About the song
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” is one of the most beloved songs by the rock singer Meat Loaf. Released in 1977 as part of his second studio album, *Bat Out of Hell*, this power ballad quickly resonated with listeners for its heartfelt lyrics and emotive performance. Written by the prolific songwriter Jim Steinman, the track is a quintessential example of Steinman’s theatrical and grandiose style, which often blended rock with operatic and classical influences.
The song’s narrative revolves around the theme of unrequited love and acceptance of imperfect relationships. Its poignant lyrics—”I want you, I need you, but there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you. Now don’t be sad, ’cause two out of three ain’t bad”—capture the complex emotions of longing and compromise, making it relatable to many who have experienced the bittersweet nature of love.
Upon its release, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” climbed the charts, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of Meat Loaf’s most successful singles. The album *Bat Out of Hell* itself became a monumental success, eventually selling over 43 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The song’s popularity endures through the decades, thanks in part to Meat Loaf’s powerful vocal delivery and Steinman’s compelling songwriting. For many, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” remains a nostalgic anthem, reminding us that while not all dreams come true, finding solace in what we do have is a significant part of the human experience.
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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