Dead Ringer for Love

Song information

The song was originally written by Jim Steinman, Tony Hendra, and Sean Kelly as the theme for the short-lived television comedy series Delta House, sung by Michael Simmons. Steinman reworked the melody into the song "Dead Ringer for Love" for the Dead Ringer album, while portions of the lyrics would later appear in his "Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young".

The song was performed live many times by Meat Loaf but never by Cher. There is no footage of Cher and Meat Loaf ever performing this song live together, although Cher appeared in the music video. The song performed by Meat Loaf is available in two live CDs: Live Around the World and Bat out of Hell: Live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, with Cher's part performed by Patti Russo.

The track was released in the United Kingdom in November 1981 and debuted at number 63 on the UK Singles Chart. It slowly climbed the chart and peaked at number five in early February 1982. It later appeared on Meat Loaf's Hits out of Hell and on some Bat Out of Hell re-releases, and in Cher's Greatest Hits: 1965–1992 and Essential Collection compilations

Allmusic editor William Ruhlmann later highlighted the song. Also, Donald A. Guarisco retrospectively praised the lyrics: "The tongue-in-cheek lyrics tell the tale of a guy who’s realized he cant 'live by rock ‘n’ roll and brew alone' and sets his sights on his ideal woman (...) The lyric devotes equal time to his vampy object of affection". He added that, "This unique blend of vocal and instrumental firepower makes 'Dead Ringer For Love' feel like a long-lost outtake from the Grease soundtrack on steroids."

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

References

References

1. "BPI".
2. "Meat Loaf's 10 Best Songs: Critic's Picks".
3. [http://www.allmusic.com/album/take-me-home-mw0000261952 Review by Allmusic], Retrieved 15 October 2013
4. [http://www.allmusic.com/song/dead-ringer-for-love-mt0004520252 Song review by Allmusic] Retrieved October 15, 2013
5. Kent, David. (1993). "Australian Chart Book 1970–1992". Australian Chart Book.
6. [http://www.umdmusic.com/default.asp?Lang=English&Chart=F&ChDate=19820105&ChMode=N Radio Luxembourg Singles. January 12, 1982.]
7. Fernando Salaverri. (September 2005). "Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002". Fundación Autor-SGAE.
8. "UK Singles (Official Charts Company) 1982 - Year End". Official Charts Company.