human
Sublime Reggae Kings Lyrics
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When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was brought but I was kind
And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes, clear your heart
Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human or are we dancer?
Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Send my condolences to good
Hear my regards to soul and romance
They always did the best they could
And so long to devotion
You taught me everything I know
Wave goodbye, wish me well
You've gotta let me know
Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human or are we dancer?
Will your system be alright?
When you dream of home tonight
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know, if your heart's still beating
Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human or are we dancer?
Are we human or are we dancer?
The lyrics of "Human" by Sublime Reggae Kings interpret the existential questions concerning the human condition, identity, and purpose. The opening lines suggest that the singer is attentive and alert to the call that comes their way. The platform of surrender represents the point of transition where the singer is compelled by circumstances to resign from their normal state and brace for an uncertain future. However, the singer exemplifies kindness, which indicates that they are willing to embrace the situation despite their reservations.
The song's recurring question "Are we human or are we dancer?" is open to varied interpretations. The phrase is attributed to Hunter S. Thompson, an American journalist, who once wrote that the human species was reducing to mere automatons or dancers. Some argue that the lyrics imply that humans are either free-spirited individuals or mere puppets controlled by the system. In the second verse, the singer laments the decline of grace, virtue, devotion, soul, and romance, as they are reduced to relics of the past.
The third verse introduces a sense of isolation and confusion. The singer questions the reception or availability of the message they are trying to communicate. The final line of the song, "Are we human or are we dancer?" arguably suggests that whether we are autonomous beings or just puppets in the grand design, ultimately, it's how we choose to live that determines our humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
I did my best to notice
I tried my hardest to pay attention
When the call came down the line
When the message was delivered to me
Up to the platform of surrender
To the point where I was ready to give up
I was brought but I was kind
I was forced into it, but I remained polite
And sometimes I get nervous
Occasionally, I feel anxious
When I see an open door
When I have the opportunity to make a change
Close your eyes, clear your heart
Take a moment to meditate and focus
Cut the cord
Let go of anything holding you back
Are we human or are we dancer?
Are we individuals with free will, or mere puppets?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
I may appear healthy, but inside I'm frozen
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
I am searching desperately for the truth
Pay my respects to grace and virtue
I show admiration for honor and righteousness
Send my condolences to good
I express sympathy for goodness and positive deeds
Hear my regards to soul and romance
I send my well-wishes to love and passion
They always did the best they could
These values always tried their hardest
And so long to devotion
Farewell to my commitment
You taught me everything I know
You were my guide and mentor
Wave goodbye, wish me well
Say goodbye kindly, and hope for my success
You've gotta let me know
Please inform me
Will your system be alright?
Will you be okay in the end?
When you dream of home tonight
When you imagine returning home at night
There is no message we're receiving
We're not getting any clear signals or information
Let me know, if your heart's still beating
Tell me if you're still alive and passionate
Are we human or are we dancer?
Are we more than just marionettes in this world?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brandon Flowers, Dave Brent Keuning, Mark August Stoermer, Ronnie Jr. Vannucci
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind