'connor from South Amboy, New JerseyKarla DeVito did a great acting job in the video of this cautionary tale about infatuation, but it seems like the real female voice was that of Ellen Foley. In any case, "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" is probably one of the best duets I have EVER heard (or seen), no matter what the musical genre.
  • Russternj from New JerseyI am a big Yankees fan and watched many games where Phil Rizzuto announced. There were games where they would show Meat Loaf in the crowd or mention him. Rizzuto would say how he made Meat Loaf famous! I heard interviews where he said he didn't know what they would use the recording for but I don't remember him mentioning it on the air. He always spoke positively about Meat Loaf.
  • Ken from Baldwin, NyI saw Meatloaf perform at St John’s University in the late 70’s, fabulous show! In 2019 my son and his bride played Paradise By the Dashboard Lights at their wedding and his cousin’s 10 year old daughter sang along word for word! Too which my son told her mother, you did a great job raising her! Great all time song!
  • Donna from St Helens EnglandLove meatloaf and all of his videos I believe he's very unappreciated
  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenI always thought one line was perfect for those trying for a baby: "You got to do what you can and let Mother Nature do the rest."
  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenThat's a funny story about Phil Rizzuto. Always funny when they take the money and then plead ignorance when called on it.
  • Michael from Vienna (austria)I really why only in the Netherlands - where I come from - this song was a number one hits. It is one of those rock songs that is a real classic!
  • Eithne from IowaI bet this song has prevented more teen pregnancies than all the abstinence only school nonsense.
  • Dt from Gulf Breeze, FlThis was an excellent performance video.
    "Praying for the end of time - so I can end my time with you" funny lyric. Knew a few of those hot high school romances that ended up that way in a few years.
  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxBrilliant question, Doug. Wish I had an answer for it. I never connected those two songs, but now I always will!
  • Doug from Saylorsburg, PaThere's something I've always wondered about this song. In a way it strikes me as a response to Janis Ian's song "At Seventeen." One reason for this is the line at the end of the song "It was long ago and it was far away ..." which matches a similar line in Janis Ian's song. And, of course, the ages are the same. She's singing about missing out on love at 17 and Meat Loaf is replying that she may have been better of that way. Does anyone know if there's anything to this or if it's just a coincidence.
  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxSince they came out around the same time, I always think of 'Summer Nights' from 'Grease' when I hear this and mentally place Travolta and Olivia in that car.
  • Sandy from Enterprise, FlI don't think you can fully appreciate this song unless you were dating in the 1950s or 1960s. And then got married. And then got divorced.
  • Pryce from Litchfield, NhListen to the vocals during the baseball section...

    They might be not be talking though

    P.S. Not the announcer, in between that.
  • Charles Hollingswort from Leeds, AlTo Dee in Australia;Jim Steinman wrote this and many songs for Meat Loaf.
  • E J from Charlotte , TnWith 2 outs, it is called a " suicide squeeze Bunt".
  • Breanna from Henderson, NvThanks to this song everyone in my school thinks I'm weird. When asked what my favorite song was, I said Paradise By the Dashboard Light by Meat Loaf, I had to explain who Meat Loaf was, which is really sad. The only one who knew who it was was the girl who's favorite movie was The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a shame, he's an awesome artist.
  • Breanna from Henderson, NvThis is the best song ever! I love it!
  • Cody from ??????, OnAwesome song! And FYI, I believe the 2 outs etc. theory put forth by Marvin.
  • Logan from Anniston, AlThis is one of my favorite songs of alllll time.
    it is soo hilarious. I'd even go as far as to say this is one of (if not THE) funniest songs of all time. hahaha lol.
    Really funny stuff.
  • Doug from Harrisburg, PaTo say no baseball team would do a squeeze play with two outs is wrong. I saw the Red Sox beat the Yankees with a two-out squeeze play back in 1984 (+/- a year). I've seen a few others on highlight shows since then. It's rare, but not unheard of and succeeds because no one expects it.
  • S.d. from Denver, CoI always liked how the video begins with the opening dialogue from "Hot Summer Night". It doesn't fit this song that well, but it works so perfectly as an intro to the video.
  • Nick from Dacula, GaI think he says "And all the kids at school, they were wishin' they were meat that night" insted of "And all the kids at school, they were wishin' they were me that night" But I may be wrong...
  • Jesus Of Suburbia from Frinton On Sea, AlActually this isn't really a wedding song i'd say For Crying out Loud is a perfect wedding song even if it is 8:42 which is a long time to dance and speeds up in the middle which i am also listening to at the moment it is also 1 of Meat Loafs best songs along with Bat out of Hell Paradise by the Dashboard Light as mentioned earlier and Seize the Night which i am now listening to from his new 2006 album That song is absolutly amazing its the best song ever Rock vs Classical just like Bohemian Rhapsody in fact it is just as good as Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Barry from Ossian, InA great deal of space in this discussion has been wasted on opinions on the strategy and frequency of a squeeze play - myself included. DROP IT! (note: The use of a superlative is almost always innacurate ;)
  • James from Beloit, Wimust be nice to afford to only go to major league games if those of you above would bother to go to a minor league games you would see the squeeze play with 2 outs on a regular basis
  • David from Youngstown, OhAs for a squeeze play with two outs and a man on third, it's not a typical call, but it's not unheard of. Actually, if you've got a speedy runner on third and one at the plate, a drop bunt on the first base side would probably be successful. The pitcher and corner infielders would be caught off-guard. If the first baseman charges - and he would - the second baseman would have to cover first, again something he wouldn't anticipate. The Mets did this a couple of times in 2007 with success with Jose Reyes batting and Carlos Gomez on third on time and Lastings Millege on third the other time. I believe the Florida Marlins also used this at least once this past season.
  • Randy from Lynchburg, VaThe "Paradise" that he sees by the dashboard light is neither the girls name or the act of sex but is the promised land between her legs.
  • Paul from Rothesay, New Brunswick , CanadaPhil Rizzuto - RIP
  • Kristin from Yaphank, NyThis is a greta song, tells a story.
  • Craig from Gainesville, FlSorry Joe from St. Louis, but in baseball, no matter how many people cross home plate with two outs, if the batter gets forced out at first base none of the runs count. The fact up top is correct.
  • Ed from Ottawa, Canadajust throwing this out there...some people say first base is t*ts, second is 'hands-on', and third is oral...homerun is obvious.
  • Jake from Atchison, KsI think that Marvin, East Brady, PA may be on to something thinking some of the baseball reference may alude to the woman't bad choices. He gave her a chance to stop it there when he "practically dared the pitcher to try and pick him off.
  • Deo from Annandale, VaI always thought that Paradise was the name of the girl, and he could see her by the dashboard lights.
  • Hugh from Kansas City, MoEver see the live 'video' for this song? Judging by Ms. Devito's sweater, it was a very cold stage....
  • Jason from Troy, IlWe understand the metaphor Bill, Wolcott, CT, it's not that difficult to grasp. Ray's point is more of a literal clarification. In baseball, teams don't attempt a squeeze play with 2 outs. That's all there is to it.
  • Dee from Khancoban, Australiais it true that Elton John Wrote this? or am i dreaming?
  • Sailor from San Antonio, TxAnother little tibit,
    backup singer Karla DeVito is married to actor Robby Benson.
  • Bill from Wolcott, CtI have to comment to Ray in Jackson, NJ with regards to the strategy that teams use with 2 outs. Ray....its a song....first base is a kiss, 2nd base is feeling up her chest, 3rd base is below the belt...and the HOMERUN....or scoring...no need to spell it out. Its only a metaphor for the song.....
  • Kailyn from Anywhere, NyI would like this song a lot better if it skipped the first two minutes or so. It is unnecessarily long for repetitive listening.
  • Don from Centreville, VaDanny DeVito doesn't have a little sister. His website says he has only a big sister, "Sister: Angela DeVito (beauty-parlor owner; older)"
    Karla DeVito is talented enough without having Danny as a big brother.
  • Ken from Louisville, KyThere is a story that "Scooter" Rizzuto had no idea what kind of song he was recording the baseball play-by-play for and was mortified when he heard the finished product.
  • HÃ¥kan from Falun, SwedenKarla DeVito is not related to Danny DeVito in any way.
    If you want to know more about her visit
    http://karladevito.homestead.com
  • Gelein from Apeldoorn, NetherlandsBefore we go hit the town me and my friends all climb up a table and sing this song! I love it!
  • Gregmon from Intelbuquerque, NmPopular at weddings? But praying for the end of time because I married you just to get laid and now I hate you, but I won't divorce you because of morals I hold-- I don't think it belongs at weddings.
  • Joe from Ocala, FlKarla DeVito is in fact Danny devito's little sister and Phil rizzuto did say that he would do the voice over as long as it didn't have any explitives in it
  • Ace from Marion, VaIf you read the liner notes, Ellen Foley is credited as "Mrs. Soft Piano"
  • Marvin from East Brady, Paactually, isn't it two outs to show the girl's strategic error? she didn't hav to get herself in that situation, she let him go for home rather than take him out before he even got to first...or sumthin like that
  • Ray from Jackson, NjThe baseball reference is strategically wrong as no baseball team uses a squeeze play with two outs. With two outs all the defense has to do is pick the ball up and throw to first and you are out of the inning.
  • Sandy from Lacey, WaThis is a great song! I had my two teens listen to this, hoping they'd get the message at the end and not end up married w/someone they just wanted to sleep with! Rock on!!
  • Michael from Newark, DeEllen Foley (female vocal) later went on to play public defender Billie Young on the TV show Night Court in 1984-1985. She has also had parts in the movies Fatal Attraction, Cocktail, and Married to the Mob.
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