Be Still
TheKillers. Lyrics
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And go on to bed
Nobody knows what lies ahead
And life is short
To say the least
We're in the belly of the beast
Be still
Long may your innocence reign
Like shells on the shore
And may your limits be unknown
And may your efforts be your own
If you ever feel you can't take it anymore
Don't break character
You've got a lot of heart
Is this real or just a dream?
Rise up like the sun
Labor 'til the work is done
Be still
One day you'll leave
Fearlessness on your sleeve
When you've come back, tell me what did you see
What did you see?
Was there something out there for me?
Be still
Close your eyes
Soon enough you'll be on your own
Steady and straight
And if they drag you through the mud
It doesn't change what's in your blood
(Over rock, over chain, over trap, over plain)
When they knock you down
Don't break character
You've got a lot of heart
Is this real or just a dream?
Be still
Be still
Be still
Be still
Over rock and chain
Over sunset plain
Over trap and snare
When you're in too deep
In your wildest dream
In your made up scheme
When they knock you down
When they knock you down
Don't break character
You've got so much heart
Is this real or just a dream?
Oh rise up like the sun and
Labor 'til the work is done
Rise up like the sun and
Labor 'til the work is
Rise up like the sun and
Labor 'til the work is done
The song "Be Still" by The Killers is a motivational piece that urges the listener to persevere against obstacles they may face in life. The lyrics begin with advice to "be still" and "go on to bed" because nobody knows what lies ahead. Life is short, and we are constantly in the midst of challenges, or "the belly of the beast." However, it is important to stay "wild and young" and let one's "innocence reign." The imagery of "shells on the shore" and having "unknown limits" further convey the idea of the vastness of life and the importance of living it to the fullest.
The chorus of the song is a reminder to "rise up like the sun" and "labor 'til the work is done." The listener is urged to not break character, no matter what is thrown their way. The lyrics pause to remind the listener that one day we will all leave this life with "fearlessness on [our] sleeve." When that day comes, the singer looks forward to hearing the listener's story and whether they found what they were searching for in life.
The song ends with a reiteration of the chorus, culminating in a message of persevering through the challenges in life, even if it feels like we are in over our heads. The repetition of the inflections and drumbeats adds emphasis to the message and makes the listener more resolute in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Be still
Take a moment to pause and find peace
And go on to bed
Rest and don't worry about what the future holds
Nobody knows what lies ahead
The future is uncertain and unpredictable
And life is short
Time flies by quickly
To say the least
At the very minimum
We're in the belly of the beast
We're in a difficult or dangerous situation
Wild and young
Full of energy and enthusiasm
Long may your innocence reign
May you maintain your purity and idealism for a long time
Like shells on the shore
Fragile and vulnerable
And may your limits be unknown
May you aim to achieve great things and push beyond your current boundaries
And may your efforts be your own
May you work hard and strive for success without relying on others
If you ever feel you can't take it anymore
If you ever feel overwhelmed or defeated
Don't break character
Don't give up on who you are or what you believe in
You've got a lot of heart
You are brave and determined
Is this real or just a dream?
Questioning the reality of the situation
Rise up like the sun
Take action and be a force to be reckoned with
Labor 'til the work is done
Keep working hard until the task is complete
One day you'll leave
One day you will move on or pass away
Fearlessness on your sleeve
Bravery and courage easily visible
When you've come back, tell me what did you see
Reflect on your experiences and share with others
Was there something out there for me?
Questioning whether there is a greater purpose or destiny to fulfill
Close your eyes
Block out distractions and focus inward
Soon enough you'll be on your own
Soon you will be independent and have to rely on yourself
Steady and straight
Remain focused and determined
And if they drag you through the mud
If others try to bring you down or make you look bad
It doesn't change what's in your blood
Your true nature and character cannot be altered by outside forces
Over rock, over chain, over trap, over plain
No matter the obstacles or challenges
When they knock you down
When you face adversity or setbacks
You've got so much heart
You have an abundance of courage and determination
Oh rise up like the sun and
Stand tall and make your presence known
Labor 'til the work is done
Keep working hard until the task is complete
Rise up like the sun and
Take action and be a force to be reckoned with
Labor 'til the work is
Keep working hard until the task is complete
Rise up like the sun and
Take action and be a force to be reckoned with
Labor 'til the work is done
Keep working hard until the task is complete
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brandon Flowers, Daniel Roland Lanois, Dave Brent Keuning, Mark August Stoermer, Ronnie Jr. Vannucci
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind