Hell Is for Children

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into “Hell Is for Children” by Pat Benatar, a hard-hitting track from her 1980 album Crimes of Passion. This song, never released as an A-side single, still roared to number 7 on the Tunecaster Rock Tracks Chart, fueled by its raw energy and heavy subject matter. Written by Pat Benatar, her guitarist and future husband Neil Giraldo, and bassist Roger Capps, the song was inspired by a series of New York Times articles about child abuse. Benatar, shocked by the harsh realities she read, channeled her anger and sadness into this powerful anthem. Giraldo noted in a Songfacts interview that the song gave the album the depth it needed, with Benatar’s emotionally charged vocals delivering a gut-punch performance. The track’s impact went beyond music—Benatar and Giraldo set up a children’s protection foundation funded by the song’s royalties, a cause she’s called her proudest achievement in a Nights with Alice Cooper feature.

Some fans initially misunderstood the song, assuming it reflected Benatar’s own childhood, but Giraldo clarified in the same Songfacts interview that Benatar had a “Happy Days-like” upbringing, far from the abuse depicted. The song’s intense lyrics, like “Tell Grandma you fell off the swing,” struck a chord, with one fan on Reddit recalling how their mom recognized its child abuse theme when it first dropped, surprised a rock song tackled such weight. Its cultural reach extended into pop culture, appearing in the 1981 animated film American Pop, a Simpsons “Treehouse of Horror” episode, and even covered by bands like Viking and Unto Others. A live version from Benatar’s 1983 album Live from Earth backed her hit “Love Is a Battlefield,” cementing its enduring presence.

Now, let’s rewind to how Pat Benatar kicked off her legendary career. Born Patricia Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Benatar’s four-and-a-half-octave voice was destined for greatness. She started singing in a Richmond, Virginia lounge quartet called Coxon’s Army, building local buzz before heading to New York City. Her big break came not in a gritty rock club but at Catch a Rising Star, a comedy club known for launching stars like Robin Williams. There, her powerful vocals caught the ear of Chrysalis Records, leading to her 1979 debut album, In the Heat of the Night. With hits like “Heartbreaker” and the backing of Neil Giraldo’s fiery guitar, Benatar became a rock trailblazer, earning four consecutive Grammys for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance from 1980 to 1983.

Stay connected with Pat Benatar through her official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on her latest shows and throwback posts. Fans can join the Pat Benatar Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks and share their love for her music. For a tribute experience, check out Crimes of Passion: A Tribute to Pat Benatar, a site dedicated to a band recreating her electrifying live performances.