Hell Is For Children

Pat Benatar's 'Hell Is For Children' is a powerful and haunting song that addresses the harrowing issue of child abuse. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the silent suffering that many children endure, often hidden from the eyes of the world. The opening lines, 'They cry in the dark, so you can't see their tears / They hide in the light, so you can't see their fears,' highlight the duality of their existence—forced to mask their pain and fear in both darkness and light.

The chorus, 'Because hell, hell is for children / And you know that their little lives can become such a mess,' serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of abuse on young lives. Benatar's use of the word 'hell' underscores the severity and torment that these children experience. The line 'And you shouldn't have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh' poignantly captures the tragic reality that love, which should be nurturing and safe, becomes a source of physical and emotional pain for these children.

The song also delves into the confusing and manipulative nature of abuse, as seen in the lines 'They blacken your eyes, and then apologize / You're daddy's good girl, and don't tell mommy a thing.' This cycle of violence and apology creates a twisted sense of normalcy for the child, making it even harder for them to seek help or understand that what they are experiencing is wrong. Benatar's raw and emotive delivery of these lyrics amplifies the urgency and importance of addressing this issue, making 'Hell Is For Children' not just a song, but a call to action against child abuse.