human
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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 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?
The lyrics of “Human” by The Killers are complex and fraught with symbolism, but at their core, they deal with the question of identity. The singer is trying to make sense of his existence and is questioning whether he is truly human or just a dancer, an automaton moving to the beat of someone else’s drums. The opening verses show that the singer is trying his best to be attentive and observant, but when faced with an open door, he gets nervous, suggesting that he is hesitant about making a choice. However, the lines “Cut the cord” seem to contradict this, implying that the singer is ready to break away from something that has been holding him back.
The chorus asks the question “Are we human, or are we dancer?” and this has led to much debate about what the word “dancer” here means. Some have argued that it is a reference to the famous quote by Hunter S. Thompson, who spoke of how he saw people turning into “a generation of dancers,” meaning that they were losing touch with their humanity and simply going along with the crowd. Others have suggested that the line is a misquote of a T.S. Eliot poem, “The Hollow Men,” where Eliot writes, “We are the hollow men / We are the stuffed men / Leaning together / Headpiece filled with straw. Alas! / Our dried voices, when / we whisper together / Are quiet and meaningless / As wind in dry grass / Or rats’ feet over broken glass / In our dry cellar.” Although there is no definitive answer, what is clear is that the line is intended to be thought-provoking rather than straightforward.
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 I received the message
Up to the platform of surrender
I reached a point of giving up
I was broad but I was kind
I had a wide perspective, but remained compassionate
And sometimes I get nervous
I feel anxious at times
When I see an open door
When presented with new opportunities
Close your eyes
Take a moment to be still
Clear your heart
Let go of any negative emotions
Cut the cord
Release yourself from any ties holding you back
Are we human?
What makes us human beings?
Or are we dancer?
Or are we simply moving to the rhythm of life?
My sign is vital
My purpose is important
My hands are cold
I feel distant or disconnected
And I'm on my knees
I am in a position of submission or vulnerability
Looking for the answer
Seeking understanding
Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Acknowledging and showing admiration for good qualities
Send my condolences to good
Offering sympathy to those who have lost their goodness
Give my regards to soul and romance
Paying tribute to emotions and passion
They always did the best they could
Despite shortcomings, they tried their hardest
And so long to devotion
Saying farewell to commitment and dedication
You taught me everything I know
Expressing gratitude to a teacher or mentor
Wave goodbye
Saying farewell
Wish me well
Hoping for prosperity and success
Will your system be alright
Will you be okay?
When you dream of home tonight?
When you reminisce about where you come from
There is no message we're receiving
There seems to be no clear direction
Let me know is your heart still beating?
Are you still passionate about life?
You got to let me know
You need to tell me the truth
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDON FLOWERS, DAVE BRENT KEUNING, MARK AUGUST STOERMER, RONNIE JR. VANNUCCI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind