- “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” was written and produced by Jim Steinman, whose songs were always passionate, often opulent, and sometimes perplexing. This one is all three.Steinman rarely divulged the meaning behind his lyrics, but he did say this one was a tribute to the 1922 vampire film Nosferatu, an adaptation of the Dracula story. This helps explain the “love in the dark” that permeates the song. The singer is on edge, at times lonely, nervous, and terrified. She calls out for her lover, ready to join him in a forever that may be more than metaphorical (vampires are immortal). When he comes for her, it’s a total eclipse of the heart. Forever starts tonight.
