Let me out
Don't tell me everything
Start it out
Like any other day
Must have gave the wrong impression
Don't you understand where I belong?
I'm not the one

Stand again
They say nothing comes for free
And that's the truth
I've been living in a fantasy
Slip and slide ahead trip heaven
Self-denial is such a wonderful and powerful thing
But I'm not the one

The morning dove sings with two broken wings
Carry me home, I'm not afraid
The stars in my eyes with shimmering lights
Carry me home, don't let me fade away

Stop the press the kids light is growing dim
It took a month long slide, then the world came caving in
When you self-destruct you wind up looking for a glimmer of hope
But the writing's on the wall
I'm not the one

The morning dove sings with two broken wings
Carry me home, I'm not afraid
The stars in my eyes with shimmering lights
Carry me home, don't let me fade

Just how thick is your skin? (Away)
Just how sharp are your teeth?
Oh, you've got a lot to learn
Is there somewhere else that I can win
Is there something else to start over again
From the summit's edge to the cutting room floor
I will be afraid no more (no more)

The morning dove sings with two broken wings
Carry me home, I'm not afraid
The stars in my eyes with shimmering lights (with shimmering lights)
Carry me home, don't let me fade
Carry me home, carry me

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of The Killers' Carry Me Home sounds like a plea for help from someone trapped in a situation or environment that they didn't anticipate. The singer almost sounds trapped or imprisoned, pleading with the listener to "let me out" and not reveal everything. The verse continues with the thought that the situation has escalated from something normal and gradually deviated into something else. The singer is aware that the "wrong impression" has been given, but it is unclear whether that impression is from their own actions or those of someone else. The singer's desire to belong is also highlighted, as they lament that no one seems to understand where they belong.

In the chorus, the singer continues expressing their fear of fading away, a sentiment that is common in the band's music. The image of a "morning dove with two broken wings" is poignant and evokes a sense of vulnerability that is reflected in the song's overall themes. The singer seems to be seeking help, to be "carried home" to a place of safety and security. The second verse sounds more desperate than the first, as the singer confesses to living in a "fantasy" and slipping and sliding towards an uncertain future.

Line by Line Meaning

Let me out
I want to escape from my current situation

Don't tell me everything
I don't want to know every detail

Start it out Like any other day
I want things to be normal, not different or special

Must have gave the wrong impression
I think I gave someone the wrong idea about me

Don't you understand where I belong?
Do you not see that I don't fit in here?

I'm not the one
I am not the person you think I am

Stand again They say nothing comes for free And that's the truth I've been living in a fantasy
I need to pick myself up and face reality. Everything has a cost, and I can't keep living in a dream world.

Slip and slide ahead trip heaven Self-denial is such a wonderful and powerful thing But I'm not the one
Ignoring my problems and trying to pretend everything is okay might feel good in the moment, but it won't solve anything.

The morning dove sings with two broken wings Carry me home, I'm not afraid The stars in my eyes with shimmering lights Carry me home, don't let me fade away
I feel broken and lost, but I'm not scared to face my problems if someone is there to help me. I want to feel hopeful and alive again.

Stop the press the kids light is growing dim It took a month long slide, then the world came caving in When you self-destruct you wind up looking for a glimmer of hope But the writing's on the wall I'm not the one
My life has been spiraling out of control, and now everything seems to be falling apart. I wanted to find something to believe in, but it seems hopeless now.

Just how thick is your skin? (Away) Just how sharp are your teeth? Oh, you've got a lot to learn Is there somewhere else that I can win Is there something else to start over again From the summit's edge to the cutting room floor I will be afraid no more (no more)
I need to be tougher and more resilient to face my problems. I don't know where to go or what to do, but I won't let fear control me anymore.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brandon Flowers, Dave Brent Keuning, Mark August Stoermer, Ronnie Jr. Vannucci

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it