41 Best Songs About Monsters Of All Time

Posted on by Daniel Reyes

The best songs about monsters usually tell a story that sounds realistic and scarier than anything that could be made up.

Legends about monsters have accompanied the history of mankind since ancient times.

Ever since music has served to immortalize these stories and pass them through different generations.

Artists of all time have sung about the internal monsters of people, the imbalances and defects that invade us and make us worse.

They are metaphorical resources used to illustrate the internal contradictions within oneself.

Since there is a lot of music about this topic we have made our list of the best 41 songs about monsters of all time:

Table of Contents

1. “The Monster” by Rihanna ft Eminem

“The Monster” is a song about mental illness and dealing with the demons in your head.

It’s about a person who is struggling with their mental health, and how they feel like they’re losing their mind.

Eminem ft. Rihanna - The Monster (Explicit) [Official Video]

The song is about how the person is trying to cope with their mental illness, and how it is affecting their life and everything around them.

At the same time, it mentions how said person’s mental illness is something that they can’t control, and how it is something that is killing them from the inside out.

It mentions among many other things, that their OCD is conking them in the head but after all, they’re still relying on what the voice in their head is saying.

2. “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon

Warren Zevon, LeRoy Marinell, and Waddy Wachtel wrote “Werewolves of London”.

This single was included on Excitable Boy (1978), which is Zevon’s third studio album.

It became a surprise hit single as soon as it was released, reaching the top 20 in a few United States, Canada, and Australia charts.

Warren Zevon - Werewolves Of London (Official Music Video) [HD]

To be exact, the single’s success helped propel “Excitable Boy” to number 8 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

The lyrics of the song tell the story of a werewolf who is looking for a place to eat.

One of the first lines of the song is exactly “I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand” which is where this meaning comes from.

Although you would expect a song about a monster to feel scary, the rhythm and melody of this song are the complete opposite of that.

3. “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley

A creature called a “Purple People Eater” that comes to earth and starts eating people, that’s the main plot of the track.

The narrator tries to warn people about the creature, but no one seems to believe him.

In the end, the Purple People Eater turns out to be a musician who just wants to play rock and roll music.

Sheb Wooley "The Purple People Eater" (Official Video)

This song is from 1958. Sheb Wooley, who wrote and performed the song, was a country music singer and actor.

It instantly became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard pop charts from June 9 to July 14 the year it was released.

4. “Monster” by Lady Gaga

“Monster” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.

It was released as the lead single from her second studio album, The Fame Monster.

This song is a dance-pop and synth-pop music with elements of electro house, techno, and industrial metal.

Lady GaGa - Monster

The lyrics of “Monster” feature references to drug addiction and violence and it received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchiness and described it as one of the highlights of the album.

Commercially, “Monster” was a success, reaching at least the top 30 in several countries; in the United States, it peaked at number 12 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.

5. “Godzilla” by Blue Öyster Cult

This song is about the fictional character Godzilla and it was written and composed by Blue Öyster Cult.

Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band formed in New York in 1967, whose most successful work includes the hard rock and heavy metal songs “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”, “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You”.

Blue Oyster Cult - Godzilla (Live at The Capitol Center, 1978)

The lyrics for this song describe Godzilla as a destructive force that wreaks havoc on Tokyo.

“He picks up a bus and he throws it back down” is a line that I personally love from this song, since it instantly puts the image in my head of what’s happening in the story.

6. “Monster Mash” by Bobby Boris Picket & the Crypt-Kickers

It is a song authored by Bobby Pickett and Leonard Capizzi and it was first recorded by Pickett and released in 1962.

The track was inspired by the Mashed Potato dance craze of the late 1950s.

Bobby Pickett "Monster Mash"

It was recognized by the public which made it a hit, reaching number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962.

In the years since its release, the “Monster Mash” has become a Halloween standard that multiple artists have covered throughout the years.

7. “Monster is Loose” by Meat Loaf

This song is about a person who has been through a lot in life and is finally breaking free from their struggles.

The lyrics talk about how the person has been living in a cage, feeling lonely and empty, and how they are now ready to break out and be dangerous.

Meat Loaf - The Monster Is Loose

Is also about choices, and how sometimes you have to take risks to get what you want in life.

The rhythm and melody feature a catchy electric guitar, bass, drums, and vocals that make you want to bang your head along.

8. “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon

Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is a classic breakup song with a bit of an edge.

The lines are about a man who is so arrogant and self-centered that he thinks the song is actually about him.

Carly Simon - You're So Vain

Even though the relationship has ended, the narrator still can’t help but be fascinated by this man and his egotistical ways.

“You had me several years ago when I was still quite naive”, this is the perfect line that describes the growing stage that this person had to go through to understand that there was better out there.

9. “Zombie Zoo” by Tom Petty

“Zombie Zoo” by Tom Petty tells the story of a group of people who are outcasts and social misfits.

They’re the kind of people who are usually ignored or ridiculed by society and tend to be looked down on by others.

Tom Petty- Zombie Zoo

However, they find strength in each other and form their own community that serves as a support system for each other.

They’re also not afraid to express themselves, even if it means shocking others with their appearance or behavior.

In the end, they’re just trying to have fun and be themselves, even if it means being different from everyone else.

10. “Monster / Suicide / America” by Steppenwolf

This song is about the fall and decline of America, and how it has become a monster that no one can control.

It talks about how America used to be a land of promise and hope, but now it is a country that is full of corruption and violence.

Monster / Suicide / America (Medley)

The song asks America where it has gone and pleads for it to come back and help its people be better.

As for the title, this is what makes the song scarier than it really is, since it is using powerful words that put a lot of dark emotions into people’s heads.

11. “Night of the Living Dead” by Misfits

“Night of the Living Dead” by the Misfits is about the undead rising and feeding on the living

The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who is about to be eaten by zombies and is describing what is currently happening to them.

Night of the Living Dead-Misfits

It has a very dark and eerie vibe, with a driving punk rock beat that has what I like to call destructive energy.

This seems to be one of the band’s most famous songs and has been covered by many other artists.

12. “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” by Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper needs little to no introduction; he is a rock legend who has been shocking the world for over five decades.

His unique blend of horror-themed theatrics and hard-rocking anthems has inspired countless other artists, and his influence can still be felt today.

“He’s Back,” tells the story of a man who is deep in love and is also in the woods where dangerous things begin to happen.

Alice Cooper - He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)

Said man is alone with his partner and he thinks he is doing alright, however, he then hears a voice and sees a face that he thinks is just a dream.

The dream turns out to be real and there’s a man behind a mask who “is back” and out of control.

13. “The Thing That Should Not Be” by Metallica

“The Thing That Should Not Be” is a song by the American metal band Metallica that was released as the second single from their third studio album, Master of Puppets (1986).

The song was written by songwriters James Alan Hetfield, Kirk L. Hammett, and Lars Ulrich.

Metallica - The Thing That Should Not Be

This track is about a creature that lurks beneath the sea, known as the thing that should not be.

It is a fearsome and immortal creature that drives people insane in a lot of ways.

The lyrics describe the creature’s appearance and its effects on those who see it and it talks about facing your fears and overcoming them.

14. “Frankenstein” by Edgar Winter

“Frankenstein” was written by the American rock band, The Edgar Winter Group.

It was released in 1973 and it’s part of their album They Only Come Out at Night.

The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States chart and interesting enough, it has no lyrics.

Frankenstein . Edgar Winters Group . 1973

It’s an instrumental piece featuring Winter on lead guitar and keyboards; it remains one of their most popular songs.

When it comes to this song’s relationship with monsters, Winter wrote it and named it “Frankenstein” because of its monster-like beat and rhythm.

The sounds are different, to say the least, with an eerie keyboard melody and distorted, screeching guitars making it somewhat scary and certainly different from anything else on the radio at the time.

15. “Beastie” by Jethro Tull

This song is about a person’s internal struggle with their demons and the never-ending battle between good and evil that we all face in our lives.

It speaks about how we can never really escape our past, no matter how hard we try.

Jethro Tull - Beastie.

On the other hand, it is also a call to arms; a rallying cry to stand up and fight against the demons that plague us.

No matter how hard it is, we must never give up and must never let the beast win.

16. “Ogre Battle” by Queen

This song narrates an epic battle between two forces; the lyrics describe the scene of the battle, as well as the ogre men who are fighting it.

It was written in a very dramatic style, with the chorus urging listeners to come and see the battle for themselves.

Queen - Ogre Battle (Official Lyric Video)

This song would be perfect for someone who loves action-packed stories or video games.

Since the song matches the idea of war and action, it would be a great addition to anyone’s gaming playlist.

17. “Monster” by Imagine Dragons

Monster” by Imagine Dragons deals with the life of a person who feels like they have turned into a monster, and they are struggling to deal with it.

They feel like they have to keep it hidden from the world because if people found out, they would be scared of them.

Imagine Dragons - Monster (Lyrics)

The song is about the internal struggle of trying to be something you’re not, and the fear that comes with that.

“I’ve turned into a monster” is what the person in the story thinks after regretting some if not all of the things that he did at some point in the past.

18. “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” by David Bowie

A woman with a fear of commitment and serious relationships is the center and main idea of this melody.

She is described as being a “killer” and someone who is not to be trusted.

David Bowie- Scary Monsters (And super creeps)

The song also talks about how she is jealous and paranoid, always waiting for something to happen.

In the end, the singer says he still loves her despite everything, furthermore, the lyrics could be interpreted as a warning to others about getting too close to this woman.

19. “Monsters” by James Blunt

The father-son relationship is at the center of the story told through music by James Blunt in his song “Monsters”.

He talks about how time has gone by and how they are both grown men now and he will try to make his father proud.

James Blunt - Monsters (Official Music Video)

In the end, the son tells his father not to be afraid and that it is his turn to chase the monsters away.

There’s this sad and very powerful message behind both the song and even its official music video; it’s almost as if he’s trying to comfort his father, just like he did when he was a kid.

20. “Attacked by Monsters” by Meat Puppets

“Attacked by Monsters” is a song by the Meat Puppets. It was released as a single in 1989 and is included on their album Monsters.

The song is about being attacked by monsters, kissing dogs, and smoking and poking.

Attacked By Monsters

Although some of the ideas and phrases that they use might be a way to illustrate other things, the main point of this song seems to be about being careful with who and what you let into your life.

Especially when it comes to things that could potentially harm you in your life.

The song has a bit of a mysterious feel to it, which matches the subject matter well; it’s also a pretty catchy tune, which makes it even more memorable.

21. “Ugly” by The Exies

The Exies’ song “Ugly” is a dark and introspective look at society’s outcasts.

Its lyrics explore the idea of people who are considered to be ugly or losers, and how they are often treated as if they don’t matter.

Also, it touches on themes such as addiction and mental illness, and how these things can make someone feel even more alone and lost.

Despite all of this, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note.

The narrator says that he doesn’t care about any of it anymore because he knows that there are people out there who love him just as he is.

22. “Zombie” by The Cranberries

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is a song about the violence that plagues society and how it destroys it completely.

The lyrics talk about how a child is slowly taken by the violence and how it affects everyone around them.

The Cranberries - Zombie (Official Music Video)

It also touches on how we can be mistaken for the people who perpetuate the violence.

In the end, the song asks individuals, in this case, referred to as “Zombie” to think about what is really going on inside their heads.

23. “Beast and the Harlot” by Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1999

“Beast and the Harlot” is a song by them with lyrics that describe the fall of Babylon, a city known for its greed and corruption.

Avenged Sevenfold - Beast And The Harlot [Official Music Video]

The track reflects on the city’s downfall and warns that those who are not part of the city’s elite will be struck down.

It also contains a message about making the right choices in life and avoiding the temptations of sin.

24. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

“Thriller” performed by Michael Jackson was released as the fourth single from his studio album of the same name.

It is widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, and certainly one of Jackson’s best songs.

Michael Jackson - Thriller (Official 4K Video)

The track’s iconic music video, directed by John Landis, features Jackson dancing zombie-like in a graveyard with other zombies.

Said music video has been credited with transforming the music video into an art form and launching Jackson’s career as a global pop icon.

“Thriller” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.

25. “Monster” by Shawn Mendes ft. Justin Bieber

This song explores the feelings caused by the opinions of others about a person, especially the fear of being seen as a monster for our decisions and actions.

It talks about the pressure of living up to expectations and how it can lead to making some bad decisions.

Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber - Monster

It also touches on the idea of forgiveness and how it can help break the cycle of negativity that one can experience sometimes.

As for the rhythm and melody of the song, it features a very pop-like vibe that’s very usual with most of Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes’ music.

26. “Beautiful Monster” by Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo’s “Beautiful Monster” is a song about being attracted to someone even though they may be dangerous.

The lyrics describe the speaker’s feelings of being turned on but scared at the same time.

Ne-Yo - Beautiful Monster

Despite the risks, the speaker is still drawn to this person and doesn’t mind the danger.

This song is far from being and sounding scary, but it does touch on the idea of something dangerous but at the same time very appealing.

27. “Furry Happy Monsters” by R.E.M.

This track is about monsters who are feeling happy and sad, but all of a sudden things change and take a turn.

For some reason, the happy monsters that were once laughing and having fun, are now sad, crying and feeling glum.

Sesame Street: Happy Furry Monsters Song with R.E.M

However, the message of the song is that it’s never too late to turn things around and be happy again: “Come on, monsters! You don’t have to cry, we can be happy!”

Although the music video and the overall feel of the song don’t really give you the impression of real deep meaning, the lyrics by themselves do carry a significant message.

28. “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” by Bauhaus

This song goes around the classic horror movie star, Bela Lugosi, and it is believed to be the first gothic rock record.

It is said that after he died, his spirit remained on Earth, haunting those who loved and admired him.

Bauhaus - Bela Lugosi's Dead [1979]

 The lyrics describe how he is now a vampire himself, and how his fans still visit his tomb.

The track has a dark and spooky feel to it, which makes it perfect for Halloween or any scary theme occasion.

29. “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones

 “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones is about the struggles of carrying a burden and longing for someone to help ease the load.

The lyrics talk about how the person carrying the burden feels exhausted, both mentally and physically.

The Rolling Stones - Beast of Burden (Live) - OFFICIAL

They yearn for somebody to come along and help them, but they also worry that they may not be good enough for that person.

Despite this, they continue to hope; the song speaks to the human condition in a relatable way, which is likely why it has remained popular for so many years.

It is a reminder that we all carry burdens, but we are not alone in our struggles.

30. “Psychotron” by Megadeth

This song tells the story of a cyborg or mutant who is a killing machine, he is called Psychotron and he is very mean and tough.

Such thing that they can’t really describe is part bionic and part organic, and he is not afraid to destroy his enemies.

Megadeth - Psychotron (Music Video) UNOFFICIAL HD

This song is very heavy and fast-paced, with lots of electric guitars and heavy distortion.

It is definitely a great track to add to your headbanging or working out playlists.

31. “November Spawned a Monster” by Morrissey, of the Smiths.

Morrissey’s “November Spawned a Monster” is about a child who is born with deformities and is rejected by society.

The song reflects on how society treats those who are different, and how difficult it can be for them to find love and acceptance.

Morrissey - November Spawned A Monster

By the song’s title, we instantly know that said child was born in November and is very different from what people are used to seeing.

The lyrics express hope that someday the child will be able to find happiness and love despite its appearance.

32. “My Beloved Monster” by Eels

This song is about a person’s love for their monster, and that despite its looks, they do everything and go everywhere together.

Its lyrics talk about how the monster is always there for them, and how they would do anything to make sure their monster is happy.

My Beloved Monster (Eels)

There is also a sense of protection in the lyrics, as the person talks about how the monster is tough and can take care of themselves.

The track ends on a positive note, with the person saying that if you have good intentions with the monsters, they will be reciprocated, but otherwise, you can be destroyed.

33. “Monster” by Kanye West

This song belongs to Kanye West’s 2010 album ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’.

The lyrics deal with Kanye’s struggles with fame and success and how they can sometimes be overwhelming.

Kanye West - Monster ft. Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z & Bon Iver [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

He compares himself to a monster, saying that his fame and success have made him into something that he never wanted to be.

The track has an intense, dark sound that matches the lyrics and is one of the more popular songs on the album.

34. “Black Sabbath” by Black Sabbath

This song about Satan, the fear that he inspires in people, and how they can be drawn to his fire and be consumed by it. 

On the other hand, it could also be interpreted as a song about how people can be drawn to the darkness, and how they can be consumed by it.

Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath | (Black Sabbath, 1970) | [HQ]

Whatever the interpretation, the song is clearly about the power of evil, and the fear that most people have when it comes to that topic.

“Satan sitting there he’s smiling (…) please God help me” are some of the phrases from this song that perfectly describes the main story line that the artist is telling.

35. “Die Monster Die” by Misfits

Misfits are an American punk rock band that blended punk music with other genres and elements, as well as horror film themes and imagery.

Formed in New Jersey in the late 1970s, “Die Monster Die” is a song from their 1999 and fifth studio album ‘Famous Monsters’.

“I hope you die…die Monster die,” the lyrics are describing a person who enters a world of monsters and hopes that they die for some unknown reason.

The song has been labeled as “a perfect example of the Misfits’ signature sound: catchy, macabre, and full of energy.”

36. “Some Kind of Monster” by Metallica

This song is telling us about the flaws that we keep inside our soul and that can turn us into monsters.

It’s a metaphor for the dark side of human nature that we all have, and it’s something that can take over if we’re not careful.

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (Official Music Video)

The lyrics are pretty dark and ominous, and they capture the feeling of being trapped by our demons and inside our own heads.

It is definitely a song that Metallica fans will love, and it’s one of their more unique and interesting songs I would say.

37. “Green Monster” by Suicide Silence

This song is called “Green Monster” by Suicide Silence; just by the name of the band, you can assume that we’re in for an interesting track.

When it comes to the lyrics, they’re about a monster that represents all of the problems in the world.

Green Monster - Suicide Silence

They talk about how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and how this monster just keeps moving forward, crushing everything in its path.

It’s also about how people contribute to the growth of this monster, and how they are just feeding it like throwing gas into a fire.

For those of you into heavy metal and screaming lyrics, this song is perfect for you.

38. “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.

This song recounts the adventures of a team of paranormal investigators who use their ghost-catching skills to protect the city from ghosts.

It talks about how the ghostbusters are the ones to call when there’s something strange going on, and how they’re not afraid of ghosts.

Also, it mentions that the ghostbusters are especially good at busting ghosts that are bothering people in their sleep.

Besides that, it has a pretty catchy melody and great beat that will get you moving.

So if you’re ever in the mood to bust some ghosts, or just need a little pick-me-up, be sure to give this song a listen.

39. “Monster in the Parasol” by Queens of the Stone Age

This song is about a monster in a parasol, which is an allegory for something lurking beneath the surface.

Its lyrics talk about how the monster is growing and how it is covered in hair.

Someone named Paul has a sister, and they are saying that she’s an alien, which can be a way of saying how otherworldly and strange she is.

Queens Of The Stone Age - Monsters In The Parasol

The final verse talks about how the monster has a hold on the person and how said monster is in their parasol.

All these lines are written from the perspective of someone who is seeing things that they never thought they would see.

Despite all the frightening things that the narrator sees, they ultimately feel powerless to do anything about it.

40. “A Skeleton in the Closet” by Anthrax

This song is about a man who is revealed to be a former Nazi war criminal living in America under an assumed identity.

He is asked to tell his story, and he does so, revealing all the terrible things he did during the war.

ANTHRAX - A Skeleton In The Closet (OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO)

The track can be interpreted as a warning against hatred and bigotry, and how it can lead to terrible consequences.

It’s written from the perspective of someone who is hearing this story for the first time, and it is clear that they are shocked and horrified by what they are hearing.

The track ends with the man being killed by the police after a standoff (“It took five hours to bring him down”), and it is implied that his death was deserved.

41. “Monster” by  Michael Jackson ft. 50 Cent

This is yet another song called “Monster” and it is about the dangers of Hollywood and all the bad things that hide behind the show business.

Michael warns that everywhere you turn, there is a monster waiting to take advantage of you.

Michael Jackson - Monster (Feat. 50-Cent)

He describes how Hollywood can make you jump and bounce off the walls, and how it can make you drunk enough to fall.

Ultimately, he urges people to look in the mirror and see the monster that Hollywood has made of them.

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