If I Can't Have You

Album: Hang Cool Teddy Bear (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a duet with Kara DioGuardi, at the time a judge on American Idol, who also penned the track.
  • The song features piano playing by House star Hugh Laurie. Meat Loaf encountered Laurie, a classically trained musician, whilst making an appearance in the medical drama. "I did House and found out he could play piano," Meat Loaf explained to The London Times, "so I gave him a demo and a note and the next morning I walked on the set, he comes running up to me with his arms open, 'Yeah, I'd love to!'"
  • Meat Loaf said of Laurie's contribution at a listening party: "He was really nervous at first. It was strange seeing someone so confident on TV walk into the studio like he's a quivering mess. But he nailed it."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.