Hell Is For Children

by Pat Benatar

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Lyrics

They (Cm)cry in the dark

so you can’t see their tears.

They (Cm)hide in the light

so you can’t see their fears.

For (Dm7)give and for get

all the while.

(Dm7)Love and pain be come one and the same in the eyes of a wound ed child

(Bb5)be cause hell,

(C5)hell is for (Ab5)chil (Bb5)dren,

and you know (C5)that their lit tle (Bb5)lives (C5)can be come such a (Ab5)mess.

(Bb5)Hell,

(C5)hell is for (Ab5)chil (Bb5)dren,

and you should n’t have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh.

It’s (Cm)all so con fus ing this bru tal a bus ing.

They black en your eyes and then ’pol o gize.

You’re (Dm7)dad dy’s good girl and don’t tell mom my a (Cm)thing.

Be a (Dm7)good lit tle boy and you’ll get a new toy.

Tell (CN.C.)grand ma you fell off the swing.

(Bb5)Be cause hell (Bb5)No!

Hell is for chil dren.

(C5)Hell,

(C5)hell is for (Ab5)hell,

hell is for (G)hell,

hell is for chil (C5)dren.

(C5)Hell,

(C5)hell is for (Ab5)hell,

hell is for (G)hell,

hell is for chil (C5)dren.

(C5)Hell,

(C5)Hell,

(C5)hell is for (Ab5)hell,

hell is for (G)hell,

hell is for chil (C5)dren!

(Bb5)Hell is for chil (C5)dren!

(Bb5)Hell is for chil (C5)dren!

Hell Is For Children by Pat Benatar — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Hell Is For Children” by Pat Benatar in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Ab at 120 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Hell Is For Children" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Hell Is For Children"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Hell Is For Children" use?
Just 15 chords: Ab, Abped, Bb, Bbped, C, Cm, Cped, Csus4, +7 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Pat Benatar songs work for kids?
Try "PROMISES IN THE DARK", "WE BELONG", "YOU BETTER RUN". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.