Rut
The Killers Lyrics
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'Cause I'm just in a rut
I'm climbing but the walls keep stacking up
Can't keep my mind off of every little wrong
I see the mouths are open but I can't hear the song
I've done my best to fill 'em
But the cracks are starting to spread
Go on, turn your head
But don't give up on me
'Cause I'm just in a rut
I'm climbing but the walls keep stacking up
I can't keep pretending this next stop isn't mine
The truth is on the table, and someone's gotta sign
I've done my best defending
But the punches are starting to land
I'm sliding into something
You won't understand
Don't give up on me
'Cause I'm just in a rut
I'm climbing but the walls keep stacking up
But don't give up on me
'Cause I'm just in a rut
I'm climbing but the walls keep stacking up
So I'm handing you a memory
I hope you understand
That steadily reminds you
Of who I really am
This city's always breathing
I wish that it would die
The king rags and the bachelors
The fever for the velvet rope
The money from my mother's men
I'm not like her, you're not like them
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll climb and I'll climb
Oh but don't you give up on me (don't you give up, don't you give up)
Don't you give up on me (don't you give up, don't you give up)
Don't you give up on me (I'll climb and I'll climb)
Don't you give up on me (I'll climb and I'll climb)
The lyrics of The Killers' song "Rut" delve into themes of struggle, perseverance, and the fear of losing oneself. The singer expresses a plea to not be abandoned despite being trapped in a stagnant and difficult phase of life. They describe themselves as being in a rut, metaphorically representing a feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward. The walls mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the obstacles that keep piling up, making it harder for the singer to escape their current situation.
The line "Can't keep my mind off of every little wrong" suggests that the singer is overwhelmed by negative thoughts and past mistakes. They notice that people around them are talking, but they cannot hear the song, implying a sense of disconnection and isolation from the world. The singer acknowledges their efforts to fill the void and fix their problems but expresses how cracks have started to appear, indicating that their efforts are beginning to falter.
Despite feeling misunderstood, the singer urges their loved ones not to give up on them. They acknowledge that their struggles may be difficult to comprehend but request understanding and support. The singer feels a sense of desperation, admitting that they cannot keep up the facade of pretending that everything is fine. They believe that the truth is evident and someone needs to address it.
In the last verse, the singer metaphorically hands a memory to someone, hoping that it will remind them of who the singer truly is. The memory serves as a reminder of their identity, perhaps in contrast to the challenges they currently face. The singer expresses discontent with the city they are in, describing it as always breathing, implying a constant state of movement and change. They desire a break from the relentless pace of life, wishing for a cessation of its demands and pressures.
Overall, "Rut" explores the internal turmoil and external pressures that can leave someone feeling trapped and desperate for understanding. It's a plea to be seen and supported while struggling through difficult times, and an acknowledgment that sometimes the weight of these struggles can be difficult for others to fully comprehend. However, the singer remains determined to keep pushing forward and promises to continue climbing despite the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't give up on me
Please continue to support me and have faith in me
'Cause I'm just in a rut
I'm stuck in a difficult situation or feeling stagnant
I'm climbing but the walls keep stacking up
I'm trying my best to progress, but obstacles keep appearing
Can't keep my mind off of every little wrong
I constantly dwell on small mistakes or negativity
I see the mouths are open but I can't hear the song
I notice people talking, but I can't comprehend their message
I've done my best to fill 'em
I've tried to satisfy or meet their expectations
But the cracks are starting to spread
However, my efforts are no longer enough and problems are worsening
Hey, I won't blame you baby
I won't hold you responsible, my love
Go on, turn your head
You can look away or ignore my struggles
I can't keep pretending this next stop isn't mine
I can't continue denying that the upcoming phase or decision affects me
The truth is on the table, and someone's gotta sign
The reality is evident and someone must accept or take action
I've done my best defending
I've exerted effort to justify myself or protect my position
But the punches are starting to land
However, I'm now facing the consequences or criticism
I'm sliding into something
I'm gradually moving towards a situation or feeling
You won't understand
You may not comprehend or relate to it
So I'm handing you a memory
I'm offering you a keepsake or reminder of our past
I hope you understand
I trust that you'll comprehend or appreciate its significance
That steadily reminds you
That consistently prompts you to recall
Of who I really am
Of my true identity or essence
This city's always breathing
This city is constantly vibrant or bustling
I wish that it would die
I desire its activity or influence to cease
The king rags and the bachelors
The wealthy and single individuals
The fever for the velvet rope
The intense desire for exclusivity or VIP treatment
The money from my mother's men
The funds obtained from my mother's acquaintances or partners
I'm not like her, you're not like them
I don't resemble my mother, and you aren't similar to those people
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll keep striving and making an effort
Oh but don't you give up on me (don't you give up, don't you give up)
Oh, please don't lose faith in me
I'll climb and I'll climb
I'll continue to strive and persevere
Don't you give up on me (don't you give up, don't you give up)
Please don't abandon or lose hope in me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDON FLOWERS, DAVE BRENT KEUNING, GARRET LEE, MARK AUGUST STOERMER, RONNIE JR. VANNUCCI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Working with Lemons
This is a great song and the video story is fantastic!
Jade Sirmon
This song means a lot to my family. My dad suffers with depression and my mum said that this song makes her think of him.
It's a really powerful song that Brandon wrote about his wife's PTSD to show people that they are not the only ones going through this.
This is why I'm proud to say that The Killers are my fave band. ❤❤❤
Yulian Coronado
Jade Sirmon My dad feels like that sometimes. I understand you
Rogéria Martins
My dad committed suicide because of his anxiety and mental illness :/ I always think of him when I am listening to The Killers because they helped me to easy the pain somehow.
I'm so proud to say that they are my fave band too!
Amanda Barber
As did my father from the same reason. i am nothing like my mother and i also have ptsd. As too in a rut! Dont ever give up on yourself. ♡
Christopher Chevalier
Rogéria Martins so sorry to read that. So sad. I hope the song helps in some way. You're very courageous for sharing
SlyDoll7
It's an incredible song isn't it///very powerful for people affected by PTSD or any mental illness really.
Daniel David Guzmán Villanueva
Para quienes buscan comentarios en español: una de mis canciones favoritas de 《The Killers》. La capacidad que tiene Brandon para construir historias significativas, a través de metáforas, es maravillosa; transforma la escena de un momento cotidiano en una poesía. Esta canción es una muestra de ello, debería tener millones de reproducciones más, pero el gusto musical de la mayoría no es tan bueno como el de nosotros.
ChessboyJohnny
Probably their most underrated song ever, 'I climb and I climb' if you ever went through such periods of pain and depression this is so relatable, just plain surviving each day, day by day. Thanks Brandon and crew for making this feeling into one hell of a song
Gabi Pezo
100 percent.