ROCK MOMENT – Pat Benatar ‘Hell Is For Children’
Pat Benatar’s ‘Hell Is for Children’ stands as one of the most intense and socially important songs of her career, and its impact is inseparable from both its recording process and the landmark album on which it appeared. Released in 1980 on Benatar’s second album, Crimes of Passion, the song marked a turning point, proving she was far more than just a powerful vocalist delivering radio-friendly rock hits.
The inspiration for ‘Hell Is for Children’ came after Benatar read a series of newspaper articles detailing cases of child abuse. Disturbed by how widespread and hidden the issue was, she felt compelled to address it directly through music. Written by Benatar along with guitarist and husband Neil Giraldo and bassist Roger Capps, the song was intentionally confrontational. The lyrics were designed to shock listeners into awareness rather than offer comfort, a bold move in an era when hard rock was rarely used for social commentary.
The recording of Crimes of Passion took place primarily at MCA/Whitney Studios in Glendale, California, with producer Keith Olsen, who had also worked on Benatar’s debut album In the Heat of the Night. For ‘Hell Is for Children,’ the band focused on creating a tense, ominous atmosphere. The track begins with a slow, brooding build, allowing anticipation and unease to set in before Giraldo’s crushing guitar riff explodes into the song. Benatar’s vocal performance was recorded with minimal effects, capturing her raw anger and emotional intensity. Her screams and snarls were left intentionally unpolished, emphasizing authenticity over perfection.
Crimes of Passion became Benatar’s commercial breakthrough, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually being certified multi-platinum. While hits like ‘Hit Me with Your Best Shot’ and ‘Treat Me Right’ dominated radio, ‘Hell Is for Children’ gave the album its emotional weight and credibility. Though never released as a single, it became a staple of Benatar’s live performances, often extended with dramatic intensity that left audiences stunned.
Over time, ‘Hell Is for Children’ has endured as one of Benatar’s most important statements. It showcased her willingness to use her platform to confront uncomfortable truths and demonstrated how hard rock could serve as a vehicle for awareness and change. Within the context of Crimes of Passion, the song remains a powerful reminder that the album’s success was built not only on catchy hooks, but on fearless artistic conviction.
