The meaning and story of Harley Poe's song "Monsters" revolves around themes of abuse, trauma, and the internal struggles faced by the protagonist. It paints a grim picture of a dysfunctional household where monsters inhabit the bodies of the protagonist's parents, causing harm and keeping them thin. The lyrics suggest that these "monsters" do not want to eat the protagonist, but rather keep them silent and hidden. The protagonist's sibling is also affected, as their eyes are covered to prevent them from witnessing the horrors. The repeated refrain of "Don't come into this place, Don't ask me questions, don't look at my face" conveys a sense of secrecy and fear. Amidst this dark environment, the protagonist seeks solace in the backyard, finding temporary escape by smashing bugs or capturing a frog. However, realizing the frog's suffering, they bury it to provide peace and freedom from the past. The song explores the protagonist's feelings of hopelessness and the idea that their pain will only last for one night, with the expectation of a brighter tomorrow. They write their sister's name in the sand, showing their love and belief that God is within her. They envision her resting alongside their friend in the ground, waiting for Jesus to return. The protagonist reveals that they have hidden their sister's body from their angry and possibly abusive parents. They escape through a hole and run away, but they know their parents will eventually find them, leaving the outcome uncertain. Overall, "Monsters" suggests a deeply disturbing and troubled family dynamic, showcasing the internal struggles faced by the protagonist and the cycle of abuse they find themselves trapped in.
