The lyrics of The Killers’ hit song “Human” have been the subject of much debate since its release in 2008. Specifically, the line “Are we human or are we dancer?” has left many listeners scratching their heads and wondering what exactly it means.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that the correct phrase is “dancers,” not “dancer.” This mistake was made during an interview with lead singer Brandon Flowers, and later perpetuated by various sources. The corrected lyric changes the meaning significantly as well.
One interpretation is that the line references a quote from author Hunter S. Thompson: “We’re raising a generation of dancers.” Thompson used this metaphor to describe how society encourages conformity and discourages individuality. In this context, being a “dancer” would mean blindly following societal expectations without question.
In this reading of the lyric, questioning whether we’re “human” or simply acting like mindless followers highlights society’s tendency to suppress our individuality in favor of compliance with norms.
Another interpretation links back to a more straightforward reading – literally asking if we are human or dancer (or dancers). Flowers himself called on people to use their own understanding when interpreting his songs,
“For me everybody gets tune their ear be able internalize thing understand things differently and I say let them do that,” he told radio.ie
He went on to offer his own thoughts on what he meant on Absolute Radio: “It started because I was having trouble expressing myself just within my personal relationships … You know sometimes you struggle with questions [like] ‘What does she want from me?’ … But also there’s larger ones like ‘What am going through right now in my life? Does anyone get it?’. So when those larger questions came up…out comes ‘Are we humans or are we dancers?’”
Flowers maintained that answer both lied within ourselves as individuals (“And then after I concocted all these crazy lines…I brought it back to ‘this is your life, you’re the one that has to live these experiences and nobody’s going to get it for you. You have to figure them out.’ ”).
What seems clear is that Flowers intended this line as a reflection on individuals’ internal struggles with what their life means, and our attempts at figuring out an answer in spite of difference in opinion or experience.
Another theory involves biblical references. John 3:6 reads, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” This could mean that “humans” refer to those who are focused purely on earthly matters (i.e., people who prioritize material possessions), whereas “dancers” symbolize those who aspire towards spiritual attainment.
Additionally, The Killers often incorporate religious imagery into their music – for example, their song “All These Things That I’ve Done” includes the chorus “I got soul but I’m not a soldier,” which was adopted by many as an expression of personal beliefs.
Alternatively, some suggest dancers may represent Angels dancing around God’s throne (“the Lamb on His throne will be their shepherd”), from Revelation 7:17.
In this context, asking if we’re human or dancer becomes a profound question about whether we are grounded in physical pursuits or striving more towards transcendental goals.
Ultimately though, each interpretation should be taken with a pinch salt. Flowers himself has offered his own view on the matter but encourages fans ultimately draw meaning according to their own lives
Regardless of how one chooses to interpret it though, there’s no denying that The Killers created something special with “Human.” Its catchy tune combined with thought-provoking lyrics precisely what made it so popular all over again ten years after its release – everyone can find something in themselves within its words
The Killers’ hit song “Human” has captivated listeners worldwide since its release in 2008. The song is widely known for its catchy tune, but it’s the lyrics that have sparked debate and left many people scratching their heads over the years.
In particular, the line “Are we human or are we dancer?” has been a subject of much discussion and speculation. Fans all over the world have been trying to decipher what exactly this lyric means and how it relates to the song as a whole.
Lead singer Brandon Flowers, who wrote and sang this track, has himself offered several interpretations of these lines. But before we delve into those explanations, it’s crucial to address one commonly misunderstood part – It’s not “Are we human or are we dancer”, but rather “Are we human or are we DANCERS?”. This makes a significant difference in interpretation compared with singular form—dancer—other than using plural term which changes focus on individuals as makers embodying dance.
One reading suggests that Flowers was alluding to Hunter S. Thompson’s famous quote: “We’re raising a generation of dancers.” Thompson used this metaphor to describe how society expects people always follow norms and discourage individuality demarcating an audience against conformists. So if someone refers themselves as ‘Dancers’ they may resemble puppets following instructions just flowingly without thinking too deeply about their actions.
From this point of view, asking whether humans embody freedom or dancers reflect conformity seems so essential with no decisive answer involved except personal stance dictating finality notion about self-creation therein.
Another possibility is more straightforward – perhaps Flowers wanted his audience simply to take away from his music whatever resonated most personally with them? In interviews he insisted that fans should use their own understanding when interpreting his songs; everyone gets to listen each piece variously tuning into different meanings catered towards multiple perspectives deciding truth depending upon experience(s).
“Are we humans or are we dancers?” he asked himself, questioning how people cope with discrepancies in individualistic philosophies. He admitted that at times he’d struggled amidst these same lines pondering deeper meaning behind his lyrics related through personal relationships needing solace and understanding however coming to realization your own path/goals is the only way clear things up internally.
Some theorists even suggest biblical references might hold a key meaning here like John 3:6 Bible passage which states: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” One interpretation relegates humans as those who focus on material gains encapsulating earthly possessions while ‘dancers’ may symbolise an aspiration towards spiritual attainment dragging in God’s divine light.
The Killers has used religious imagery throughout their music over the years. One could find expression of this theme most profoundly in their song “All These Things That I’ve Done” which includes the chorus “I got soul but I’m not a soldier.”
Alternatively, some suggest ‘Dancers’ can represent angels dancing around God’s throne (“the Lamb on His throne will be their shepherd”), from Revelation 7:17 wherein acting like discipleships drives them high for physical aspirations and beyond.
In short, everyone listening to The Killers’ song “Human” finds something different within it based on personal experiences – they might relate to internal struggles, connect it intrinsically with divine/religious purposes or disillusionment concerning societal norms dictating individuals thereby creating digital puppets out of them!
Ultimately there isn’t one finalized conclusion about what Brandon Flowers intends for listeners taking made world think twice before answering his questions again – Are We Human Or Are We Dancer(s)?