Hell Is For Children
Benatar Pat Lyrics

They cry in the dark
Children cry in secret, behind the curtains of silence.

So you can't see their tears
Their tears are kept hidden, and their pain is not adequately acknowledged.

They hide in the light
Children may appear happy and carefree outwardly.

So you can't see their fears
But inwardly they live in constant fear and anxiety, often unable to express their true feelings.

Forgive and forget
The victims of abuse often feel pressured to forgive the abuser and move on from the past.

All the while
Despite the horrors they have faced, these children must carry on with their lives somehow.

Love and pain become one and the same
For children who have experienced abuse, love and pain may become intertwined and difficult to distinguish.

In the eyes of a wounded child
The terrible reality of abuse is etched into this child's face and their gaze.

Because hell, hell is for children
The suffering that children endure is akin to hell on earth.

And you know that their little lives can become such a mess
The abuse and trauma that children endure can deeply impact their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

And you shouldn't have to pay for your love
Children should not have to endure horrific abuse and mistreatment in exchange for love and care from their parents or guardians.

With your bones and your flesh
The toll of abuse can manifest physically and leave lasting scars on the body and mind.

It's all so confusing this brutal abusing
The abuse that children endure is often senseless and bewildering.

They blacken your eyes and then apologize
Abusers often alternate between extreme violence and profuse apologies and affection.

Be daddy's good girl, and don't tell mommy a thing
Abusers may use manipulation and coercion to silence their victims and maintain control over them.

Be a good little boy, and you'll get a new toy
Abusers may also use rewards and incentives to induce good behavior and obedience from the child.

Tell grandma you fell from the swing
Abuse may be hidden and lied about, even to family members and loved ones who could otherwise intervene.

No, hell is for children
This line is repeated to underscore the message that children should never have to experience such traumatic ordeals.

Hell, hell is for hell
A plea to those in powerful positions to take action against child abuse, and hold perpetrators accountable to prevent future atrocities.

Hell, hell is for children
A call to remember that the most vulnerable and defenseless members of our society deserve protection and justice more than anyone.