Nobody was singing about child abuse in 1980. This song hit with such force it was unbelievable. There were children who were living in those exact conditions who finally had someone who understood their plight. It became an anthem to them.
It truly did! I was 19 when this came out and it described my childhood very well. Instantly became my favorite song (and still is). I still cry each time I hear it.
Amazing voice ! Pat is a trained opera singer with excellent range! This song sparked HUGE conversation about child abuse that just wasnt talked about until then. Neil Gerado is the guitar player. Her husband to this day
@@leonh.kalayjian6556 She didn't sing in an opera but she sang in theatre productions when she was young. She was also never a "trained opera singer". She took vocal lessons and for some reason people conflate "vocal lessons" as "opera" training.
Promises in the Dark is still my favorite. This was an important song to bring child abuse into people's consciousness. Her guitarist was and is Neil (Spyder) Geraldo. They have been married longer than you have been alive, which is made more amazing by being musicians and rockers.
Neil Giraldo is her guitarist and husband of of 40yrs. He is the main songwriter of all of her hits (music wise) with both Pat and Neil contributing to the lyrics. Pat had been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for many many years but she made it clear from the start she would refuse any nomination unless she was inducted along side her husband which the Hall refused to do. Just recently after nearly 20yrs of eligibility, the Hall finally caved in to the demands of fans and they were inducted last year as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
In the Hall's defense, the act is called Pat Benatar. So if they inducted Pat Benatar you could argue they would be inducting the whole act, including Neil, not just Pat herself.
@@Nightcrawlerfive She was inducted as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Which is exactly what she wanted. It doesn't matter if she went in under her name and the band gets included. She wanted his name next to hers. A simple Google search of ("Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees") would've saved you the time to type this comment.
@@MetalMcfly Yes, we all know that. My point was that the Hall's reluctance to include Giraldo separately may plausibly have been justified in their minds, even if she didn't agree.
@@Nightcrawlerfive Everyone knows the Hall inducts under the artists name with contributing members behind the artist name, it always has. So there was really no point to be made as it holds no relevance to the subject.
@@MetalMcfly If everyone knows that, someone should have mentioned it to Pat Benatar. Because apparently she didn't know. Holds no relevance to the subject? It was the exact subject that you yourself brought up in your original post! 😆
Pat read an article about child abuse called Hell is for children and wrote the song from that. The song is always in her set list. Her guitar player since the first album is Neil Geraldo. He is her husband and they have one of the longest marriages in rock and roll.
As a survivor of an abusive parent, I totally related to this song when it was first released in 1980. I can testify that "Hell is for Children." My 5 siblings and I had to endure an angry father. I became a fan with "Heartbreaker" from the year before and bought her sophomore album release, 'Crimes of Passion.'
The most underrated guitarists trio: Neil Geraldo, Lindsay Buckingham, Neil Schon. Three guitar jewels who haven't yet received a well-deserved recognition for their playing quality.
Such a powerful song! For over 20 years I've provided psychotherapy services for children and teens who suffered trauma and many clients described their home environment as "living in hell". Saw her live in '95 and she rocked the house.
I love the live version where she intros with Suffer the Little Children and then transitions into Hell is for Children - EPIC! Also, thank you for all you have done over the years for people. It takes a lot to do this kind of work and it takes a toll on the therapist as well as the client. So my forever thanks.
People don't realize, there's no parade or ribbon for adults who are dealing with PTSD from childhood trauma. Most can't imagine what it's like, being afraid to sleep at age 6 or 7, because of what could come through that bedroom door.
Pat Benatar! Wow, still one of my favorite concerts ever next to Rush. She is a classy lady and knows what she wants and gets it. She can still belt this song even at her age. She is an amazing singer, and her husband Neil is a great guitarist. One of her greatest songs is Promises in the dark.
Still just as powerful a song 40+ years later... and i love that Pat waited until they were invited into the Rock Hall as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, not just the "Pat Benatar Band", it was important to her that Neil get the same named recognition since it was the musical partnership that made them so successful and STILL successful as a touring band all these years later. Seen them live many times, just fantastic on stage together.
"Promises In The Dark" should be your next Pat Benetar song, my fave. Her hubby is the guitarist & they are still together! Loved her growing up...her voice!!!! 💜🎵💜🎵
So excited y'all did this song. She's an amazing vocalist but THIS is her masterpiece. Also your right, she does conquer the topic without being awkward or weird. Thank you again, this song means so much to so many ❤️
Her in the beginning is like shes acting like the kid who's crying in an abusive household and the end is her showing her emotions of what she feels. A+ song!
My high school years were from 1980-1983. We totally rocked then and you can see now why Pat Benatar was our Queen. Neil Giraldo plays lead guitar for her and was and is still her husband. He also played lead on the huge 80s hit "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield, despite Rick being such a fantastic player himself (producer's decision). You still have a lot of Pat Benatar's hits to check out. She ruled the charts in the early 80s. Listen to "Anxiety", "Fire and Ice", "Hit Me with Your Best Shot", "Invincible", "Love is a Battlefield", "Promises in the Dark", "Shadows of the Night", "Treat Me Right", "We Belong", and "You Better Run".
Finally finally FINALLY!! Pat is queen, for me, always has been. Her husband, Neil Giraldo, is the lead guitarist and also has produced most of her albums. They've been married since the early 1980s, and are also involved in charities that promote child welfare. She's the bigger name, but they're definitely partners in music as well as in life. Thanks, guys, for loving this song. If you haven't done these already, try: We Belong, Love is a Battlefield, Shadows of the Night, and a personal favorite that few people discuss, I Want Out, from the Get Nervous album.
This is one of those songs where I'm impatiently waiting for the part where y'all jump out of your seats. Neil Geraldo is her husband and guitar player. He's an amazing musician and it's cool to see a marriage survive a successful rock and roll career for decades now.
That song struck a personal chord for many people, iInclude me as one of them and it still does. "That song was inspired by an article that Patricia read in the New York Times about child abuse."
Your insight into the "hell is for hell" lyric is incredibly insightful and totally true. As many times as I've heard this song, I always wondered about that line. But you are spot on. Hell belongs to hell and needs to stay there. Also, the song very purposely starts out slowly, so you can feel the anger slowly rise in her. It's one of her most brilliant. Both vocally and musically..Neil Giraldo, her husband and collaborator, is a guitar hero. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year!
In the category of difficult subjects, Tears for Fears nailed the subject of spousal abuse with “Women in Chains”. The dueting vocals with singer Oleta Adams makes it well worth a listen.
I’d heard this song in passing when it came out, I liked it, but it didn’t sink in. I finally “heard” it again a few years later, as a new father, and it brought me to tears. It still moves me now, as a grandfather. This is why rock’n’roll is important 👍
Such a smart reaction! Not surprised, of course. What the hell? I NEVER put that together, the "Hell is for Hell, OK?" bit. Brilliant! For Pat (if she meant that, and why not?) and you guys for picking up on this. Goosebumps even now, after what must be my 100th or so listen of this classic after all these decades.
Pat Benatar kicked the door open for female Rock singers of time... everyone from Joan Jett to Madonna that followed... she wrote the song with her Guitarist/ Husband Neil Geraldo ( still together and happily married 40 plus years later). Neil has also done sessions with other acts in the 80s most notably Rick Springfield... promises in the dark is a must check out song for sure...
Joan was kicking ass as a teenager with the Runaways years before Pat's career took off. Heck, Debbie Harry of Blondie was in a phsycadelic folk band in the 60s...I know, history is hard.
Great reaction guys! Clicked on this one immediately. One word - BANGER!! (albeit an uncomfortable one due to subject matter) - but kudos to Pat for taking this 'very' sensitive topic and facing it head-on! I've always thought the verses to be a perfect depiction of the actual 'scenarios' encountered with child abuse (the lying to hide bruises, bribery, etc., all classic tactics used by the abusers). Then comes the rebel yell and you know she's expressing the pain, anguish, hatred...all of it, experienced by the abused! Amazing song. It's an S-tier for me. Highly suggest 'You Better Run' by her. Another banger.
"Shadows of the Night" needs to be in the Past Benatar conversation. Her soaring vocals and killer guitar work! Listen to the subtle vocal layering in the beginning for a Pat Benatar Easter egg.
I remember buying this album when it came out. It's stellar, but this track rose above the rest for me. To me, the first half of the song actually represents the POV of the abuser trying to control and hide the truth. The second half represents the storm of rage within the victim as they yearn to expose their situation to someone who can help. Such a powerful, musical exposé on this brutal topic.
Was waiting with bated breath for your reactions to her scream... and you didn't disappoint! I'm certain my reaction was exactly the same when I heard it when it first came out in 1980. GREAT reactions, lads!
Her guitarist (and husband since 1982) is Neil Geraldo. They are a pair in everything. When she was inducted into the RRHOF last year, they were BOTH inducted. He has also worked with the likes of Rick Derringer and John Waite.
A&A, you'll love her "Love Is A Battlefield", "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "We Belong"!! She's finally in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame with guitarist/husband Neil Geraldo
Her version of Wuthering Heights is great!!! Her opera training really shines through. Got to see them in concert and have to note how tiny she is. Packs a lot into that little frame. Her hubby is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock music. P.S. When are you guys going to hit on other 80s rockers such as NIGHT RANGER LOVERBOY THE FIRM (Jimmy Page & Paul Rodgers!) SCANDAL QUARTERFLASH DAMN YANKEES (Nugent, T. Shaw, Jack Blades from NIGHT RANGER)
Saw her in concert in 1980 and she was phenomenal. One of the best female voices in rock. It is a bit ridiculous that it took so long for her and the band to make it into the Rock Hall of Fame.
Can't believe you did one of my favorite songs of all time. I had the pleasure of seeing Pat and her great band at an arena show on the Crimes of Passion tour, truly one the best concerts I've seen, and this just brought down the house. I was so waiting for you to get to the primal scream part and you didn't disappoint. I literally got goosebumps from your reaction to that. Please do more of her, one of the great power pop artists ever.
Promises in the dark is also great. Love this song…so sad bit true lyrics tho child abusers need to go away for LIFE! Yes she was classically trained! Her guitarist is Neil Geraldo They are also married since 1982.
As someone who comes from a background of abuse, I feel this song is so important. Not only because it brought awareness to a previously taboo subject,but because it conveys the confusion and fear of abused kids. The line that always makes me cry: "Love and pain become one and the same in the eyes of a wounded child." When I first heard it, it expressed feelings I didn't know I had.
Very interesting intro and very powerful sad lyrics. I thank God that my childhood was lived with truly loving parents. But abuse is such a pervasive tragedy. I love the dope speed up in the middle. I had never heard this but I may play it for some friends. Thanks for the review. It can't leave you indifferent. S-tier for me.
Thank you so much for a reaction on this incredible song. I've been asking for about 2 years and I'm so glad that you loved it. The end of the song goes off the chain for me. I give you both props for not pausing the song. You're both so rare! ❤
Hell Is for Children is the greatest song of all time. There is nothing wrong with this song. It's literally perfect. Benatar is an amazing writer besides her incredible voice.
I consider this her best song, out of so many great songs. It stunned when it was released with its honesty and strength unheard of at the time for the subject. Love it! Thanks so much guys.
I saw her in concert in 82. She was amazing! Been a fan forever! I saw her again a few years back and she still sounds the same! still kicking ass!!!!! Great reaction! I love your faces when she comes in hot!
Pat Benatar is such a great writer, musician and singer. This song is so sad. She wrote about the abused children. Growing up is very hard without physical and emotional abuse from those who are supposed to be caring for us. Powerful message. It brings tears to my eyes. Neil Giraldo (hubby) plays guitar on this song.
I’ve always loved that she never lets anyone put her husband in the corner. She always makes sure that everyone knows how important he is to the music that they make. I wore that album out!
I saw Pat & her husband/guitarist Neil Gerado twice; once in 1979 & again 3 years ago on an acoustic tour with just the 2 of them. And she closes with this song.
Saw her in 2009 and, at 56, she could still belt this out and give you the goosebumps. The album version is great, but hearing it live was something really special.
Pat was studying classical opera and doing Broadway-like show tunes and was frustrated. Her instructors asked her- who do you want to sound like- who is your vocal hero? She said Robert Plant...she quickly quit the conservatory and became a female rock pioneer after meeting her husband Nick who was and still is her lead guitarist
Neil Giraldo has always been her guitar player, and her husband. Very underrated guitarist. As you get into more Pat Benatar, you'll realize how great he is.
This is one of those songs that I think really shines when played live. There are some great videos here of Pat performing this in concert -- highly recommend you check 'em out.
Always a Benatar fan but when I first heard Hell is for children it instantly became my favorite song of hers. The guitar in that song stays with her her emotions and its like you can tell he wants to just take off, which he does . That solo has so much feeling it punches you right in the gut. Great song!
Nearly 70 and this song takes me back sixty five years or so. Little teary eyed right now. Lol I’m better now thinking that the guitar player definitely knows her sauce. Lol.
'Shadows of the night' and 'Promoses in the dark' should be next. Neil Geraldo is the guitar player, her musical partner, and husband. He arranged most if not all of her songs, with masterful skill and he wasn't afraid to try different and unique (at the time) structures and arrangements. Altgough they were both induced into the R & R Hall of Fame, HE is still very much underappreciated in the larger sense.
Pat Benetar a former Opera singer who gave it up to become a rock n' roll goddess . I saw her in the early eighties at Rocklahoma in Norman Oklahoma with the Doobie Brothers ,VanHalen and Sammy Hagar . ONE HELLUVA CONCERT ! PK
Guys, Pat is still this good. Actually, she's better. Her voice has matured and gained even more resonance and power. Her husband Neil Giraldo did that smoking solo and he's been with her since day one. They're unbeatable as a team. Please, if you get a chance to go see her live, don't pass it up. She absolutely kills it with a 3-piece band. No flash, no backup singers - just the voice and Neil's perfectly matched guitar. Best live show I've ever seen and I grew up going to shows in the San Francisco Bay area. Including all of the Day On The Greens.
Just re-re-watched this. You guys totally get this same way I did. Starts off just 'normal' rock/pop.Then Queen Benatar kicks into another universe. A++
The dynamic duo- Pat & Neil Giraldo! Married and jamming for years; his guitar licks help shape her sound! I'll forever dig their music.✌️❤️
Neil is so underrated
Neil always knew that Pat was the one who would bring in the audience.
@@robynbaker7325 absolutely
...so yeah, he's definitely "got her sauce".
Straight up. They are a pair.
Nobody was singing about child abuse in 1980. This song hit with such force it was unbelievable. There were children who were living in those exact conditions who finally had someone who understood their plight. It became an anthem to them.
It truly did! I was 19 when this came out and it described my childhood very well. Instantly became my favorite song (and still is). I still cry each time I hear it.
For me it was mostly a mental thing,but I still to this cry every time I hear it thank u so much for writing & fighting for this song on ur lp
O
Amazing voice ! Pat is a trained opera singer with excellent range! This song sparked HUGE conversation about child abuse that just wasnt talked about until then. Neil Gerado is the guitar player. Her husband to this day
Never knew that about her. Always felt she had a good voice butt didn't know she sang opera.
I'd love them to listen to "We Live For Love" to properly experience that early operatic influence as she was still finding her voice.
Never knew she trained in operatic singing, that helps explain her incredible talent!
I love that they picked up on the connection between Pat and Neil.
@@leonh.kalayjian6556 She didn't sing in an opera but she sang in theatre productions when she was young. She was also never a "trained opera singer". She took vocal lessons and for some reason people conflate "vocal lessons" as "opera" training.
Promises in the Dark is still my favorite. This was an important song to bring child abuse into people's consciousness.
Her guitarist was and is Neil (Spyder) Geraldo. They have been married longer than you have been alive, which is made more amazing by being musicians and rockers.
Yes, Promises in the Dark is what they need to hit if they haven't. I don't think any other song demonstrates her ranges as completely.
@@oboogie2 I totally agree with you. "Promises In The Dark" is must listen!
I do believe Spyder was the nickname of the drummer.
One of my favorites, too!!!
Yes, promises really shows her range! My fav. As well.
Monster, female rockstar. She completely owned that space back in the day. ❤
AMEN
Monster Rockstar....we know Pat is female.
Hubby is a criminally under-rated guitar player.
Not among guitarists! If you know, you know.
Agree. His solos are sooo tasty...Pat Benatar/Neil Giraldo - a match made in heaven
I would put Neil in top100 guitarists.definitely top 10 of underrated guitarists.
Neil Giraldo is her guitarist and husband of of 40yrs. He is the main songwriter of all of her hits (music wise) with both Pat and Neil contributing to the lyrics. Pat had been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for many many years but she made it clear from the start she would refuse any nomination unless she was inducted along side her husband which the Hall refused to do. Just recently after nearly 20yrs of eligibility, the Hall finally caved in to the demands of fans and they were inducted last year as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
In the Hall's defense, the act is called Pat Benatar. So if they inducted Pat Benatar you could argue they would be inducting the whole act, including Neil, not just Pat herself.
@@Nightcrawlerfive She was inducted as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Which is exactly what she wanted. It doesn't matter if she went in under her name and the band gets included. She wanted his name next to hers. A simple Google search of ("Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees") would've saved you the time to type this comment.
@@MetalMcfly Yes, we all know that. My point was that the Hall's reluctance to include Giraldo separately may plausibly have been justified in their minds, even if she didn't agree.
@@Nightcrawlerfive Everyone knows the Hall inducts under the artists name with contributing members behind the artist name, it always has. So there was really no point to be made as it holds no relevance to the subject.
@@MetalMcfly If everyone knows that, someone should have mentioned it to Pat Benatar. Because apparently she didn't know.
Holds no relevance to the subject? It was the exact subject that you yourself brought up in your original post! 😆
Pat read an article about child abuse called Hell is for children and wrote the song from that. The song is always in her set list. Her guitar player since the first album is Neil Geraldo. He is her husband and they have one of the longest marriages in rock and roll.
An anthem for me as a child. God bless.
I think this one the best guitar solos of all time. Fits perfectly with the passion of the song. Pure fire 🔥🔥🔥
the 1982 live version of this at the new haven colliseum is defintely worthy of a reaction. the screaming is absolutely unbelievable.
As a survivor of an abusive parent, I totally related to this song when it was first released in 1980. I can testify that "Hell is for Children." My 5 siblings and I had to endure an angry father.
I became a fan with "Heartbreaker" from the year before and bought her sophomore album release, 'Crimes of Passion.'
I would be a smarta$$ or get in front of dad to avoid my mom and brothers from getting ab*sed
Let me just say that I think you boys have graduated to the next level in more than just education. You’re in the groove now fellas!!!
One of my favorite female vocalists along with Nancy and Ann Wilson of Heart. This song is very hauntingly real
Ann Wilson on vocals for Heart.
@@kennethbrown5164 Nancy sings too.
@@kennethbrown5164 th-cam.com/video/0DLeH2FWFTE/w-d-xo.html Please do your research before opening your mouth next time.
Ann and Pat are my two favorites.
I think Linda Ronstadt belongs in this rare group as well.
The most underrated guitarists trio: Neil Geraldo, Lindsay Buckingham, Neil Schon. Three guitar jewels who haven't yet received a well-deserved recognition for their playing quality.
Alex Liefson too
Also Gary Richrath
Might I add Peter Frampton
@@billherman7294 Gary was the most underrated... his playing was amazing... his guitar sang!!
Mike Campbell from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Neil Geraldo... under-appreciated. And Pat has serious stadium pipes.
Such a powerful song! For over 20 years I've provided psychotherapy services for children and teens who suffered trauma and many clients described their home environment as "living in hell". Saw her live in '95 and she rocked the house.
I love the live version where she intros with Suffer the Little Children and then transitions into Hell is for Children - EPIC! Also, thank you for all you have done over the years for people. It takes a lot to do this kind of work and it takes a toll on the therapist as well as the client. So my forever thanks.
People don't realize, there's no parade or ribbon for adults who are dealing with PTSD from childhood trauma. Most can't imagine what it's like, being afraid to sleep at age 6 or 7, because of what could come through that bedroom door.
Pat Benatar! Wow, still one of my favorite concerts ever next to Rush. She is a classy lady and knows what she wants and gets it. She can still belt this song even at her age. She is an amazing singer, and her husband Neil is a great guitarist. One of her greatest songs is Promises in the dark.
Still just as powerful a song 40+ years later... and i love that Pat waited until they were invited into the Rock Hall as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, not just the "Pat Benatar Band", it was important to her that Neil get the same named recognition since it was the musical partnership that made them so successful and STILL successful as a touring band all these years later. Seen them live many times, just fantastic on stage together.
"Promises In The Dark" should be your next Pat Benetar song, my fave. Her hubby is the guitarist & they are still together! Loved her growing up...her voice!!!! 💜🎵💜🎵
So excited y'all did this song. She's an amazing vocalist but THIS is her masterpiece. Also your right, she does conquer the topic without being awkward or weird. Thank you again, this song means so much to so many ❤️
Neil is a GREAT player.....!! Plays the Guitar on Rick Springfield's "Jesse's Girl " too....."Treat Me Right" really RIPS!!!!
Her in the beginning is like shes acting like the kid who's crying in an abusive household and the end is her showing her emotions of what she feels. A+ song!
My high school years were from 1980-1983. We totally rocked then and you can see now why Pat Benatar was our Queen. Neil Giraldo plays lead guitar for her and was and is still her husband. He also played lead on the huge 80s hit "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield, despite Rick being such a fantastic player himself (producer's decision). You still have a lot of Pat Benatar's hits to check out. She ruled the charts in the early 80s. Listen to "Anxiety", "Fire and Ice", "Hit Me with Your Best Shot", "Invincible", "Love is a Battlefield", "Promises in the Dark", "Shadows of the Night", "Treat Me Right", "We Belong", and "You Better Run".
She became an arduous advocate for the prevention of child abuse. What an amazing song
Pat had so much great work in the early 80's. Her voice is superlative.
Finally finally FINALLY!! Pat is queen, for me, always has been. Her husband, Neil Giraldo, is the lead guitarist and also has produced most of her albums. They've been married since the early 1980s, and are also involved in charities that promote child welfare. She's the bigger name, but they're definitely partners in music as well as in life. Thanks, guys, for loving this song. If you haven't done these already, try: We Belong, Love is a Battlefield, Shadows of the Night, and a personal favorite that few people discuss, I Want Out, from the Get Nervous album.
Guitarist is Neil Giraldo. Pat & Neil have been married since 1982, they have two daughters. A true rock n roll success story.
I've been saying that about Schon forever. It wasn't JUST Steve Perry … I'll add another: REO Speedwagon's Gary Richrath. Criminally underrated.
This is one of those songs where I'm impatiently waiting for the part where y'all jump out of your seats. Neil Geraldo is her husband and guitar player. He's an amazing musician and it's cool to see a marriage survive a successful rock and roll career for decades now.
Sick song. How can anyone not like this song.
That song struck a personal chord for many people, iInclude me as one of them and it still does. "That song was inspired by an article that Patricia read in the New York Times about child abuse."
Your insight into the "hell is for hell" lyric is incredibly insightful and totally true. As many times as I've heard this song, I always wondered about that line. But you are spot on. Hell belongs to hell and needs to stay there. Also, the song very purposely starts out slowly, so you can feel the anger slowly rise in her. It's one of her most brilliant. Both vocally and musically..Neil Giraldo, her husband and collaborator, is a guitar hero. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year!
Saw her in ‘77!! Awesome performance! So talented!🤘🔥
In the category of difficult subjects, Tears for Fears nailed the subject of spousal abuse with “Women in Chains”. The dueting vocals with singer Oleta Adams makes it well worth a listen.
Absolutely!
Completely agree... WIC is a masterpiece.
Another song about woman abusal is by Alice Cooper, "Only Women Bleed." It's one worth listening to.
Waiting for some of my reactions peeps to hit on this treasure trove of music by Tears for Fears.
@@cherylwoodward Yes! So much more to them than the MTV stuff.(that was good too)
I’d heard this song in passing when it came out, I liked it, but it didn’t sink in. I finally “heard” it again a few years later, as a new father, and it brought me to tears. It still moves me now, as a grandfather. This is why rock’n’roll is important 👍
Such a smart reaction! Not surprised, of course. What the hell? I NEVER put that together, the "Hell is for Hell, OK?" bit. Brilliant! For Pat (if she meant that, and why not?) and you guys for picking up on this. Goosebumps even now, after what must be my 100th or so listen of this classic after all these decades.
As a survivor of childhood abuse, this song brings me to my knees every time.
You guy’s totally got it. This song stands large due to the topic and absolute angst and feeling it portrays!! Great song!!!
Pat was one of the best shows I ever saw live back in the 80s, she touches the soul of the listener.
The true QUEEN of Rock!
First rock concert I saw live as a kid. The band was so tight. Her husband Neil on guitar 🎸 is amazing 🎸🔥
Neil really is an amazing guitarist. I got to see them in concert back in the day and they were awesome.
Pat Benatar kicked the door open for female Rock singers of time... everyone from Joan Jett to Madonna that followed... she wrote the song with her Guitarist/ Husband Neil Geraldo ( still together and happily married 40 plus years later). Neil has also done sessions with other acts in the 80s most notably Rick Springfield... promises in the dark is a must check out song for sure...
Joan was kicking ass as a teenager with the Runaways years before Pat's career took off. Heck, Debbie Harry of Blondie was in a phsycadelic folk band in the 60s...I know, history is hard.
Great reaction guys! Clicked on this one immediately. One word - BANGER!! (albeit an uncomfortable one due to subject matter) - but kudos to Pat for taking this 'very' sensitive topic and facing it head-on! I've always thought the verses to be a perfect depiction of the actual 'scenarios' encountered with child abuse (the lying to hide bruises, bribery, etc., all classic tactics used by the abusers). Then comes the rebel yell and you know she's expressing the pain, anguish, hatred...all of it, experienced by the abused!
Amazing song. It's an S-tier for me.
Highly suggest 'You Better Run' by her. Another banger.
"Shadows of the Night" needs to be in the Past Benatar conversation. Her soaring vocals and killer guitar work! Listen to the subtle vocal layering in the beginning for a Pat Benatar Easter egg.
I remember buying this album when it came out. It's stellar, but this track rose above the rest for me. To me, the first half of the song actually represents the POV of the abuser trying to control and hide the truth. The second half represents the storm of rage within the victim as they yearn to expose their situation to someone who can help. Such a powerful, musical exposé on this brutal topic.
Was waiting with bated breath for your reactions to her scream... and you didn't disappoint! I'm certain my reaction was exactly the same when I heard it when it first came out in 1980. GREAT reactions, lads!
Hell yes- thank you gentlemen- I've been pestering you on the Discord for this for over 18 months- you've made my day
Same
Me, too. Glad they finally got here.
@@Historian212 I'd love to see them react to Helter Skelter
Her guitarist (and husband since 1982) is Neil Geraldo. They are a pair in everything. When she was inducted into the RRHOF last year, they were BOTH inducted. He has also worked with the likes of Rick Derringer and John Waite.
A&A, you'll love her "Love Is A Battlefield", "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "We Belong"!! She's finally in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame with guitarist/husband Neil Geraldo
We belong!!
Lead guitarist is Pat's husband/arranger /songwriter and producer extraordinaire!
Saw Pat Benetar 3 times.
She opened for Eddie Money in 76/78..
She closes ALL of her shows with this song . . . . . it's a message . . .
Her version of Wuthering Heights is great!!! Her opera training really shines through. Got to see them in concert and have to note how tiny she is. Packs a lot into that little frame. Her hubby is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock music.
P.S. When are you guys going to hit on other 80s rockers such as
NIGHT RANGER
LOVERBOY
THE FIRM (Jimmy Page & Paul Rodgers!)
SCANDAL
QUARTERFLASH
DAMN YANKEES (Nugent, T. Shaw, Jack Blades from NIGHT RANGER)
Saw her in concert in 1980 and she was phenomenal. One of the best female voices in rock. It is a bit ridiculous that it took so long for her and the band to make it into the Rock Hall of Fame.
Can't believe you did one of my favorite songs of all time. I had the pleasure of seeing Pat and her great band at an arena show on the Crimes of Passion tour, truly one the best concerts I've seen, and this just brought down the house. I was so waiting for you to get to the primal scream part and you didn't disappoint. I literally got goosebumps from your reaction to that. Please do more of her, one of the great power pop artists ever.
Well HALLELUJAH! I can't believe it took you over 2 yrs to hit her again.... Thank you.
Promises in the dark is also great. Love this song…so sad bit true lyrics tho child abusers need to go away for LIFE! Yes she was classically trained! Her guitarist is Neil Geraldo They are also married since 1982.
QUINNY * Hey there! Quite a set of pipes on Pat!
I actually moved out of a major city due to leniency regarding child abuse and the failure to prosecute the evil parents who harm their children.
As someone who comes from a background of abuse, I feel this song is so important. Not only because it brought awareness to a previously taboo subject,but because it conveys the confusion and fear of abused kids. The line that always makes me cry: "Love and pain become one and the same in the eyes of a wounded child." When I first heard it, it expressed feelings I didn't know I had.
Very interesting intro and very powerful sad lyrics. I thank God that my childhood was lived with truly loving parents. But abuse is such a pervasive tragedy. I love the dope speed up in the middle. I had never heard this but I may play it for some friends. Thanks for the review. It can't leave you indifferent. S-tier for me.
Thank you so much for a reaction on this incredible song. I've been asking for about 2 years and I'm so glad that you loved it. The end of the song goes off the chain for me. I give you both props for not pausing the song. You're both so rare! ❤
Pat was trained for the opera. She has a 5 octave range! Fantastic voice and her husband shreds on the guitar :)
Excellent! A Pat Benatar reaction!
"Promises in the Dark" is her other masterpiece
Hell Is for Children is the greatest song of all time. There is nothing wrong with this song. It's literally perfect. Benatar is an amazing writer besides her incredible voice.
I consider this her best song, out of so many great songs. It stunned when it was released with its honesty and strength unheard of at the time for the subject. Love it! Thanks so much guys.
I saw her in concert in 82. She was amazing! Been a fan forever! I saw her again a few years back and she still sounds the same! still kicking ass!!!!! Great reaction! I love your faces when she comes in hot!
I've always wondered why Alex just says the "have a great life" part of Andy's opening.
And Benatar and Geraldo went into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together
This song makes me cry every time.
Pat Benatar is such a great writer, musician and singer. This song is so sad. She wrote about the abused children. Growing up is very hard without physical and emotional abuse from those who are supposed to be caring for us. Powerful message. It brings tears to my eyes. Neil Giraldo (hubby) plays guitar on this song.
A+. Just a great emotional song with superb production.
I’ve always loved that she never lets anyone put her husband in the corner. She always makes sure that everyone knows how important he is to the music that they make. I wore that album out!
I saw Pat & her husband/guitarist Neil Gerado twice; once in 1979 & again 3 years ago on an acoustic tour with just the 2 of them. And she closes with this song.
Promises in the Dark is one of her most iconic banger!
I would love for her and Neil to see this video. You guys nailed it!
Saw her in 2009 and, at 56, she could still belt this out and give you the goosebumps. The album version is great, but hearing it live was something really special.
She snd her husband guitarist are world class musicians ❤❤❤❤
Pat was studying classical opera and doing Broadway-like show tunes and was frustrated. Her instructors asked her- who do you want to sound like- who is your vocal hero? She said Robert Plant...she quickly quit the conservatory and became a female rock pioneer after meeting her husband Nick who was and still is her lead guitarist
That guitar solo is simply perfect!
I haven't listened to this for 40 years. I have tears. Thank you for bringing this back
Next up for PB should be "Promises in the Dark" really shows the range of her voice.
My first favorite female singer. I was about 17 when I first heard Pat. Love her and her band.
Started off with the details; Ended with the trauma. Thanks for covering this one. First time I've heard it and I'm an 80's kid.
Neil Giraldo has always been her guitar player, and her husband. Very underrated guitarist. As you get into more Pat Benatar, you'll realize how great he is.
This is one of those songs that I think really shines when played live. There are some great videos here of Pat performing this in concert -- highly recommend you check 'em out.
I'm glad you picked this I had forgot just how much of a banger this is.
Always a Benatar fan but when I first heard Hell is for children it instantly became my favorite song of hers. The guitar in that song stays with her her emotions and its like you can tell he wants to just take off, which he does . That solo has so much feeling it punches you right in the gut. Great song!
PAT and SPYDER were and are just the bomb. She was and is just an incredible vocalist. He was and is a fantastic guitar player.
One of the best songs ever! This is the type of song where everything just came together!
Nearly 70 and this song takes me back sixty five years or so. Little teary eyed right now.
Lol I’m better now thinking that the guitar player definitely knows her sauce. Lol.
Memories of jammin' out to this song while cruising Van Nuys Blvd on a warm Saturday night in 1981.
I've seen Pat live 4 or 5 times in the last 15 years or so, and she can still belt this song out!!
'Shadows of the night' and 'Promoses in the dark' should be next. Neil Geraldo is the guitar player, her musical partner, and husband. He arranged most if not all of her songs, with masterful skill and he wasn't afraid to try different and unique (at the time) structures and arrangements. Altgough they were both induced into the R & R Hall of Fame, HE is still very much underappreciated in the larger sense.
Pat Benetar a former Opera singer who gave it up to become a rock n' roll goddess . I saw her in the early eighties at Rocklahoma in Norman Oklahoma with the Doobie Brothers ,VanHalen and Sammy Hagar . ONE HELLUVA CONCERT ! PK
She was classically trained as an opera singer before deciding to pursue a career as a rock singer
This was the first CD I ever bought. She is just amazing. She was trained as an opera singer, and you can tell by the control in her voice.
Guys, Pat is still this good. Actually, she's better. Her voice has matured and gained even more resonance and power. Her husband Neil Giraldo did that smoking solo and he's been with her since day one. They're unbeatable as a team. Please, if you get a chance to go see her live, don't pass it up. She absolutely kills it with a 3-piece band. No flash, no backup singers - just the voice and Neil's perfectly matched guitar. Best live show I've ever seen and I grew up going to shows in the San Francisco Bay area. Including all of the Day On The Greens.
One of the best female vocalists ever.. try- promises in the dark
Just re-re-watched this. You guys totally get this same way I did. Starts off just 'normal' rock/pop.Then Queen Benatar kicks into another universe. A++
Blacking your eyes, then apologize. Great line. This song is fantastic
Rock n Roll has tackled so many different topics. Pat did a great job with this one.