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
On the Floor
Brandon Flowers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Settling in my room, I'm unnoticed
When the still comes in through my window, letting me go
I feel a calm, come over me, on the floor
On the floor
Where the rats all come away clean
There on the floor
Well I find myself on my knees
Begging please
When the lights go down in the city
And everyone goes, to their room
Walking the trail to dreamland
When the lights go down in the city, something is roaring
I find myself waiting to believe
On the floor
Where the mice call shots in the corner that's where I'll be
When the crickets come home and sing their symphony
Well I find myself on my knees
Begging please
On the floor
Facing the things I've done here on the floor
Where the years have gathered and run that's where I'll be
And I find myself on my knees
Begging please
The lyrics of Brandon Flowers's song On the Floor appear to describe a sense of resignation or surrender, as the singer finds himself alone and unheard, seeking solace on the floor. The opening lines set the scene, as the lights go down in the city and the singer retreats to their room, unnoticed by others. The stillness that follows seems to provide a source of calm, but also a feeling of being adrift, "letting me go". The repeated refrain "On the floor" creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability, a place where the rats may run free and the children scream out the door. Despite this, the singer seems to find a kind of acceptance or even comfort in this lowly position, "facing the things I've done here on the floor/where the years have gathered and run".
The lyrics use a number of natural and animalistic images that evoke a feeling of being connected to the earth and to something primal. The mice and crickets are given a voice in the second verse, emphasizing the idea that the singer is not alone in seeking refuge on the floor. There is also a sense of humility or even penitence in the repeated phrase "begging please", suggesting a desire for forgiveness or understanding.
Overall, the lyrics of On the Floor suggest a theme of acceptance and surrender, as the singer seeks refuge on the floor and confronts their past. The repeated refrain emphasizes a sense of isolation and vulnerability, while the natural and animalistic imagery creates a connection to the earth and to something instinctual.
Line by Line Meaning
When the lights go down in the city, getting real low
As everyone retreats to their own spaces, I settle into my own and become unnoticed.
When the still comes in through my window, letting me go
As the night grows quiet, I feel a sense of peace wash over me.
I feel a calm, come over me, on the floor
I find solace and comfort on the floor as I let my emotions and thoughts overtake me.
On the floor, where the rats all come away clean
The floor is a sanctuary where even the dirtiest and most desperate creatures can find refuge and redemption.
There on the floor, where the children all stomped and screamed straight out the door
The innocence and chaos of childhood seems to echo on the floor, where the vibrations of life are absorbed into the ground.
Well I find myself on my knees, begging please
Despite my composure and calmness, I am still desperately asking for help or guidance.
On the floor, where the mice call shots in the corner that's where I'll be
The lowly and insignificant creatures reign in their own domain on the floor, while I search for my place amongst them.
When the crickets come home and sing their symphony
The natural order of things continues on the floor, even as I try to sort out my own feelings in the midst of it.
Facing the things I've done here on the floor
The floor is where I confront my own mistakes and misdeeds, hoping to find a way to make amends.
Where the years have gathered and run that's where I'll be
The floor is a place where time seems to have both stood still and flown by, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia and longing.
And I find myself on my knees, begging please
Even as I reflect on my life and the passage of time, I am still searching for answers and pleading for guidance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDON FLOWERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
EonarOWNS
wow, i remember the day i listened to this in high school. i'd close my eyes and get lost in this beautiful song... and the whole album. this song aged so well. thank you brandon flowers :)
Laughy-Flaaffy
Man, this song is so underrated. People need to listen to this song while driving through neon street signs at night in the city.
Daniel Amaya
Killers or no Killers, Brandon Flowers will always be one of my top favorite artists.
alisonkate
I was listening to this song and I was on wiki - I saw this "Flowers' mother, Jean Flowers, died on February 11, 2010, after a two-year battle with brain cancer. She was 64." and I just started tearing up. You can see how Brandon's music is such an influence to everyday emotions.
mykowskiis
This is probably my favorite track on the album. I can listen to it all day, it's just so very powerful and moving.
Daniela Rodríguez
Love this song... and Brandon is a great artist. Love him voice and love him!
Midwinternight (Formerly Aqua Bluerose)
This is beautiful, sounds like it would be in a vintage Disney movie!
teramuffin
If it was anyone else singing about being on the floor, I wouldn't buy it. I'd probably laugh. This is utterly gorgeous.
Azucena del prado
This song gives me the shivers, I went to few of the shows and this was the starting song, this melody was the confirmation that a great show was about to beggin :)
Jenni B
Love it<3 This song sounds like it should be in a movie, close your eyes and you can picture it perfectly :)