human
THE-KILLERS Lyrics


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I did my best to notice
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
Cut the cord

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
Give 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 go

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, is your heart 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

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?

Are we human
Or are we dancer?




Are we human
Or are we dancer?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Human" by THE-KILLERS are quite curious and mysterious. The beginning of the song suggests that the singer is someone who has been called upon for something and has surrendered themselves to this cause. However, there seems to be some underlying nervousness about this. The singer explains that sometimes they get nervous when they see an open door, but then advises to "close your eyes, clear your heart, cut the cord". This implies a sense of finally making a decision and moving on, even though it could be difficult.


The ensuing chorus is what usually catches the ear of most listeners, and is quite cryptic. The singer poses a rather philosophical question while also describing their own stance: "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". The line "are we dancer" is thought to be a reference to a mishearing of the words "are we denser", which would make more grammatical sense. The singer seems to be asking whether humans are meant to act purely on instinct, like dancers, or whether we should also be more emotionally connected to the world.


The second half of the song details the singer's goodbyes to different things, including grace and virtue, soul and romance, and devotion. The singer seems to have some sort of worry about the state of the world, and is looking for someone to "let me know, is your heart still beating". Overall, the song seems to be about human nature and what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It explores the idea of whether we are purely instinct-driven or whether there is something more to being human.


Line by Line Meaning

I did my best to notice
I tried hard to pay attention and be aware


When the call came down the line
When I received the message


Up to the platform of surrender
To the place where I had to give in and let go


I was brought, but I was kind
I was taken there, but I remained gentle and considerate


And sometimes I get nervous
And at times I feel anxious


When I see an open door
When I have the opportunity to take a new path


Close your eyes, clear your heart
Relax and let go of your worries and fears


Cut the cord
Break free from your old self and start anew


Are we human
Are we imperfect and vulnerable beings


Or are we dancer?
Or are we just following predetermined paths without free will


My sign is vital
My identity and purpose are crucial


My hands are cold
I am nervous and scared


And I'm on my knees
I am humble and praying for guidance


Looking for the answer
Searching for meaning and direction in life


Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Give acknowledgment and appreciation to righteousness and moral excellence


Send my condolences to good
Offer sympathy and regret for the loss of goodness


Give my regards to soul and romance
Express admiration and respect to spirituality and love


They always did the best they could
They tried their hardest despite the difficulties


And so long to devotion
Goodbye to my commitment and dedication


You taught me everything I know
You were my mentor and guided me through life lessons


Wave goodbye, wish me well
Say farewell and hope for my success


You've gotta let me go
You need to release me and allow me to move forward


Will your system be alright
Will your way of life continue successfully


When you dream of home tonight?
When you think of your safe and familiar place in your mind


There is no message we're receiving
We are not getting any guidance or direction


Let me know, is your heart still beating?
Tell me, are you still alive and passionate


You've gotta let me know
You need to inform me




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Imalostboy

I did my best to notice
When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was broad, but I was kind

And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes
Clear your heart
Cut the cord

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
Give 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 got to let me go

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, is your heart 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

You've got to 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?

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?



@megspetsalon

I lost my dad in 2014 when I was 14 it was heartbreaking 🤍 this song played in the background the last time I was with him 🤍 he hugged me and kissed my forehead and told me he loved me 🤍🤍

Today this song plays in the background of all the achievements in my life and I just know he is with me for example

~ The first time I drove in my car with my full license it played on the radio

- The time I went into the back to get my business card for my small business it played in the back never have I heard music in the bank

- on my 18th birthday it played on the radio when I was getting ready to go out

- or when I brought my little sister on her first holiday since we lost him the singer at the Irish bar sang it as soon as we got our drinks and took our seat without us requesting it

since the night he said goodbye to me that night on the 18th of may it has played anytime I was sad or accomplished something it’s his way of letting me know he is with me 🤍🤍🤍

Thank you so much for making this song it means everything to me when I hear it 🤍🤍🤍



All comments from YouTube:

@thra5herxb12s

Played this at my Dads funeral. He loved this song. He was 80 years old and music was his life.

@samf512

Bro, that's breathtaking i'm very sure wherever's your dad, he is very pride of having a son who respect the music as life himself

@ellieimray5366

DEAN WATERS same but it was my grandad instead 😭

@sergiorojas8103

Your father is very proud of you, wherever he is, man

@alanzomac-nack4903

Respect bro. And your dad had a perfect taste❤️

@furiousghost6315

Your a Great Man Dean
I’m sure your Father is really proud of u

68 More Replies...

@everythingisalright6790

I can’t explain how nostalgic this song is for me.

@rosadicigra287

Yeah me too...

@magdalenezhimomi1976

Same

@groot969

I remember that 11 years ago when this song came on tv, the tv volume went on 100 and me my parents and 3 brothers started singing it outloud..

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