Remember Rio and get down
Like some other DJ, in some other town
She's been trying to tell me to hold tight
But I've been waiting this whole night
But I've been down across a road or two
But now I've found the velvet sun
That shines on me and you

In the back, ah-ho, I can't crack
We're on top
It's just a shimmy and a shake, ah-ho
I can't fake, we're on top, we're on top

The day is breaking, we're still here
Your body's shaking and it's clear
You really need it, so let go
And let me feed it, but you know
That I've been down across a road or two
But now I've found the velvet sun
That shines on me and you

In the back, ah-ho, I can't crack
We're on top
It's just a shimmy and a shake, ah-ho
I can't fake, we're on top, we're on top
We bring the bump to the grind, ah-ho
I don't mind, we're on top
It's just a shimmy and a shake, ah-ho
I can't fake, we're on top, we're on top

And we don't mean to satisfy tonight
So get your eyes off of my pride tonight
'Cause I don't need to satisfy tonight
It's like a cigarette in the mouth
Or a handshake in the doorway
I look at you and smile because I'm fine

And we don't mean to satisfy tonight
So get your eyes off of my pride tonight
'Cause I don't need to satisfy tonight
It's like a cigarette in the mouth
Or a handshake in the doorway
I look at you and smile because I'm fine now

Overall Meaning

The Killers' song, "On Top", is a song that conveys a sense of excitement and hedonism. The song's lyrics revolve around the idea of being on top and enjoying life to its fullest, despite any obstacles that one may face. The song opens with a reference to Rio, which can be interpreted as a reminder to enjoy life like one would on a thrilling Rio carnival ride. The references to "some other DJ in some other town" suggest a carefree attitude towards living life to the fullest and partying like there's no tomorrow.

The lyrics further reflect the idea of being in control and seizing the moment. The line, "I've been waiting this whole night", reinforces this idea by implying that the singer has been anticipating this moment for a long time. The reference to "the velvet sun" suggests a feeling of comfort and warmth, adding to the sense of liberation and being on top.

The chorus, which repeats the phrase "we're on top," reinforces the theme of being in control and living life to the fullest. The line, "And we don't mean to satisfy tonight / So get your eyes off of my pride tonight," suggests that the singer is not concerned with what others think, but focused on enjoying the moment with their partner. Overall, "On Top" is a song about shedding inhibitions and enjoying life without reservations.

Line by Line Meaning

Remember Rio and get down
Let's party like we did in Rio

Like some other DJ, in some other town
Let's party like we used to do with some other DJ in some other town

She's been trying to tell me to hold tight
She's been telling me to be patient

But I've been waiting this whole night
I've been waiting for this moment all night

But I've been down across a road or two
I've had my share of struggles

But now I've found the velvet sun
But now I've found happiness

That shines on me and you
That we can share together

In the back, ah-ho, I can't crack
I can't be beaten even when put in the backseat

We're on top
We are successful

It's just a shimmy and a shake, ah-ho
It's all just fun and games

I can't fake, we're on top, we're on top
I'm not pretending; we really are on top

The day is breaking, we're still here
The night is almost over, but we're still going strong

Your body's shaking and it's clear
It's evident that your body is enjoying itself

You really need it, so let go
You really need to relax and have fun

And let me feed it, but you know
Let me satisfy your need for excitement

That I've been down across a road or two
I've had my share of struggles

But now I've found the velvet sun
But now I've found happiness

That shines on me and you
That we can share together

We bring the bump to the grind, ah-ho
We know how to make things exciting

I don't mind, we're on top
I'm not complaining; we are successful

And we don't mean to satisfy tonight
We're not here to please anyone else

So get your eyes off of my pride tonight
Don't try to bring me down

'Cause I don't need to satisfy tonight
Because I'm already satisfied with where I am

It's like a cigarette in the mouth
It's like a guilty pleasure

Or a handshake in the doorway
Or a friendly greeting

I look at you and smile because I'm fine
I'm happy and content

Now
Right now in this moment

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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