"Misery" (CD single) (by Maroon 5, Pop)

common sense media says

Brooding breakup song is accompanied by very violent video.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this single gives a darker take on the average breakup, with somewhat morbid lyrics like "I am in misery, there ain't nobody who can comfort me / Why won't you answer me? Your silence is slowly killing me." The video also depicts a girl trying to physically hurt a guy by knifing him, hitting him with a car, and more. That said, the lyrics themselves are largely free of graphic language, sexual descriptions, or references to substance use. In the end, the song itself is acceptable for teens.

Positive messages: This tune is slightly darker than the average breakup song. For example: "Sometimes these cuts are so much deeper then they seem / You'd rather cover up, I'd rather let them bleed."

Positive role models: Despite the dark tone of this single, the members of Maroon 5 set good overall examples, leading clean lives and avoiding controversy.

Violence: Though the lyrics themselves aren't very violent, the whole video is based on a girl who tries to kill a guy by knifing him, shooting him, hitting him with a car, and other acts of violence.

Sex: A few steamy lines like "Your salty skin and how it mixes in with mine / The way it feels to be completely intertwined."

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how to handle an especially bad breakup. What are five things you can do to cheer yourself up after your heart's been broken?
What are five lessons you can learn from a bad breakup that can help you have more successful relationships in the future?

What's the story?

Hot pop band Maroon 5 has released the first single, titled "MISERY," off their third studio album, Hands All Over. The story behind the song involves a guy who's lamenting a painful breakup, giving a somewhat dark and more adult rendition of post-breakup emotions: "I wrote two hundred letters I will never send / Sometimes these cuts are so much deeper than they seem / You’d rather cover up, I’d rather let them bleed ... I am in misery, there ain’t nobody who can comfort me ... The silence is slowly killing me." Despite the melancholic overtone, the lyrics don't include explicit language or graphic descriptions of sex. However, the video is another matter -- showing the band members under various forms of physical attack by an extremely violent woman. Though the song itself is OK for teens, watch out for the video.

Is it any good?

"Misery" features the classic sound that's made other Maroon 5 songs famous: bubbly pop beats combined with lead singer Adam Levine's unusually high vocals. While the formula is nothing we haven't heard before, it still results in a catchy enough tune that will appeal to die-hard Maroon 5 fans and anyone who appreciates good, solid pop.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: July 29, 2010
Label: A&M Records
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese

Review It

Most useful reviews by all members

palmtreeluva
teen, 14 years old

The music vid's not appropriate...

...but the song is alright. It's just a breakup anthem. The video's filled with sexual behavior, violence, and etc. Just don't see the video unless you're 14 at the least.

What other families should know

Music Details

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"Misery" (CD single) (by Maroon 5, Pop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on "Misery" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review "Misery" (CD single)

Most useful reviews by all members

The music vid's not appropriate...

I Love Maroon 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love the song Love the video

good song

Good song accompanied by very violent video.

Fine song

the greatest misery cd made ever

Great song for those who are used to Adam Levine going all soprano on us.

Thumbs up

Watch the video before you let your kids see it

Lyrics: Good, Video: BAD!

a great song with a video younger kids will find miserable *rimshot*

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a great song with a video younger kids will find miserable rimshot