“Monsters” by Shinedown, released as a single from their album Attention Attention, is a rock song that explores the theme of battling inner demons. The lyrics use “monsters” as a metaphor for personal struggles such as addiction, depression, and self-sabotaging inner voices. The song delves into the difficulty of overcoming these challenges and the fear of being trapped by them.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
[Verse 1]
Good for you, you fooled everybody
Good for you, you fooled everyone
Good for you, now you’re somebody
Good for you, you fooled everyone
The opening verse uses sarcasm to address someone who has deceived others, possibly referring to the facade addicts or those struggling with mental health issues may put up. It highlights the disconnect between outward appearances and inner turmoil.
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Leave your weapon on the table
Wrapped in burlap, barely able
Don’t get angry, don’t discourage
Take a shot of liquid courage
This section alludes to the struggle of facing one’s demons. The “weapon” could symbolize defense mechanisms, while “liquid courage” likely refers to alcohol as a coping mechanism. It captures the hesitation and difficulty in confronting personal issues.
[Chorus]
‘Cause my monsters are real
And they’re trained how to kill
And there’s no coming back
And they just laugh at how I feel
And these monsters can fly
And they’ll never say “die”
And there’s no going back
If I get trapped, I’ll never heal
Yeah, my monsters are real
The chorus vividly describes the nature of inner demons or “monsters”. These monsters represent destructive thoughts, addictions, or mental health issues that feel overwhelming and unbeatable. The imagery of flying monsters that “never say die” emphasizes their persistent and pervasive nature.
[Verse 2]
Good for you, you hurt everybody
Good for you, you hurt everyone
Good for you, you love nobody
Good for you, you owe no one
This verse shifts focus to the harm caused by these inner struggles, both to oneself and others. It reflects on the isolation and emotional detachment that often accompany severe personal battles.
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Leave your weapon on the table
Wrapped in burlap, barely able
Call a doctor, say a prayer
Choose a god you think is fair
Similar to the first pre-chorus, but with added elements of desperation, such as calling for help and turning to faith. This suggests a growing awareness of the need for external support.
[Bridge]
Leave your weapon on the table
Wrapped in burlap, barely able
Don’t get angry, don’t discourage
Take a shot of liquid courage
Leave a light on if you’re able
‘Cause we both know you’re unstable
Call a doctor, say a prayer
Choose a god you think is there
The bridge combines elements from both pre-choruses and adds new lines, emphasizing the instability and vulnerability of the person struggling. It underscores the importance of support and the recognition of one’s own fragility.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Monsters”
Shinedown’s “Monsters” delves into the complex inner struggles that many people face, particularly those dealing with addiction, mental health issues, or traumatic experiences. The song uses the metaphor of “monsters” to represent the internal demons and destructive thoughts that can plague an individual’s mind.
The lyrics explore the concept of self-sabotage and the difficulty of overcoming one’s own harmful tendencies. Lead singer Brent Smith, drawing from his personal experiences with alcoholism and substance abuse, portrays these inner demons as trained killers that are real and ever-present. This metaphor resonates with many listeners who struggle with their own inner conflicts, making the song a powerful anthem for those battling addiction, depression, or other mental health challenges.
The song’s message goes beyond just substance abuse, addressing various situations where people find themselves trapped in self-destructive patterns. It highlights the internal conflict between knowing that certain actions will lead to negative consequences and still feeling compelled to engage in them. This universal theme of struggling with one’s inner demons has made “Monsters” relatable to a wide audience, including those dealing with PTSD and other forms of trauma.
By personifying these internal struggles as monsters, Shinedown creates a vivid and emotionally charged representation of the battle many face daily. The song’s powerful chorus and intense musical composition further emphasize the gravity and reality of these inner conflicts, making it not just a song, but a cathartic experience for many listeners.
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He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.