Some of the lyrics toward the end of song hold special meaning. "Now Cinderella don't you go to sleep/ It's such a bitter form of refuge/ Don't you know the kingdom's under siege?/ And everybody needs you." Cinderella, Flowers' Mother, actually suffers from a brain tumor, and it's a message from her son to hang on.
It's also Brandon Flowers' favorite track on Day & Age. He said that on a french interview. "That's one of my favorite song on the record. The arrangements on this track were the most difficult thing to do, but it's worth it", says Flowers.
A Dustland Fairytale
The Killers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just another white trash
County kiss
Sixty one
Long brown hair and foolish eyes
He looks just like you want him to
Some kind of slick chrome American prince
A blue jean serenadeAnd Moon River what'd you do to me
And I don't believe you
Saw Cinderella in a party dress but
She was looking for a night gown
I saw the devil warping up his hands
He's getting ready for the show down
I saw the minute that I turn away
I got my money on a pawn tonight
Change came in disguised of revelation
Set his soul on fire
She said she'd always knew he'd come around
And the decades disappear like sinking
Ships we persevere god gives us hope
But we still fear
We don't know
The mind is poison castle in the sky
Sit stranded vandalized
The draw bridge is closing
Saw Cinderella in a party dress but
She was looking for a night gown
I saw the devil warping up his hands
He's getting ready for the show down
I saw the ending were they turned the pageI threw my money and I ran away
Strait to the valley of the great divide
And were the dreams roll high
And were the wind don't blow
Out here the good girls die
And the sky won't snow
Out here the bird don't sing
Out here the field don't grow
Out here the bell don't ring
Out here the bell don't ring
Out here the good girls die
Now Cinderella don't you go to sleep
Its such a bitter form of refuge
Ah don't you know the kingdoms under siege
And everybody needs you
Is there still magic in the midnight sun
Or did you leave it back in sixty-one
In the of the cadence in the young mans eyes
And were the dreams roll high
The Killers' "A Dustland Fairytale" is a song full of rich storytelling and nostalgia, drawing on lead singer Brandon Flowers' memories of growing up in a town on the outskirts of Las Vegas. The song's lyrics tell the story of two lovers, one man and one woman, who are both struggling to find their way in life.
The song begins with the introduction of a young man, who is described as a "slick chrome American prince" with "foolish eyes." The singer has some doubt about this man, stating "And I don't believe you." Soon after, the lyrics mention "Cinderella in a party dress" who is looking for a night gown, possibly implying that she is a young girl who is lost, confused, and searching for direction. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the two lovers find each other and set each other's souls on fire. However, they must face challenges and obstacles, including the devil himself in a "showdown."
The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Out here the good girls die," suggesting that growing up in a small town might mean sacrificing one's dreams and ambitions in order to survive. The song ends with a plea to Cinderella to not give up and to continue to believe in the magic of life. Flowers has stated that the song is about "the difficulties of growing up and becoming an adult, and the choices that have to be made."
Line by Line Meaning
Dustland fairytale beginning
This is the start of a story that may seem like a fairytale, but takes place in a dusty, unglamorous reality.
Just another white trash
This is a story about people who society considers to be of low social status and not worthy of admiration.
County kiss
This is a reference to the innocence and simplicity of life in a small town.
Sixty one
This is a year in the past that was a golden age for the characters in the story.
Long brown hair and foolish eyes
This is a physical description of one of the characters in the story.
He looks just like you want him to
This character fits the archetype of a charming, handsome young man that the audience can easily root for.
Some kind of slick chrome American prince
This character represents the ideal of the American dream, and the idea that success and happiness are possible through hard work and determination.
A blue jean serenade
This is a reference to the romanticized image of America, and the idea that love can be found in simple, everyday things.
And Moon River what'd you do to me
This is a reference to the power of music to evoke emotions and create memories that last a lifetime.
And I don't believe you
The artist is skeptical of what is being presented to him, and is questioning the veracity of the story.
Saw Cinderella in a party dress but
This is a reference to the idea of someone who is trying to be something that they are not, and a metaphor for the struggle to find one's true identity.
She was looking for a night gown
Despite her efforts to appear glamorous and sophisticated, Cinderella is still searching for her true self and her place in the world.
I saw the devil warping up his hands
This is a metaphor for the conflict and tension that exists in the story, and the idea that there are darker forces at work.
He's getting ready for the show down
This is a reference to the impending conflict and the idea that there will be a major confrontation between the characters in the story.
I saw the minute that I turn away
The singer is aware that there are things happening that he cannot see, and that there are forces at work that are beyond his control.
I got my money on a pond tonight
This is a metaphor for the chaos and unpredictability of life, and the idea that sometimes we have to take risks and make bets in order to survive and succeed.
Change came in disguised of revelation
This is a reference to the transformative power of change, and the idea that sometimes we need to experience a revelation in order to grow and evolve.
Set his soul on fire
This is a reference to the idea that true passion and inspiration can ignite a person's soul and motivate them to pursue their dreams.
She said she'd always knew he'd come around
This is a testament to the power of faith and the belief that good things will happen if we just keep pushing forward.
And the decades disappear like sinking ships we persevere god gives us hope
This is a reference to the passage of time and the idea that we must keep moving forward even in the face of adversity, with the belief that there is a greater power guiding us forward.
But we still fear
Despite our faith and our perseverance, we still feel scared and uncertain about what the future holds.
We don't know
There are many things in life that are beyond our understanding or our control, and we must accept that we cannot always have all the answers.
The mind is poison castle in the sky
This is a reference to the idea that sometimes our own thoughts and beliefs can be self-destructive, and that our minds can keep us trapped in a world of our own making.
Sit stranded vandalized
This is a metaphor for feeling lost and alone, and the idea that sometimes we can become trapped in our own thoughts and emotions.
The draw bridge is closing
This is a reference to the idea that sometimes it feels like the door is closing on our dreams and that we will never be able to achieve what we desire.
I saw the ending were they turned the page
This is a reference to the idea that the story is coming to a close, and that the characters are moving on to a new chapter in their lives.
I threw my money and I ran away
This is a metaphor for the idea that sometimes we must take big risks and make significant changes in order to pursue our dreams.
Strait to the Vally of the great divide
This is a reference to the idea of leaving behind what is no longer serving us and moving forward into a new, better future.
And were the dreams roll high
This is a metaphor for the idea that our dreams and aspirations can take us to great heights, and that we should never stop reaching for the stars.
And were the wind don't blow
This is a metaphor for the idea of finding peace and tranquility in our lives, and being free from the turmoil and chaos of the world around us.
Out here the good girls die
This is a dark statement about the unfairness of life, and the idea that sometimes bad things happen to good people for no discernible reason.
And the sky won't snow
This is a metaphor for the idea that sometimes life can be cold and unforgiving, and that there is no relief or respite from the hardships we face.
Out here the bird don't sing
This is a metaphor for a world without hope, where even the sounds of nature are silenced and there is no beauty left in the world.
Out here the field don't grow
This is a metaphor for the idea that sometimes things simply don't work out the way we want them to, and that even our best efforts are in vain.
Out here the bell don't ring
This is a metaphor for the idea that there is no hope left, no signs of life or success, and that we are alone in the world.
Now Cinderella don't you go to sleep
This is a plea to the character of Cinderella, to not give up hope even in the darkest times.
Its such a bitter form of refuge
This is a reference to the idea that sometimes we turn to things that are not good for us in search of comfort, and that we must be careful not to fall into bad habits in times of stress and uncertainty.
Ah don't you know the kingdoms under siege
This is a metaphor for the idea that the world is constantly changing and that we must be ready to adapt and respond to new challenges.
And everybody needs you
This is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are people who care about us and want us to succeed and be happy.
Is there still magic in the midnight sun
This is a metaphor for the idea that there is still hope and beauty in the world, even in the darkest times.
Or did you leave it back in sixty-one
This is a reference to the idea that sometimes we lose our sense of wonder and optimism as we grow older and face more challenges in life.
In the of the cadence in the young mans eyes
This is a reference to the idea that there is still hope and beauty in the world, and that the younger generation has the potential to create a better future for us all.
And were the dreams roll high
This is a metaphor for the idea that our dreams and aspirations can take us to great heights, and that we should never stop reaching for the stars.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brandon Flowers, Dave Brent Keuning, Mark August Stoermer, Ronnie Jr. Vannucci
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@deisy4677
Lyrics:
A Dustland fairytale beginning
With just another white trash county kiss
In '61, long brown hair and foolish eyes
He looked just like you'd want him to
Some kind of slick chrome American prince
A blue jean serenade
Moon River what'd you do to me
I don't believe you
Saw Cinderella in a party dress but
She was looking for a night gown
I saw the devil wrapping up his hands
He's getting ready for the showdown
I saw the minute that I turned away
I got my money on a pawn tonight
The change came in disguise of revelation, set his soul on fire
She said she'd always knew he'd come around
And the decades disappear like sinking ships, but we persevere
God gives us hope, but we still fear what we don't know
The mind is poison
Castles in the sky sit stranded vandalized
We're drawbridges closing
Saw Cinderella in a party dress
But she was looking for a nightgown
I saw the devil wrapping up his hands
He's getting ready for the showdown
I saw the ending when they turned the page
I threw my money and I ran away
Straight to the valley of the great divide
Out where the dreams all hide
Out where the wind don't blow
Out here the good girls die
And the sky won't snow
Out here the bird don't sing
Out here the field don't grow
Out here the bell don't ring
Out here the bell don't ring
Out here the good girls die
Now Cinderella don't you go to sleep
It's such a bitter form of refuge
Why don't you know the kingdom's under siege
And everybody needs you
Is there still magic in the midnight sun
Or did you leave it back in sixty-one
In the cadence of a young man's eyes
Out where the dreams all hide
@gabbydeloreann
A Dustland Fairytale beginning
With just another white trash county kiss
In ‘61
Long brown hair and foolish eyes
He looked just like you'd want him to
Some kind of slick chrome American prince
A Blue Jean serenade
Moon River, what'd you do to me?
I don't believe you
Saw Cinderella in a party dress
But she was looking for a nightgown
I saw the devil wrapping up his hands,
He's getting ready for the showdown.
I saw the minute that I turned away,
I got my money on a pawn tonight.
A change came in disguise of revelation
Set his soul on fire.
She said she always knew he'd come around
And the decades disappear
Like sinking ships but we persevere
God gives us hope, but we still fear what we don't know
Your mind is poisoned
Castles in the sky sit stranded, vandalized.
The drawbridge is closing
Saw Cinderella in a party dress
But she was looking for a nightgown
I saw the devil wrapping up his hands
He's getting ready for the showdown.
I saw the ending when they turned the page
I threw my money and I ran away
Straight to the valley of the great divide
Out where the dreams all hide
Out where the wind don't blow
Out here the good girls die
And the sky won't snow
Out here the bird don't sing
Out here the field don't grow
Out here the bell don't ring
Out here the bell don't ring
Out here the good girls die
Now Cinderella, don't you go to sleep
It's such a bitter form of refuge
Why don't you know the kingdom's under siege
And everybody needs you.
Is there still magic in the midnight sun
Or did you leave it back in '61?
In the cadence of a young man's eyes
Out where the dreams all hide
@thelhjk69
“Saw Cinderella in a party dress” segment goes hard I love this song so much
@maybeisabelleee
The Killers always manage to make me cry.
@LebAu06
Isabelle Mojica yeh
@doomking2471
Isabelle Mojica yer lol
@mdntech
Isabelle Mojica you're not the only one. I always feel like I come back to their music when I feel down. It helps me fnd strength to keep moving forward
@armandolanda5082
Isabelle M. well not always but they get me like that too. I've passed some of my sadest hours to the soothing sounds of the Brandon Flowers.lol
@adrianmartinez6548
The Killers is one of my top favorite modern bands.
@theonesyouloved
this song is definitely under-appreciated
@TheAerofrontier
+theonesyouloved For me, the best!
@dethwyshtv1
+theonesyouloved i think i heard in a interview Brandon said it was one of his personal favorites, that he wished more enjoyed and gave notice to