While listening to the radio in his car after his very first college class, Flowers heard the song "Changes" by David Bowie. He fell in love with the piece and realized immediately that he wanted to be part of the music industry.
His career in music began when he became a member of Las Vegas band Blush Response (this was where he discovered he could sing), but he was fired after refusing to move to Los Angeles, California, with the rest of the band. After leaving Blush Response, Flowers realised that he still wanted a career in music and came across an ad for guitarist David Keuning. After many short-term bassist and drummers, the pair met Ronnie Vanucci (drums) and Mark Stoermer (bass) and the band has been together since. In 2004 the group released Hot Fuss (after having toured with Morrissey in multiple sold out shows), 2006 - Sam's Town, 2007 - Sawdust, 2008 - Day & Age
In April 2010, Flowers announced his first solo album entitled Flamingo, which was produced by a team of legendary producers: Daniel Lanois (U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, Neil Young), Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Train), and Stuart Price (Keane, Killers, Madonna, New Order, Scissor Sisters, Seal). A special Bonus Track edition has also been released featuring four additional songs, "The Clock Was Tickin", "Jacksonville", "I Came Here To Get Over You", and "Right Behind You"
After some of the band members wanted "to take a break from touring and the rat race," Flowers decided to keep it going and record a second solo album. The Desired Effect was released on May 15, 2015. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, making it Flowers' second consecutive solo number one album.
The Desired Effect is Flowers' highest yet ranked album on Metacritic and honored as the Album of the Year (2015) by The Sun and The San Francisco Examiner. Reviews positively described the album as Flowers' finest work since Hot Fuss. The album was preceded by positively reviewed singles "Can't Deny My Love", "Still Want You", "Lonely Town", and "I Can Change". Multiple tracks from the album were listed on Best Songs of 2015 So Far lists by publications including SPIN, NPR, and Mashable. Halfway through 2015, USA Today listed the album as one of the top five best albums of 2015 so far.
The Desired Effect Tour included performances in Europe and North America; it ran through October 1, 2015.
Official solo site: http://www.brandonflowersmusic.com
Official twitter: http://twitter.com/brandonflowers
Official band site: http://www.thekillersmusic.com
Hard Enough
Brandon Flowers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there was magic and fire in the night
In loving I was just a little boy
I made mistakes that caused you so much pain
All I know is that I'm older now
Some people think that it's best to refrain
From the conventions of old-fashioned love
They tell themselves that they're too young to settle down
Girl I promise that I'm older now
And this has been hard enough on you
I know it's been hard enough on me
Been telling myself that I can roll with the changes
And when the water gets high above your head
Darling don't you see,
While this has been hard enough on you
It's been hard enough on me
I wasn't looking when we built these walls
Let me spread my dreams at your feet
Let's not let time's bitter flood rise
Before my thoughts begin to run
I think I'm getting older now
And this has been hard enough on you
I know it's been hard enough on me
Been telling myself that I can roll with the changes
And when the water gets high above your head
Darling don't you see,
While this has been hard enough on you
It's been hard enough on me
Can't stand the thought of another, talking to you sweet my dear
Where would I be tonight if you hadn't held me here, in your arms?
And this has been hard enough on you
I know it's been hard enough on me
Been telling myself that I can roll with the changes
And when the water gets high above your head
Darling don't you see,
While this has been hard enough on you
It's been hard enough on me
In Brandon Flowers's song Hard Enough, the lyrics convey a sense of regret and reflection on past mistakes made in a relationship. The opening line "You let me into your life on a whim" suggests that the relationship was not thoroughly thought out or planned. However, there was a spark and passion that made it work for a while. Flowers admits that he was "just a little boy" when it came to love, and made mistakes that caused his partner pain. Despite this, he insists that he is older now and presumably wiser, and wants to make things work with his partner.
The second verse addresses the concept of settling down in a relationship. Some people may think it's best to avoid the traditional ideas of love and commitment, but Flowers argues that this only leads to emptiness and loneliness. He promises that he is ready for a mature and serious relationship. The chorus repeats the idea that the difficult times in the relationship have affected both parties, and that Flowers is willing to handle the tough times together with his partner. The line "Can't stand the thought of another, talking to you sweet my dear" further emphasizes the depth of Flowers's feelings for this person and his fear of losing them.
Overall, the lyrics of Hard Enough express a sense of vulnerability and desire to make things right in a relationship, despite the difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
You let me into your life on a whim
I came into your life unexpectedly
And there was magic and fire in the night
We had a magical and passionate night
In loving I was just a little boy
I was inexperienced in love
I made mistakes that caused you so much pain
I hurt you with my mistakes
All I know is that I'm older now
I have grown and matured since then
Some people think that it's best to refrain
Some people believe in not getting too attached
From the conventions of old-fashioned love
They don't believe in traditional forms of love
Their hearts are filled with holes and emptiness
They are emotionally broken
They tell themselves that they're too young to settle down
They believe they are too young for a committed relationship
Girl I promise that I'm older now
I promise that I am ready for a committed relationship
And this has been hard enough on you
I know that what we've been through has been difficult for you
I know it's been hard enough on me
It has been difficult for me as well
Been telling myself that I can roll with the changes
I have been trying to adapt to the changes in our relationship
And when the water gets high above your head
When things get overwhelming for you
Darling don't you see,
Please realize
While this has been hard enough on you
I understand that it has been difficult for you
It's been hard enough on me
It has also been hard for me
I wasn't looking when we built these walls
We unintentionally created barriers between us
Let me spread my dreams at your feet
Let me share my aspirations with you
Let's not let time's bitter flood rise
Let's not let time bring negative changes to our relationship
Before my thoughts begin to run
Before I become overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions
I think I'm getting older now
I am becoming more mature
Can't stand the thought of another, talking to you sweet my dear
I can't bear the idea of someone else sweet-talking you
Where would I be tonight if you hadn't held me here, in your arms?
I would be lost without you by my side
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJAMIN LYSAGHT, BRANDON FLOWERS, DANIEL ROLAND LANOIS, JENNY LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind