Monsters (feat. blackbear)

All Time Low's 'Monsters' featuring blackbear delves into the emotional turmoil of a toxic relationship. The song's chorus poses a series of rhetorical questions that reflect the protagonist's internal conflict and self-destructive tendencies. The 'monsters' that come out at night symbolize the fears, doubts, and negative aspects of the relationship that become more pronounced in the solitude of the night. The lyrics suggest a cycle of returning to a harmful situation, knowing full well the emotional damage it causes.

The verses of the song paint a picture of dependency and resignation. The protagonist is 'addicted to the way you hurt,' indicating a complex relationship where pain and love are intertwined. This addiction to the hurt is a common theme in toxic relationships, where the highs of reconciliation are often followed by the lows of conflict. The song captures the essence of being trapped in a cycle of emotional turmoil, where the protagonist is aware of the toxicity but feels powerless to escape it.

'Monsters' also touches on the theme of self-deception and the willingness to accept lies for the sake of feeling loved. The protagonist is willing to overlook the partner's deceit, preferring the comfort of 'pretty lies' to the harsh reality of their situation. This denial and the struggle to break free from a damaging relationship resonate with many listeners who have experienced similar emotional battles.