James Blunt’s music video for his poignant single ‘Monsters’ is a powerful testament to the complexities of familial love and the inevitability of loss. Released in 2019, the song delves into the singer’s emotional journey as he grapples with his father Charles Blount’s diagnosis of stage four chronic kidney disease.
The video’s raw honesty is both captivating and heartbreaking. Blunt’s lyrics, delivered with a mix of vulnerability and strength, lay bare the rawness of his emotions. He sings, “I’m not your son, you’re not my father / We’re just two grown men saying goodbye / No need to forgive, no need to forget / I know your mistakes and you know mine,” as tears stream down his face.
Adding another layer of intimacy to the visual narrative, the video features Blunt’s father joining him in the final scene. The simple act of Charles Blount holding his son’s arm speaks volumes about their bond and the unspoken understanding they share.
The genesis of ‘Monsters’ stemmed from Blunt’s need to express his profound love and admiration for his father. In a social media post, he shared, “‘Monsters’ is a eulogy to my father – except he’s still alive and kicking. But he’s not been well — his kidneys are functioning at just 11%. And with that realisation, I needed to tell him that, to me, he’s more than just a father. He’s my friend too, and that I love him.”
Blunt’s advocacy for his father extended beyond the music video. Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he bravely used the platform to raise awareness about organ donation and even appealed to viewers for potential kidney donors for his father. “I’ve come on here to ask you what blood group you are,” he said. “Some things have been going on in my life that I needed to write about. My father has not been very well actually. He needs a new kidney. And he’s a kidney donor. And I’ve come on here to ask you what blood group you are. If you are an O-positive I’ll take it off you.”
‘Monsters’ resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a poignant anthem for those navigating the complexities of familial relationships in the face of illness and mortality. The song, featured on Blunt’s 2019 album Once Upon a Mind, was also a testament to his philanthropic spirit. He generously donated all profits from the song to Help for Heroes and British Legion charities.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Charles Blount underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2020. James Blunt shared the good news with his fans, expressing relief and gratitude for his father’s improved health.
‘Monsters’ stands as a testament to the power of music to convey raw emotions and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. The song’s enduring legacy lies not just in its musicality but also in its profound message of love, acceptance, and the unbreakable bond between a father and son.
