On Top
Killers Lyrics


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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 catchy and upbeat tune that tells the story of a couple coming together and experiencing a moment of pure joy and abandon. The lyrics recall a night of clubbing and dancing, with the singer ("some other DJ in some other town") and their partner caught up in the moment and forgetting about all the troubles and worries of the past. The repeated phrase "we're on top" creates a sense of empowerment and achievement, as if the couple has overcome all obstacles and reached a state of bliss.


The first verse of the song references the past ("remember Rio") but quickly moves to the present, with the singer stating that they have been waiting all night for this moment. The "velvet sun" that the couple has found suggests a feeling of warmth and comfort, as if they are finally in a place where everything is just right. The chorus reinforces this idea, with the "shimmy and shake" of the music and the repetition of "we're on top" creating a feeling of excitement and joy.


The second verse takes on a more sensual tone, with the singer describing the "body shaking" of their partner and the desire to "feed" them. However, this is all presented as part of the experience of being "on top," of reaching a heightened state of pleasure and enjoyment. The final verse reinforces this idea, with the singer declaring that they do not need to "satisfy" anyone else tonight, as long as they are with their partner and feeling fine.


Overall, "On Top" is a celebration of the moment, of living fully in the present and experiencing all the joy and pleasure that life has to offer.


Line by Line Meaning

Remember Rio and get down
Recall the joys of the past and let yourself go


Like some other DJ, in some other town
Similar to the way other DJ's rock the house in other places


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


But I've been waiting this whole night
But I've been holding out for this moment


But I've been down across a road or two
But I've experienced some difficulties in the past


But now I've found the velvet sun
But now I'm in the perfect situation


That shines on me and you
That brings out the best in both of us


In the back, ah-ho, I can't crack
Despite difficulties, I can't be broken


We're on top
We're in control and living our best lives


It's just a shimmy and a shake, ah-ho
It's just an expression of joy and excitement


I can't fake, we're on top, we're on top
I'm not pretending, we really are on top of the world


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


Your body's shaking and it's clear
You're feeling the music and letting go


You really need it, so let go
You're craving this moment, so enjoy it


And let me feed it, but you know
And I'll satisfy that craving, but you already knew that


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


So get your eyes off of my pride tonight
Quit judging me and just let me live my life


It's like a cigarette in the mouth
This is just as fulfilling as a smoke


Or a handshake in the doorway
Or a warm greeting from a friend


I look at you and smile because I'm fine
I see you and am happy because I'm content with where I'm at in life


We bring the bump to the grind, ah-ho
We add excitement and spice to our everyday lives


I don't mind, we're on top
I don't mind the bumps along the way, because ultimately we're on top




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

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