It’s fascinating how many songs explore the theme of monsters in such diverse ways. From metaphorical representations to literal depictions of creatures, this theme has become a staple in the music industry.
Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or even country, you’re bound to find a song that delves into this captivating topic. So, next time you’re listening to music, pay attention to the lyrics and let yourself be taken on a journey through the world of monsters.
Here are some notable songs about monsters
1. Thriller by Michael Jackson
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Album: Thriller
- Year Released: 1983
- Genre: Post-Disco, Funk
Thriller by Michael Jackson is an iconic song and its accompanying music video features zombies and other supernatural creatures, making it a classic Halloween anthem.
The song was produced by Quincy Jones.
2. Monster Mash by Bobby “Boris” Pickett
- Artist: Bobby “Boris” Picket
- Album: The Original Monster Mash
- Year Released: 1962
- Genre: Novelty and Pop-Rock
Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s Monster Mash is a song that celebrates a dance party attended by classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman.
3. Godzilla by Blue Öyster Cult
- Artist: Blue Öyster Cult
- Album: Spectres
- Year Released: 1978
- Genre: Heavy Metal and Hard Rock
Godzilla is a hard rock song that pays homage to the famous giant monster from Japanese cinema.
4. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon
- Artist: Warren Zevon
- Album: Excitable Boy
- Year Released: 1978
- Genre: Rock
Werewolves of London is a classic rock song by the American singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. Released in 1978 as part of his album “Excitable Boy,” the song became one of Zevon’s most popular and enduring hits.
5. The Monster by Eminem ft Rihanna
- Artist: Eminem ft Rihanna
- Album: The Marshall Mathers LP 2
- Year Released: 2013
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
The Monster by Eminem featuring Rihanna is a song that delves into Eminem’s struggles with fame and his inner demons. Released in 2013 as part of Eminem’s album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, the song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
It earned several award nominations and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2015. The song’s music video further explores the themes of inner demons and features imagery of Eminem confronting various aspects of his psyche.
6. Zombie by The Cranberries
- Artist: The Cranberries
- Album: No Need to Argue
- Year Released: 1994
- Genre: Alternative rock/grunge
While not about literal monsters, this song addresses the horrors of war and violence, using the metaphor of zombies. This song is a protest song in memory of two young victims of a bombing in Warrington.
7. Iron Man by Black Sabbath
- Artist: Black Sabbath
- Album: Paranoid
- Year Released: 1970
- Genre: Heavy Metal
Iron Man is a song by the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Released in 1970 as a track on their second studio album, Paranoid, it is one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs.
The song tells the story of a man who travels to the future and witnesses the apocalypse. Upon his return to the present, he is turned into steel and is unable to communicate with humanity, leading to his descent into madness and desire for revenge
8. The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden
- Artist: Iron Maiden
- Album: The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden
- Year Released: 1982
- Genre: Heavy Metal
Written by bassist Steve Harris, The Number of the Beast explores themes of fear, superstition, and the occult. The lyrics describe a nightmarish vision of being pursued by demonic forces and ultimately encountering the Devil himself.
Upon its release, The Number of the Beast sparked controversy and accusations of promoting Satanism, mainly due to its lyrical content and imagery.
Despite that, The Number of the Beast became one of Iron Maiden’s most successful and influential songs, cementing their status as pioneers of the heavy metal genre.
9. Superstition by Stevie Wonder
- Artist: Stevie Wonder
- Album: Talking Book
- Year Released: 1972
- Genre: Funk, Funk Rock
While not directly about monsters, this funk classic song explores the fear and superstitions that can be associated with the unknown and supernatural.
Upon its release, Superstition topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Stevie Wonder’s second number-one single in the United States.
It also received critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male in 1973.
10. Monster by Paramore
- Artist: Paramore
- Album: Brand New Eyes
- Year Released: 2011
- Genre: Alternative Rock
The song is characterized by its energetic guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and powerful vocals by lead singer Hayley Williams. The lyrics explore themes of inner turmoil, facing one’s demons, and overcoming challenges.
Monster received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success, charting in several countries.
It further solidified Paramore’s reputation as one of the leading bands in the alternative rock scene and remains a popular track in their discography.
11. Monster by Kanye West ft Jay Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver
- Artist: Kanye West ft Jay Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver
- Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
- Year Released: 2010
- Genre: Hip-Hop
It is known for its dark and aggressive tone, along with its provocative lyrics and high-profile collaborations.
The song became one of the standout tracks from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and is often cited as one of Kanye West’s greatest songs.
12. Pussy Monster by Lil Wayne
- Artist: Lil Wayne
- Album: No Ceilings
- Year Released: 2009
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Pussy Monster is known for its explicit lyrics, where Lil Wayne raps about his sexual prowess and encounters with women. The song features provocative and graphic descriptions of sexual acts and fantasies, as well as boasts about his ability to satisfy women.
13. He’s Back by Alice Cooper
- Artist: Alice Cooper
- Album: Constrictor
- Year Released: 1986
- Genre: New Wave
He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask) is a song by Alice Cooper, released in 1986. It was featured as the theme song for the movie Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.
The song is notable for its catchy melody and lyrics that reference the iconic horror character Jason Voorhees.
14. The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley
- Artist: Sheb Wooley
- Album: The Purple People Eater
- Year Released: 1958
- Genre: Novelty and Pop-Rock
The song topped the Billboard pop charts in the late 1950s. Purple People Eater is a 1988 Disney Channel film based on the song.
15. Monster by Lady Gaga
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Album: The Fame Monster
- Year Released: 2009
- Genre: Pop
Her fear of attachment monsters inspires Lady Gaga’s Monster. The singer revealed that the word “monster” describes her fear of sex and relationships and it erupted from her need to have a stable relationship.
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16. Bark At The Moon by Ozzy Osbourne
- Artist: Ozzy Osbourne
- Album: Bark At The Moon
- Year Released: 1983
- Genre: Heavy Metal and Glam Metal
Bark at the Moon is a song by British heavy metal vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, released in 1983 as the title track of his third studio album.
The song is known for its dark and atmospheric lyrics, which tell the story of a creature that emerges from the shadows to terrorize a town under the full moon’s light.
17. Frankenstein By Edgar Winter
- Artist: Edgar Winter
- Album: They Only Come Out At Night
- Year Released: 1973
- Genre: Instrumental Rock, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Art Rock
Frankenstein features Winter’s virtuosic keyboard playing, particularly on the synthesizer, which he uses to create a range of sounds and effects, including the iconic riff that drives the song.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Winter a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Performance in 1974.
18. Psychotron by Megadeth
- Artist: Megadeth
- Album: Countdown To Extinction
- Year Released: 1992
- Genre: Metal
The term Psychotron refers to a fictional device mentioned in the song, which is described as a weapon of mass destruction capable of controlling minds and causing chaos.
The lyrics depict the devastating impact of this weapon and the havoc it wreaks upon humanity.
The song is considered one of the standout tracks on Rust in Peace and has become a fan favorite among Megadeth’s extensive catalog.
19. Scary Monsters by David Bowie
- Artist: David Bowie
- Album: Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
- Year Released: 1981
- Genre: Post-punk, art rock, new wave
Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) features dark and surreal lyrics, exploring themes of paranoia, alienation, and societal decay.
The song’s title refers to the frightening and bizarre characters that populate David Bowie’s imagination, reflecting the sense of unease and uncertainty prevalent in the early 1980s.
20. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
- Artist: Ray Parker Jr.
- Album: Ghostbusters: Original Soundtrack Album
- Year Released: 1984
- Genre: Dance-Pop
Ghostbusters is a song by American musician Ray Parker Jr., released in 1984 as the theme song for the comedy film Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis.
The song was a major commercial success and became one of Parker’s most well-known and iconic tracks.
21. Furry, Happy Monsters by R.E.M
- Artist: R.E.M
- Album: Sesame Street: Monster Hits!
- Year Released: 1991
- Genre: Rock
Furry Happy Monsters is not a song by R.E.M. but actually by the children’s television program “Sesame Street.” However, it was performed as a parody of R.E.M.’s song Shiny Happy People and featured on the show’s 1991 album “Sesame Street: Monster Hits!
The song is often associated with them due to its parody of their hit song Shiny Happy People.
22. Beast of Burden by Rolling Stones
- Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Album: Some Girls
- Year Released: 1978
- Genre: Rock
Beast of Burden is a song by the Rolling Stones, released on their 1978 album Some Girls. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The song has become one of the Rolling Stones’ most enduring hits and a staple of their live performances. It has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.
23. Meet the Monster by Five Finger Death Punch
- Artist: Five Finger Death Punch
- Album: The Way of the Fist
- Year Released: 2007
- Genre: Heavy Metal
The Five Finger Death Punch band delivers a powerful and aggressive performance typical of their style. The lyrics convey themes of inner turmoil, personal struggles, and the darker aspects of human nature.
The “monster” in the song may metaphorically represent the inner demons or challenges that individuals face.
24. Die Monster Die by Misfits
- Artist: Misfits
- Album: Walk Among Us
- Year Released: 1982
- Genre: Punk Rock
The band sings about monsters and creatures of the night, reflecting the horror and sci-fi themes that are prevalent in much of their music.
The lyrics are inspired by classic horror movies and literature, with references to vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings.
25. Beast and the Harlot by Avenged Sevenfold
- Artist:Avenged Sevenfold
- Album: City of Evil
- Year Released: 2005
- Genre: Heavy Metal
Beast and the Harlot features intense guitar riffs, intricate solos, and powerful vocals by lead singer M. Shadows.
The lyrics are inspired by the biblical Book of Revelation and depict the downfall of Babylon, with references to the “beast” and the “harlot” mentioned in the scripture.
26. Monster by Skillet
- Artist: Skillet
- Album: Awake
- Year Released: 2009
- Genre: Hard Rock
The lyrics explore themes of inner struggles, personal demons, and the battle against one’s darker impulses. The “monster” referenced in the song represents the protagonist’s internal struggles and the challenges they face in overcoming them.
The song received positive reviews from critics and reached the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
27. My Beloved Monster by Eels
- Artist: Eels
- Album: Beautiful Freak
- Year Released: 1996
- Genre: Rock
My Beloved Monster is a quirky and upbeat track with a playful melody and catchy lyrics.
The lyrics of My Beloved Monster describe a complicated relationship with a beloved partner who is seen as both endearing and troublesome.
28. Puff The Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary
- Artist: Peter, Paul & Mary
- Album: Moving
- Year Released: 1963
- Genre: Folk/Pop
The song is written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow, and performed by the American folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary.
The song tells the story of a magical dragon named Puff and his young friend Jackie Paper. The lyrics describe Jackie Paper’s childhood adventures with Puff, including flying over fields and forests and frolicking in the autumn mists.
29. The Monster is Loose by Meat Loaf
- Artist: Meat Loaf
- Album: Bat Out of Hell III
- Year Released: 2006
- Genre: Rock
In The Monster is Loose, Meat Loaf sings about a protagonist who feels like an outcast and a monster, struggling to control his darker impulses.
The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion and defiance against societal norms, as the protagonist embraces his inner “monster” and seeks freedom from the constraints of society.
30. Demons by Imagine Dragons
- Artist: Imagine Dragons
- Album: Night Visions
- Year Released: 2013
- Genre: Pop
The song explores themes of inner struggles, self-doubt, and the battle against personal demons.
The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection, as the protagonist grapples with their inner turmoil and seeks redemption.
