Pat was initially reluctant to perform the song in concert because she saw how upset so many of her fans were getting, but they begged her to keep singing it live because, though it hurt to hear the song, it helped them to heal from their trauma.
The way she turns Hell is for children into a primal scream helps expel the violent feelings. At least it does for me. I went out and bought this song as soon as it was released. I only played it late at night when my own nightmares refused to let me sleep. But the primal screams always helped wash away those memories. I’m sorry to hear your childhood was so hard. I am greatly impressed by your thoughtfulness. And also by your strength in choosing the good things in life. Respect dear man.
Pat has a 4 octave voice. Two things people never talk about in the comments for Pat. First thing: In 1975 Pat got a big break thanks to Harry Chapin. He put her in a play he did on Long Island for a month. That was a catalyst for Pat. Second thing: People talk about Pat's voice, her writing and Niels guitar to death. Another person in that band who really help make those records great is Myron Grombacher who was the drummer on all those great tracks. Listen to the drums the next time you hear one of these songs.
The lyrics were by Pat Benatar. The music was written by lead guitarist Neil Giraldo & bass player Roger Capps. Both Pat Benatar and lead guitarist Neil Giraldo entered a partnership & started playing together since 1979, from the first album "In the heat of the night" and got married in 1982. They still play music & tour after 45 years together.
An over looked and under appreciated American singer, why? Pure talent and great team ❤ This song came out before Beat it! Her husband is the guitarist, Neil Gerarldo
As an abused child, I heard this song in 80’s, it’s a very emotional provoking song. I love and hate this song at the very same time. I don’t think many influencers have reacted to this song and I hope more of them will. I am so sorry for what you went through at least I knew where my hell was coming from.
I was a teacher of young children for 30 yrs. The wounds and damage I've seen done to children by abusers is the stuff of nightmares. I had to call CPS many times. The abuse is tragic and I cannot understand the cruelty of many parents. It's hard for me to listen to this song.
Great reaction Polo!! Massive props to Pat Benetar for sticking to her guns and getting this insanely powerful, impactful and important song released!! It tackled what was all too often considered a taboo subject. Far too easily swept under the rug, away from public eyes. I think (and hope) that it helped many a child/young adult/adult that experienced or was experiencing physical, verbal and/or sexual abuse! My heart hurts for ALL those affected. Thanks too Polo for opening up and sharing your personal struggles. My hope and prayer is that you've found a stable and loving life, free from any of these horrors! Cheers from Canada, eh!
Pat was my first rock n roll adolescent crush ...🙂. Seriously, her voice is fantastic, passionate. Other songs, You Better Run, Treat Me Right, Fire & Ice, Shadows of the Night, We Belong, Hit me with Your Best Sot, Love is a Battlefield....are just a few to listen to. The guitar player, in the band, is Pat's husband of more than 40 years. Story is, Pat refused to accept induction in to rock n roll hall of fame, unless her husband was inducted with her I'd like to think the entire band was inducted. She and her husband perform to this day. Her voice still good for 70 +. Check out their performance at Austin City Limits....🙂
I get chills every time she hits that first big Hell. She showed a lot of courage in pushing to keep this important issue front and center. I definitely wanted you to be aware of what it is about, because of the possibility of triggering, but so sorry it caused you pain 😢 Benatar is sometimes written off as fluffy because she's little and cute, but she is the real deal, which this track shows. I hope that you also will feel the support, understanding and love for children that went into this song. I have no doubt it has started a lot of conversations over the years and shines light on a dark world that needs that light. I'll come up with something more upbeat for the next one!
This song still helps me to heal so many years later. She spoke out for me. You don't know or undestand how it feels unless you are one of many that got abused. I am 56 years old and I see my sister and brother struggling and they spend their energy to worry for me and they feel guilty. I know I adjusted and accepted my life for wanting to make things better for all. I think they can't get over their guilt because the same thing that happened to me also happened to them. I have a hard time telling them to stop it. I am good and I want them to feel equal to me and not guilty. IDK how to make it make sense to others what I am saying. I think they only ones that can make sense are the ones that lived it.
Loved this song when it came out, but I avoided it for decades for my own reasons. First time hearing this in at least 35 years. Felt this one with you, great honest reaction!
I remember when the song came out - it was very controversial and many radio stations refused to play it because there was a big misconception about its meaning. Many people thought that she was actually promoting child abuse and it wasn't until she started doing interviews that everyone started understanding and the song started getting air time. I've seen Pat live several times - she's still touring - and she always does this song. I still get chills every time I hear it.
Thank you for this! I had forgotten about this song..... I immediately started to cry, I can feel it on a far different level than I did when it first came out.
We listened to it somewhat repeatedly as we drove because we listened to the radio, not songlists. I'm glad. And if you had a crappy radio, no-good-cheap-speakers, like me, Pat came through loud and strong. Imagine the first time you hear it, & no one has told you a word about what you are about to hear.
Absolute best thing about radio was that...like someone setting down a culinary masterpiece in front of you..while u sit blindfolded and that first waft of particles of air that unexpectedly tattoo your brain. I love listening to the new music cable channel..with no picture ..ill check who it is if i like a new song so i can put it on the list..im barely a fan of artists anymore just songs..
She is a trained opera vocalist, if I recall correctly. That woman helped raise me through her catalog, musically and vocally. Such an amazing, talented blessing to the musical universe. Thank you, Polo❤😊
At its heart, this song is just angry. Angry vocals, angry drums, very angry solo. Angry at the fact that innocent lives have to go through the horror of abuse. That’s why it resonates through the years.
Great reaction, Polo! Very, very powerful and I appreciate you sharing a little about your childhood. Puts my own chaotic childhood into better perspective. I'm so glad you made it through and somehow turned into a fine young man, despite all the odds against you. God bless you, my friend. I'm glad we met. ✌❤
I cry every time. Pat did a duet with Martina McBride several years back, also addressing domestic abuse. Two great singers, one a rock queen and the other one in the country tradition. Not a huge country fan, but that was a gem 💎
I'm not a big country music fan either, but that CMT Crossroads with those two singers was exceptional. There were some other good duos but 2 of the episodes stood out the most. They were Pat Benatar with Martina McBride and Stevie Nicks with Lady A (Antebellum). Those were both so good. I was able to download the second one but I lost the one with Pat when I returned the cable HDDVR back to the cable company. Still not able to find this in HD.
we knew we were right :). The impactful thing about Hell Is For Children is that so many of us experienced the song first hand unfortunately. It was an inner anthem to some. Time for Cornflake Girl, by Tori Amos.
I clearly remember the first time I listened to this song. I was on a temporary work assignment in Oklahoma City in 1981 and was just pulling into the parking lot at work when this came on the radio. I could not get out of the car until this song ended. And I was shaken when I did get out. While my own childhood was nothing like what Pat is talking about here, I knew other kids who's home life was an absolute hell. It still shakes me every time I hear it.
I was watching a recap/reaction to the baseball games tonight and while I listened, I went to check what was up on my subscriptions, saw this and paused the excitement to watch this high energy pain, shed a few tears, watching the song hit someone for the first time. Powerful. Thanks Polo.
I love watching your videos. It's always great to see somebody experiencing a song or artist for the first time. And YEAH...this song hits hard. All truth and and agnst that some of us can't even imagine. I stil get emotional while listening and I was in the prime of my life when this was released. I am now 66 years old and the song still has the emotional impact. Watching you react was like I heard the song for the first time....THANK YOU POLO
Hi Polo. When you're ready to listen to the live version of this song. Please do yourself a favor and listen to Pat sing that song in her 70s. Because that "hell" that she hits, she can still do it , and her husband can still wail on his guitar. Check them out.
I took the same plight as you are taking with Pat right now. But I did it when I was a kid in the 80s and in to the 90s. What I realized was that not only is Pat probably the greatest female rock voice of all time but she is also incredibly intelligent and decades ahead of her time. Go see her in concert while she’s still around. She still has an excellent voice and when we lose her one day I will be incredibly sad. Get tickets and go see her ! Don’t think about it just do it !
The positive impact this song had is great. It truly brought to light a real issue and helped so many people. When this came out I read the lyrics two or three times to truly get the meaning. It was the same with understanding U2's Bloody Sunday and New Years Day.
I bought this album just after graduating high school because I really love Pat Benatar. I had never heard this song before buying the album. This is the first time a song has made me cry and I still cry everytime I hear it. It is so powerful.
YES! A hard one to listen to, as you are into the sound of the song, h as jamming to the song, yet the subject matter is so serious and dark. I remember at the time it was huge that she used her success to shine a light on child abuse. Nothing more cruel. Keep going with Pat Benatar; I recommend “You Better Run” next. Polo, I am truly sorry that you grew up in hell; you have beat it in the sense that you are a man of intellect, with thousand of people tuning in to watch you daily, and most of all, I just know that you are a good father ❤. I grew up with some hellish periods with my parents; my husband the same. We poured the best of us into our son; he’s 32 now and makes us so proud. A strong, yet thinking man. That’s how we put the hell behind us. ❤
I’ve listened to this song occasionally for decades, first hearing it when I was about 12. I knew how heartbreaking and devastating the lyrics were the first time I heard it. I agree, I cannot listen to it very often at all. It’s just to painful.
Great song and review! I love songs that tell a story, but even moreso when it has a meaningful message. Another great song from her is "Shadows of the Night". Despite the title, it's not dark like this one. The video was distracting and not related to the song content at all, but it's a beautiful song.
I cry when I hear this song because it resonates with me. My father was a farm boy, youngest of 11 with an absentee father, with a short temper. I took some beatings for my little sister. My mother was running from her own father. I'm now 60 and I (intentionally) never married and have no children. I chose to break the chain of violence.
Kind of wish they didn’t spoil what the song is about. I remember a long time ago seeing the song title and thinking holy shit. What kind of evil song is this? then being pleasantly surprised learning what it’s actually about
Important to have the trigger warning so people can decide not to listen. I appreciate Polo's courage in going ahead and listening to it, but I feel badly that it actually did trigger him emotionally😢
Pat was initially reluctant to perform the song in concert because she saw how upset so many of her fans were getting, but they begged her to keep singing it live because, though it hurt to hear the song, it helped them to heal from their trauma.
I was a child when this song came out and I loved it.
The way she turns Hell is for children into a primal scream helps expel the violent feelings. At least it does for me. I went out and bought this song as soon as it was released. I only played it late at night when my own nightmares refused to let me sleep. But the primal screams always helped wash away those memories. I’m sorry to hear your childhood was so hard. I am greatly impressed by your thoughtfulness. And also by your strength in choosing the good things in life. Respect dear man.
That was beautifully said. I love watching Polo too. He "gets it" with the music!! Smart man!!🎶🎼🎵🤘🤘🤘
The passion she and her husband put into this is astounding.
Pat has a 4 octave voice. Two things people never talk about in the comments for Pat. First thing: In 1975 Pat got a big break thanks to Harry Chapin. He put her in a play he did on Long Island for a month. That was a catalyst for Pat. Second thing: People talk about Pat's voice, her writing and Niels guitar to death. Another person in that band who really help make those records great is Myron Grombacher who was the drummer on all those great tracks. Listen to the drums the next time you hear one of these songs.
And down we go into the Benatar rabbit hole. Awesome!!
The live version really reflects the passion of the song both with her vocals and the guitar 🎸 playing.... 🔥
I can listen to this on repeat anytime. I've always wanted to know how she knew about my family. She makes me feel seen.
It took strength to post your open, thoughtful and honest reaction to this intense, and very kickass song, Polo. Thank you. I love your channel.
As hard as it is to hear, she sings her truth. Props to you, Polo💓
Yes Dear Polo, do the live.
Pat Benatar never disappoints. This song still makes me cry 😢
I had forgotten about this song...... HOW??
The lyrics were by Pat Benatar. The music was written by lead guitarist Neil Giraldo & bass player Roger Capps. Both Pat Benatar and lead guitarist Neil Giraldo entered a partnership & started playing together since 1979, from the first album "In the heat of the night" and got married in 1982. They still play music & tour after 45 years together.
Wow! Good info! I had the album! I would stand on a chair and sing into my brush!!
I saw her at our County Fair two years ago and she STILL sounded great, and Neil hasn’t lost anything either!
An over looked and under appreciated American singer, why? Pure talent and great team ❤ This song came out before Beat it! Her husband is the guitarist, Neil Gerarldo
Must see the heartbreak, passion and anger from Pat & Neil in live performance.
Polo, you are the "Thinking Man's Reactor"--you offer profound thoughts on these videos. Props to you, sir.
As an abused child, I heard this song in 80’s, it’s a very emotional provoking song. I love and hate this song at the very same time. I don’t think many influencers have reacted to this song and I hope more of them will.
I am so sorry for what you went through at least I knew where my hell was coming from.
She was trained as a classical opera singer. Thats why her octave range is amazing. Gritty, soft, rock,high & low octaves
I was a teacher of young children for 30 yrs. The wounds and damage I've seen done to children by abusers is the stuff of nightmares. I had to call CPS many times. The abuse is tragic and I cannot understand the cruelty of many parents. It's hard for me to listen to this song.
I’ve heard this a million times, but you slowly walking through it made me truly listen. Wow - made me tear up. So timely these days.
Great reaction Polo!! Massive props to Pat Benetar for sticking to her guns and getting this insanely powerful, impactful and important song released!! It tackled what was all too often considered a taboo subject. Far too easily swept under the rug, away from public eyes. I think (and hope) that it helped many a child/young adult/adult that experienced or was experiencing physical, verbal and/or sexual abuse! My heart hurts for ALL those affected.
Thanks too Polo for opening up and sharing your personal struggles. My hope and prayer is that you've found a stable and loving life, free from any of these horrors!
Cheers from Canada, eh!
Keep diving in, its a long wonderful journey ! TY for this one , it's written to make you emotional !
I still get chills from the words of this song. So poignant.
I love that you reacted to this song. No one else is. We can all feel this one. Outstanding my friend!
Yes, please do the live version!! I love this song.
All fired up . By Pat benatar
I AM so glad you reacted to this song!! I knew you would feel it..deeply!! ❤❤❤
That last part is pure chills! Yes please, respond to the live version.
Pat was my first rock n roll adolescent crush ...🙂. Seriously, her voice is fantastic, passionate. Other songs, You Better Run, Treat Me Right, Fire & Ice, Shadows of the Night, We Belong, Hit me with Your Best Sot, Love is a Battlefield....are just a few to listen to. The guitar player, in the band, is Pat's husband of more than 40 years. Story is, Pat refused to accept induction in to rock n roll hall of fame, unless her husband was inducted with her I'd like to think the entire band was inducted. She and her husband perform to this day. Her voice still good for 70 +. Check out their performance at Austin City Limits....🙂
Love Pat Benatar! But this song has always struck a chord in my heart for many reasons. Great reaction!
This makes me cry every time since I lived thru it and I still feel it even though I'm nearly 60.
Heart felt performance!
Pat is excellent! 👌
Please do the live version as well. She and the band rock this so hard.
I get chills every time she hits that first big Hell. She showed a lot of courage in pushing to keep this important issue front and center. I definitely wanted you to be aware of what it is about, because of the possibility of triggering, but so sorry it caused you pain 😢 Benatar is sometimes written off as fluffy because she's little and cute, but she is the real deal, which this track shows.
I hope that you also will feel the support, understanding and love for children that went into this song. I have no doubt it has started a lot of conversations over the years and shines light on a dark world that needs that light. I'll come up with something more upbeat for the next one!
Pat Benatar n des meilleurs groupe de cette époque. Merci pour ta chaine
This song still helps me to heal so many years later.
She spoke out for me. You don't know or undestand how it feels unless you are one of many that got abused.
I am 56 years old and I see my sister and brother struggling and they spend their energy to worry for me and they feel guilty. I know I adjusted and accepted my life for wanting to make things better for all. I think they can't get over their guilt because the same thing that happened to me also happened to them. I have a hard time telling them to stop it. I am good and I want them to feel equal to me and not guilty.
IDK how to make it make sense to others what I am saying. I think they only ones that can make sense are the ones that lived it.
Tears come when people care! Hell is for those who abuse CHILDREN, animals and other people. Exceptional lyrics, singing, playing and your reaction.
Loved this song when it came out, but I avoided it for decades for my own reasons. First time hearing this in at least 35 years. Felt this one with you, great honest reaction!
Wow. Sharing your vulnerability is amazing. I appreciate you so much!! The whole reaction was amazing, but especially that you came back to it.
This is a true lady singer. She always tell stories! Play the live version please.🙏
She is so good have all her vinyl
I was at that concert in new haven... awesome!!!!!!!
Thank you, Polo, for your always thoughtful and thought-provoking reactions to the music. You are a gem!
The live performance of this is amazing.
Such a power house voice and talent song writer. Along with her husband Neil the ultimate rock Power Couple then and still now! Love it …
Great reaction. You should react to *Suzanne Vega - Luka* dealing with the same subject.
I remember when the song came out - it was very controversial and many radio stations refused to play it because there was a big misconception about its meaning. Many people thought that she was actually promoting child abuse and it wasn't until she started doing interviews that everyone started understanding and the song started getting air time. I've seen Pat live several times - she's still touring - and she always does this song. I still get chills every time I hear it.
Thank you for this! I had forgotten about this song..... I immediately started to cry, I can feel it on a far different level than I did when it first came out.
My favorite song of hers. 😢 I love how she stresses HELL
We listened to it somewhat repeatedly as we drove because we listened to the radio, not songlists. I'm glad. And if you had a crappy radio, no-good-cheap-speakers, like me, Pat came through loud and strong. Imagine the first time you hear it, & no one has told you a word about what you are about to hear.
Absolute best thing about radio was that...like someone setting down a culinary masterpiece in front of you..while u sit blindfolded and that first waft of particles of air that unexpectedly tattoo your brain. I love listening to the new music cable channel..with no picture ..ill check who it is if i like a new song so i can put it on the list..im barely a fan of artists anymore just songs..
Thanks for the studio first always the best when a first listen
She is a trained opera vocalist, if I recall correctly. That woman helped raise me through her catalog, musically and vocally. Such an amazing, talented blessing to the musical universe. Thank you, Polo❤😊
At its heart, this song is just angry. Angry vocals, angry drums, very angry solo. Angry at the fact that innocent lives have to go through the horror of abuse. That’s why it resonates through the years.
Part of my upbringing,
I saw her Live a coupla times! She does not disappoint!
Me, too! Saw them in '88 and then just her & Neil in 2016. She still has it!
I watched them film John Q, at Women's College Hospital in Toronto.
My Mm used to work with her at the bank she was with. My mom loves classical. She still loves Pat
Great reaction, Polo! Very, very powerful and I appreciate you sharing a little about your childhood. Puts my own chaotic childhood into better perspective. I'm so glad you made it through and somehow turned into a fine young man, despite all the odds against you. God bless you, my friend. I'm glad we met. ✌❤
Listening to Pat
I cry every time. Pat did a duet with Martina McBride several years back, also addressing domestic abuse. Two great singers, one a rock queen and the other one in the country tradition. Not a huge country fan, but that was a gem 💎
I'm not a big country music fan either, but that CMT Crossroads with those two singers was exceptional. There were some other good duos but 2 of the episodes stood out the most. They were Pat Benatar with Martina McBride and Stevie Nicks with Lady A (Antebellum). Those were both so good. I was able to download the second one but I lost the one with Pat when I returned the cable HDDVR back to the cable company. Still not able to find this in HD.
we knew we were right :). The impactful thing about Hell Is For Children is that so many of us experienced the song first hand unfortunately. It was an inner anthem to some. Time for Cornflake Girl, by Tori Amos.
Pat Benatar is a amassing artis and rocker. this was my favorite song by them.
I clearly remember the first time I listened to this song. I was on a temporary work assignment in Oklahoma City in 1981 and was just pulling into the parking lot at work when this came on the radio. I could not get out of the car until this song ended. And I was shaken when I did get out. While my own childhood was nothing like what Pat is talking about here, I knew other kids who's home life was an absolute hell. It still shakes me every time I hear it.
Definitely do the New Haven live version next. That entire concert is Pat at her rocking best.
Great song and reaction
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
You've got to try "precious time " it's my favorite from her and it's got this groove that makes you wish the song was longer.
@Polo finally! I've been begging for you to listen to this one!
Pat is amazing!
Her stage performances are great, gritty, rock, yet soft areas
STILL RELATIVE TODAY ‼️‼️‼️
There's no such thing as a bad Pat Benetar song. There's only good and better!
Mos Def want to see PB Live !
I was watching a recap/reaction to the baseball games tonight and while I listened, I went to check what was up on my subscriptions, saw this and paused the excitement to watch this high energy pain, shed a few tears, watching the song hit someone for the first time. Powerful. Thanks Polo.
I love watching your videos. It's always great to see somebody experiencing a song or artist for the first time. And YEAH...this song hits hard. All truth and and agnst that some of us can't even imagine. I stil get emotional while listening and I was in the prime of my life when this was released. I am now 66 years old and the song still has the emotional impact. Watching you react was like I heard the song for the first time....THANK YOU POLO
Hi Polo. When you're ready to listen to the live version of this song. Please do yourself a favor and listen to Pat sing that song in her 70s. Because that "hell" that she hits, she can still do it , and her husband can still wail on his guitar. Check them out.
I'm 50 years old and still that wounded child
Yes please do the live version of this one, and PLEEEASE do You Better Run!!!
So powerful for a small frame
Yes thank you for doing this song. It's underrated song imo with great vocals and great riff
It's a profound song that you never hear.
Best react to this video out there. Great job polo. More Benatar please. You won't be sorry👍
My favorite Pat Benatar song
Great Track POLO!!
I took the same plight as you are taking with Pat right now. But I did it when I was a kid in the 80s and in to the 90s. What I realized was that not only is Pat probably the greatest female rock voice of all time but she is also incredibly intelligent and decades ahead of her time. Go see her in concert while she’s still around. She still has an excellent voice and when we lose her one day I will be incredibly sad.
Get tickets and go see her !
Don’t think about it just do it !
I loved the song but never really listened to the meaning of the lyrics. 56 now and for the first time really listened. Powerful.
The positive impact this song had is great. It truly brought to light a real issue and helped so many people.
When this came out I read the lyrics two or three times to truly get the meaning.
It was the same with understanding U2's Bloody Sunday and New Years Day.
Please check out the live version as well. It’s an important song.
I bought this album just after graduating high school because I really love Pat Benatar. I had never heard this song before buying the album. This is the first time a song has made me cry and I still cry everytime I hear it. It is so powerful.
Yes...do the live version!
Neil Giraldo is one of the most unrecognized great rock guitarists in history
Good to see you get into the nitty gritty of Pat & Neil!
FYI - as usual, Neil told Pat “write the words…I got the music”
YES! A hard one to listen to, as you are into the sound of the song, h as jamming to the song, yet the subject matter is so serious and dark. I remember at the time it was huge that she used her success to shine a light on child abuse. Nothing more cruel. Keep going with Pat Benatar; I recommend “You Better Run” next. Polo, I am truly sorry that you grew up in hell; you have beat it in the sense that you are a man of intellect, with thousand of people tuning in to watch you daily, and most of all, I just know that you are a good father ❤. I grew up with some hellish periods with my parents; my husband the same. We poured the best of us into our son; he’s 32 now and makes us so proud. A strong, yet thinking man. That’s how we put the hell behind us. ❤
I’ve listened to this song occasionally for decades, first hearing it when I was about 12. I knew how heartbreaking and devastating the lyrics were the first time I heard it. I agree, I cannot listen to it very often at all. It’s just to painful.
Great reaction!
Great song and review! I love songs that tell a story, but even moreso when it has a meaningful message. Another great song from her is "Shadows of the Night". Despite the title, it's not dark like this one. The video was distracting and not related to the song content at all, but it's a beautiful song.
I cry when I hear this song because it resonates with me. My father was a farm boy, youngest of 11 with an absentee father, with a short temper. I took some beatings for my little sister. My mother was running from her own father. I'm now 60 and I (intentionally) never married and have no children. I chose to break the chain of violence.
Kind of wish they didn’t spoil what the song is about. I remember a long time ago seeing the song title and thinking holy shit. What kind of evil song is this? then being pleasantly surprised learning what it’s actually about
Important to have the trigger warning so people can decide not to listen. I appreciate Polo's courage in going ahead and listening to it, but I feel badly that it actually did trigger him emotionally😢
@@lisapriebe7729 I mean, we all heard it for the first time back in the day without knowing what it was about. Somehow we made it through.
I've loved Pat Benetar since I first heard her over 40 years ago. Looks like I'm gonna go to my grave in love with her and that's alright by me.❤❤
She(Pat) flipped out after reading an article I'm the NY times about abused children. Forgive and forget? I don't think so.
My childhood was Pat Benetar. My home life consisted of major child abuse. This song has always stuck w/me😣