Flesh and Bone
The Killers Lyrics

I've gone through life white-knuckled in the moments that left me behind
In my past, I have clenched my fists tightly during moments when I felt left out, as though the world owed me something.

Refusing to heed the yield
I was stubborn and refused to listen to anyone who tried to persuade me to give up or change course.

I penetrate the force fields in the blind
I boldly take risks and ignore potential obstacles, even if I do not have all the necessary information about the situation.

They say I'll adjust, God knows I must
Although others believe I will eventually adapt and change, I am not entirely convinced that I can do so myself.

But I'm not sure how
I know that I need to change or adapt, but I am not sure how to do it effectively.

This natural selection picked me out to be
It feels like fate or random chance that I find myself in this situation, unsure of how to move forward.

A dark horse running in a fantasy
Like a character in a story who is not expected to succeed, but who runs forward anyway with determination.

(Flesh and bone)
(Reminder that I am human, mortal, and vulnerable.)

And I'm running out of time (flesh and bone)
I feel a sense of urgency to succeed or change, because I am aware that life is finite and I cannot take it for granted.

Somewhere outside that finish line
Beyond my current struggles and challenges, there might be a better, happier place for me.

I square up and break through the chains
I face my fears and find the courage to break free from negative patterns or influences that have been holding me back.

And I hit like a raging bull
I become fierce and unstoppable in my pursuit of what I want.

Anointed by the blood, I take the reins
I feel empowered and ready to take control of my life, like a victorious warrior or king.

Cut from the cloth of a flag that bears the name of "Battle Born"
I come from a lineage of people who have faced challenges and fought for what they wanted, and I carry that legacy with me.

They'll call me the contender
Others will recognize me as someone who is fighting to win or achieve their goals.

They'll listen for the bell
Others will be waiting for me to succeed or signal that I am ready to start a new phase of my life.

With my face flashing crimson from the fires of hell
I am battle-scarred and have endured much pain or struggle, but I am still fighting and have not given up.

(What are you afraid of?)
(A prompt to reflect on what fears or doubts might be holding me back from success.)

And what are you made of? (Flesh and bone)
What qualities and values do I have that make me worthy or able to succeed, despite my mortality and vulnerability?

Man, I'm turning on a dime (flesh and bone)
I am making quick, decisive moves in my life, without knowing for sure if they will lead to success or failure.

(This could decay)
(A warning that all my hard work and progress could be threatened by outside forces or my own mistakes.)

This could decay like the valley below
Just as nature can slowly wear away at a landscape, so too can time or negative forces wear away at my confidence or progress.

Defenses are down
I am vulnerable and exposed to attack or scrutiny.

The stakes are high (scouting the crowd for a face of compassion)
There is much to lose if I fail, and I am looking for support or empathy from those around me.

The fairytale end (to face off the journey that fathers no more)
The storybook version of my life, where everything ends up perfectly, is at odds with the reality that life is fleeting and will soon come to an end.

The staggering blow (you'll find the truth in the roots of desire)
I might be blindsided by some unexpected event or circumstance, but I can always return to my original passions, values, and motivations to find my way forward.

You lead with your chin (thinkin' with your corners, just a compass and the sun)
Sometimes I might be too bold or reckless in my pursuit of my goals, but I can still rely on my natural instincts or intuition to guide me forward.

(thinkin' with your corners, just a)
(A reminder that even when things get tough, I can still rely on my inner strength and creativity to overcome challenges.)

This could be real
Despite all the doubts, fears, and challenges I face, I am still chasing after something that is meaningful and worthwhile.

Simple
The path forward might not be easy, but it can be straightforward and clear if I stay focused.

He faces forward, trading in his blindness for the world of love
I am looking ahead, embracing the unknown and taking a risk to put myself out there and experience new things.

And time is raging, may it rage in vain
There is a sense of urgency and pressure to make the most of my time, but I hope that the passage of time will not diminish the joy and fulfillment I find in life.

And you always had it, but you never knew
I had the potential and strength to succeed all along, but I was too blinded by fear or doubt to see it.

So boots and saddles, get on your feet
As in preparing for battle, I must be ready and equipped to face whatever comes my way.

There's no surrender, 'cause there's no retreat
Even if I face setbacks or challenges, I cannot give up or hide away—it is better to fight and continue moving forward.

The bells are sounding, bring this match to an end
I am ready for the final battle or challenge that will test my limits and determine if I am truly ready to succeed.

We are the descendants of giant men
I come from a lineage of people who have overcome great obstacles and achieved remarkable things, and I aim to continue that legacy.