Monsters (feat. blackbear)

"Monsters" by All Time Low, featuring blackbear, delves into the complexities of a toxic and addictive relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is fully aware that their romantic partner is a destructive force in their life, yet they are unable to break free from the cycle of returning to them. The "monsters" in the song are a metaphor for the internal demons, anxieties, and self-destructive impulses that surface, particularly at night, when one is alone with their thoughts. These 'monsters' represent the conscious decision to repeatedly engage in a relationship that is known to be harmful. The song explores themes of self-doubt and a lack of self-preservation, as the protagonist questions their own motives for running back to someone who consistently lies and causes them pain. The line "Why do I run back to you, like I don't mind if you fuck up my life?" encapsulates the central conflict of the song: the battle between rational understanding and emotional compulsion. Blackbear's verse reinforces this theme by describing an addiction to the emotional turmoil and a willingness to accept deceit in exchange for a semblance of affection, even if it's disingenuous. Ultimately, "Monsters" is a candid exploration of the allure of toxic relationships, the internal struggle of wanting to escape but feeling emotionally tethered, and the self-awareness of one's own role in perpetuating a cycle of pain.

The song's narrative centers around a deeply troubled and cyclical relationship. The protagonist is acutely aware of the destructive nature of their connection with another person, yet feels an irresistible pull back to them. This internal conflict is a constant source of torment, likened to being in a "hangover hotel" where each day brings a familiar headache. The rhythm of this pain has become a well-known beat, a toxic pattern that the protagonist is used to. There's a sense of tunnel vision, where this person is the only thing they can see, even while acknowledging the loneliness and emptiness that comes with this obsession, described as a "lonely luxury."

The central question that haunts the narrator is why these self-destructive tendencies, these "monsters," surface at night, a time often associated with introspection and vulnerability. They question why they seek solace in a situation they know they should flee from, and why they repeatedly return to this person, seemingly indifferent to the damage it inflicts on their life. The narrator admits to being a "sucker" for their partner's lies, feeling exposed and emotionally manipulated, "strung out like laundry on every line."

The feature by blackbear adds another layer to this narrative of toxic attraction. He describes an addiction to the hurt and contradiction within the relationship. Nighttime exacerbates his overthinking and negative feelings. He expresses a reckless disregard for anyone he might hurt in the process, as he is sinking into his partner's every word, especially when under the influence of alcohol. He pleads for "pretty lies," craving the illusion of love even if it's fake. He is resigned to being led on, finding a strange comfort in the unresolved questions left in their wake. He feels trapped in a bed of his own making, perpetually wondering about the nature of this destructive dynamic.

The song culminates in a feeling of being mentally haunted. The protagonist is consumed by thoughts of this person, feeling lifeless both with and without them. This feeling of being "dead" underscores the depth of their emotional turmoil. The recurring chorus reinforces the central theme: a self-aware but powerless submission to a relationship that feels like a monster, one they can't escape from no matter how much they understand its toxicity. The repetition of running back to this person, despite the inevitable pain, highlights the powerful grip of this addictive and destructive love.

"Monsters" was released on April 3, 2020, as a track on All Time Low's eighth studio album, Wake Up, Sunshine. The album was largely written and recorded in 2019, with the band members, Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Zack Merrick, and Rian Dawson, living together in a rented mansion in Palm Desert, California, as well as at Rian Dawson's studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was written by Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Andrew Goldstein, Kevin Fisher, and Matthew Musto (blackbear). The producers for the track were Zakk Cervini and Alex Gaskarth. The collaboration with blackbear came about when producer Andrew Goldstein, who was also working with blackbear, sent him the unfinished track. Blackbear was immediately drawn to the song's catchy guitar line and felt it resonated with his own creative headspace at the time, calling the opportunity a "dream come true." A re-released version of the song featuring Demi Lovato was released on December 4, 2020. Lovato, a friend of the band for over a decade, was asked to be on the track, with Gaskarth praising her as having "one of the best voices in modern music." The original plans for a music video were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the release of an animated lyric video instead.

The song's rhyme and rhythm contribute significantly to its catchy and emotionally charged nature. The primary rhyme scheme in the chorus is AABB (night/hide, lies/line), creating a simple, memorable structure that is easy to sing along to. The verses employ a more varied rhyme scheme, which helps to build a narrative flow. The rhythm is characterized by a driving and energetic beat, typical of the pop-punk genre. The tempo is upbeat, which creates an interesting juxtaposition with the somber and introspective lyrics. This contrast between the energetic music and the painful lyrical content reflects the chaotic and confusing nature of a toxic relationship, where moments of excitement can be intertwined with deep emotional distress. The rhythmic interplay between Gaskarth's sung vocals and blackbear's rap verse adds another layer of complexity to the song, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

"Monsters" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques to create its powerful impact.

• Musical Style: The song is a fusion of pop-punk, alternative pop, electronic rock, and rap rock. This blend of genres allows for a dynamic sound that reflects the emotional turbulence of the lyrics. The driving guitar riffs and energetic drum beats are characteristic of pop-punk, creating a sense of urgency and restlessness. The inclusion of electronic elements and a rap verse from blackbear adds a modern, mainstream appeal to the track.
• Vocal Delivery: Alex Gaskarth's vocals convey a sense of desperation and frustration, particularly in the chorus. His delivery is both melodic and strained, mirroring the song's central conflict. Blackbear's rap verse provides a contrasting vocal style that is more rhythmic and conversational, adding another dimension to the song's narrative.
• Rhetorical Questions: The lyrics are filled with rhetorical questions, such as "Why do all the monsters come out at night?" and "Why do I run back to you?". These questions are not seeking answers but are used to express the protagonist's confusion, frustration, and self-awareness of their self-destructive behavior.
• Imagery: The song uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the emotional landscape, for example, the "hangover hotel" and being "strung out like laundry on every line." This imagery helps to make the abstract feelings of emotional pain and manipulation more concrete and relatable for the listener.

"Monsters" has had a significant cultural impact, becoming All Time Low's highest-charting song of their career. The song spent a remarkable 18 weeks at number one on Billboard's Alternative Airplay chart and holds the record for the longest continuous run on that chart with 88 weeks. In late 2023, Billboard ranked "Monsters" as the biggest hit in the history of the Alternative Airplay chart. The song's success was amplified by the re-release featuring Demi Lovato, which introduced the track to a wider audience and peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song received the iHeartRadio Music Award for "Alternative Rock Song of the Year" in 2022. "Monsters" has been featured in various media, including being available as a playable track in the video game Rock Band 4. The song's popularity is a testament to its relatable themes of toxic relationships and internal struggle, resonating with a broad audience and solidifying its place as a significant song in All Time Low's discography and in the modern alternative rock landscape.

The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate the central theme of a toxic relationship.

• Monsters: The most prominent metaphor in the song, the "monsters," symbolize the protagonist's inner demons, anxieties, and self-destructive tendencies that emerge, especially at night. They represent the dark, irrational part of the psyche that is drawn to what is harmful. The monsters are not external creatures but the internal compulsions that lead the protagonist back into a toxic situation.
• Night: Nighttime symbolizes a period of vulnerability, introspection, and loneliness. It's when the distractions of the day fade, leaving the protagonist alone with their thoughts and the full weight of their emotional turmoil. The question "Why do all the monsters come out at night?" suggests that this is when the struggle against their destructive impulses is most intense.
• Hangover Hotel: This metaphor describes the perpetual state of emotional pain and exhaustion caused by the relationship. Just as a hangover is the unpleasant aftermath of a night of indulgence, the "hangover hotel" represents the predictable and recurring emotional consequence of returning to the toxic partner.
• Strung out like laundry on every line: This simile vividly portrays a feeling of being emotionally exposed, manipulated, and aired out for all to see. It suggests a sense of powerlessness and being at the mercy of the other person's whims and lies.

The most significant recurring motif in "Monsters" is the titular line, "Why do all the monsters come out at night?" This question is repeated throughout the song, serving as the central theme and encapsulating the protagonist's struggle with their inner demons and self-destructive tendencies. The phrase "I don't mind if you fuck up my life" is another powerful recurring line that highlights the protagonist's resignation and perceived powerlessness in the face of their toxic relationship. Its repetition emphasizes the cyclical and self-aware nature of their destructive behavior. The imagery of night and sleep as a place to hide is also a recurring motif, underscoring the themes of avoidance and vulnerability. These recurring phrases and motifs work together to create a cohesive and impactful narrative about the haunting nature of toxic love and internal conflict.