Does the Killers' 'Human' have the silliest lyrics of the week?

Dan Freedom Sat, Jun 13, 2009 at 09:44 PM EST

I understood the reference of "dancer" in the sense of angelic beings, versus lowly "human" earth creatures. The rest of the song being an allusion to death and the afterlife - cut the cord, etc - and saying farewell to various attributes that exist in this world (so long to devotion, pay my condolences to good). All these things are absent in the afterlife.

terry mcnamara Wed, Jun 3, 2009 at 07:20 PM EST

i've listened to this track a few times and it seems to me everyone is over thinking it. i just think he was spunked out of his head when he wrote it. thats the only time it makes sense to me

terry Wed, Jun 3, 2009 at 07:19 PM EST

i've listened to this track a few times and it seems to me everyone is over thinking it. i just think he was spunked out of his head when he wrote it. thats the only time it makes sense to me

Fabricio Monzi Sun, Apr 26, 2009 at 06:20 PM EST

Simon, I feel sorry for you. You obvious didn't get the message of this great song. FIRST OF ALL: THE WORD IS REALLY "DANCER", NOT "DENSER", AS MANY PEOPLE THINK. You can check that at the official site, at the biography section. But it isn't wrong, and I'll explain why. What Flowers is asking is: are we human(s) or are we puppet(s)/robot(s)/actor(s)? And he is using the words "human" and "dancer" as adjectives, or qualities. That's why (intentionally) there's no "S" at the end. It's a poetic device, to make something look wrong to draw attention to it, and then you realize it's not wrong at all when you understand why it was used that way. Flowers said the lyrics were inspired by a comment made by Hunter S. Thompson about how America was raising a generation of "dancers". There's a great explanation of the song at Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2vGiAyAWvE . ALSO EXPAND AND READ THE INFO OF THE VIDEO AT THE LEFT SIDE. Definitely one of the best songs of actuallity.
.

Sasha Sun, Apr 26, 2009 at 10:41 AM EST

When a read this article, I thought it would be a good idea to create a column like "the silliest interpretation". Does anyone think of novels, poems etc. in terms of particular lines?

AliceinWonderland Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 02:24 AM EST

I read above comment what MrrBlack said about t he song and no that I really think about the lyrics and put in what he said I understand it more an dit jsut makes me lvoe the song even more. I want it to be on GH next time lol

bob Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 01:36 AM EST

Re: those who pointed out 'dancer' is an adjective: thanks for clearing that up. I guess the Killers might say I had misunderestimated them!

johnny Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 01:33 AM EST

I personally prefer option #3: Are we human, or are we TENSOR? (Check wikipedia.) Me, I prefer to think of myself as a Riemann curvature tensor of the general relativistic space-time of our universe.

fredrobo Fri, Apr 17, 2009 at 07:37 PM EST

See MrrBlack's comments of 18 March- he is absolutely on the ball as far as interpretatin of the lyrics

Dylan Sat, Apr 11, 2009 at 06:55 PM EST

This song is poetry. He could have easily made the chorus "Are we humans or are we dancers." But by leaving the s off both words he adds this sense of a collective group. "Human" has a united quality to it as everybody is human and by asking if we're "dancer" he echoes this feeling. Brilliant song, brilliant band. Saw them live at UCSB and they killed it.

Morrow Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 03:34 AM EST

@Paul Cooper: Not really. Many sentences dont make sense your way. Just an example: "Wave goodbye, wish me well, You've gotta let me go"

Paul Cooper Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 12:19 AM EST

Not sure why the confusion on the meaning of this song. It's about a guy dancing with a girl in a club. He's wondering if there is something real between them like possible romance (human) or if they are simply dancing and having a good time (dancer). Go read the lyrics and the song makes total sense that way. You don't have to read between lines or make it some deep philosophy. It's pretty simple.

Morrow Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 10:43 AM EST

Btw, I think the missing "s" in "dancer" is really nice. It seems like the word "dancer" should be equal to human (no s too). Two types of beeings, both their right to exist.

Morrow Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 10:32 AM EST

Some nice interpretations here, but I think a little bit different: A dancer is very positive in my view. I link it with freedom and independence(beeing free while dancing), while human sounds reserved and superficial. In my opinion, it seems like we should break through this surface and start living, beeing a dancer and leave this system we've created behind us ("And sometimes I get nervous when I see an open door. Close your eyes, clear your heart, cut the cord").
"My sign is vital, my hands are cold" - I'm alive, but I'm not really living at the moment.
"And so long to devotion, you taught me everything I know. Wave goodbye, wish me well, You've gotta let me go" - refers to the strophe before: "Pay my respects to grace and virtue, send my condolences to good, give my regards to soul and romance". In other words, I've always lived as virtuous, gracefull, etc. as I could, but now I have to go and live different, live free and wild. Again, beeing a dancer!

Jack Mon, Apr 6, 2009 at 06:32 PM EST

Check out Dylan's desolation Row, or Procul Harem's Whiter Shade of Pale, The Beatles' Strawberry fields, or Michael Rosen's Book of Nonsense. Surely the meaning and essence of any piece of true art rests with an individual's interpretation based on their personal taste and life experience. Dali, Picasso, Dylan Thomas, Flann O'Brien, James Joyce
surreal, evocative, life changing or nonsense? I'd argue all of these things. And so with Human. I'm sure the band care not a whit that some find the lyrics nonsense. They're in great company because the artists musicians and writers mentioned beforehand have all been accused of sillyness and much more by critics who have been long forgotten while the art survives.
Humans would still be in caves if nobody challenged the norm and inspired the rest of those to think deeply about what and who we are. This forum is an excellent example.

Jasna Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 02:08 PM EST

Human=altruism;
Dancers=playing with other peoples lives, manipulating.

demobarrage Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 11:44 PM EST

Also, denser doesn't make sense, because humans are all ready dense. Hahaha :] oh yeah and because the Killers said that the lyrics are " Are we human, or are we dancer." so get over it!!!

demobarrage Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 10:30 PM EST

Hey, did anybody think about looking up dancer in the dictionary. Well it turns out dancer is a noun, but that doesn't mean the band can't get creative and poetic for a reason. Also, (like Dark said) why are you guys complaining about this song's one grammar mistake when there are hundreds of stupid and idiotic rap and hip-hop songs that have so many grammar mistakes just for the sake of sounding cool.

Ian Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 06:46 PM EST

I think this song looks a the the same question Charles Darwin asked that decides human philosophy.... "Is man an ape or an angel." Are we human or are we dancer? Are we dancing around the fact that we are the results of complete randomness? Are we dancing around the fact that there is no deeper meaning to life? If you look at the context in that he says "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" etc....
What hes saying is that there is no need for deeper meaning to life, we dont have a soul, we can say good bye to these things because we are nothing more then a random accident and we are dancing around the truth of who we are.

MrrBlack Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 10:27 AM EST

The words human and dancer (not dancers) are both adjectives and are correct as is. Only idiots would not get this lyrics as said on The Killers web page too. It's meant that are we human, thus living our lives freely and doing what we want or are we dancer meaning are we puppets, falling into routine and living as if our lives have been planned for us in advance. I think this lyrics are quite sharp and written nicely. This also corresponds with some of the other lyrics in the song saying: "is your heart still beating?" meaning have you fallen into the routine of life, doing things the way of the dancer and not the human. Also: "Cut the cord" stop being the dancer and start being human...The people previously mentioning that this lyrics are stupid could clearly not see the correct meaning of the lyrics, making them the silly ones if I'm not mistaken, which I'm quite positive I'm not...

jenny Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:07 AM EST

I find this song annoying..and the lyrics equally pathetic.

Ben Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 06:02 PM EST

Check out a comment at... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090110164141AAXlT9d

This matches what my first interpretation about the song was: musings about whether people are beings with depth of character or just animals at the mercy of the rhythms of their bodies

shiva13 Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 05:48 PM EST

i agree. he is a mormon homo. god hates mormon homos and will strike him down dancer or not.

yeah Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 03:57 PM EST

No, he's just gay. Singing about being a dancer..? Congratulations Flowers, you've demonstrated that you're 200% homo. Maybe he should ask, Are we flamer?

Emma Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 02:00 PM EST

my teacher came into class 1 day n sed that we got it rong wern we were singin it are we human or are we dancer but i searched on all the webstitse and dancer won 3 2 to dencer so.........

Mark From Cleveland Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 01:03 PM EST

I think Brandon Flowers has come up with a lyric that will have people talking for years. "Are we human or are we dancer?" My interpretation is that do we live our lives with feelings for others or are we concerned about is our own pleasures in life? It's a great song and the lyrics are indeed profound, not silly.

Jenna Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 10:47 AM EST

This song is spirituality i think because the lead singer is a mormon. HOWEVER the killers started out on a more introductory note, now that they have gained exposure and fans, they have the creative licsence to do what kind of music they want and what is meaningful to them. Anyone who gets famous any artist, who becomes good to the craft, they reach fame and people like them for who they really ARE. I think the writer/lead singer struggles with his faith also. thats what the lyrics mean to me.

Ponderer Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 12:51 PM EST

It might be that the band are questioning their own musical morals after being asked to produce a dance track by their record label. The first verse is about getting that call, the platform of surrender is referring to giving into the demands of the record label. Seeing an open door is seeing an opportunity, but at what cost.

The chorus then uses the quote from Fear and Loathing to question the bands musical position; are they original or are they following the crowd by producing a dance track. Flowers then goes on to explain how this question makes him feel - very nervous by the sounds of it. The second verse could be interpreted that he feels he is selling out; giving up good, soul, and devotion which was needed to get them to where they are now.

The final verse asks us, the fan, if we still like them - is our heart still beating for the Killers? So they want an answer, are they Human or are they Dancer?

My Luv Alessando Wed, Feb 25, 2009 at 09:26 AM EST

I feel this song has many meanings.“Are we human?Or are we dancer?”Human=live your own happiness.Dancer/Entertainer= live for joy of others.A humble expression to his blessings as an artist,grateful ,but asks;is singing&dancing for others my only purpose?Or is there more to life?Overwhelming mindless entertainment,youtube,reality TV,& the need to please others,a reminder;do for yourself &remember, as entertainers we are still human,so live a little.Leaving S out of dancer was creative;he’s narrowing focus,asking each person,are we human or are YOU a dancer/entertainer.If you’re confused,then it’s a great song,it's about confusion &quest for balanceuntil you answer these questions for yourself,this song will continue to play.I appreciate the artist delivering his message with style&grace,&still maintain respect for all who dream of being in the spot light,even something as little as posting a public comment.It’s a song with depth;a universal song. Enjoy.

Much love jazzipoo

William Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 02:30 AM EST

You're all wrong. The lyric in question is:
Are we Hugh, man, or are we Dan, sir? A reference to Flower's childhood friend Dan Hugh, who suffered from multiple personality disorder. Two of Hugh's most frequent personalities were "Hugh the Hippie" and "Dan the Soldier". Flowers would greet Hugh in this way as a method of determining which personality controlled the moment.

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 12:22 AM EST

I think this is a ridiculous article! They are not silly - actually they are extremely profound. A dancer is someone that cannot control their actions necessarily, whereas humans, unbelievable to you, have free will, which they can excercise to bring back good and honesty. Seriously - just because you have a platform to say something doesn't mean you should write without thinking. Read the lyrics again - and see it from a different perspective.

wally Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 07:05 PM EST

I don't know, the lyrics seem clear to me about someone dying and confronting death. I would have thought denser made more sense - i.e. is there something beyong being human. Just my 2 cents worth.

eddie Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 04:14 PM EST

its dancer, saying dancers are conformed and not different. humans are unique, and him making the grammatical error is just an example of being different in that very line. and seeing how everyone is the same and disagreeing with how his lyrics are just different.

eddie Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 04:14 PM EST

its dancer, saying dancers are conformed and not different. humans are unique, and him making the grammatical error is just an example of being different in that very line. and seeing how everyone is the same and disagreeing with how his lyrics are just different.

corgi Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 04:01 AM EST

wouldnt it just make sense to go with what we beleive? me, personally think its dancer because I am one and I feel the words he sings.

Nick Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 08:19 PM EST

Okay.....i have proof that it is singular and it is DANCER not DENSER okay. First the two words are described in this song as adjectives okay: Human- meaning a free being
and Dancer- meaning a follower or somebody that just goes with the group's dance moves. So in the song he is talking to god saying "Are we really free to do what we want or are we just followers?" Also, clearly in the lyrics he is saying that he is a pupet, on a string, lead by a master, so he says cut the cord, and he also says
"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"
Meaning that he was brought up by an INSTRUCTOR, he was BROUGHT, but he was taught to be good about it, so he says he was KIND. So you just have to read between the lines and you realize what he is actually trying to say when he says these at first thought weird lyrics.

Pablo Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 02:09 PM EST

I think any lyrics that generate this much controversy and discussion are awesome just because of the intrigue they elicit

kamon pendragon Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM EST

i think it still might be "denser"
instead of "dancer"

Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 11:59 PM EST

a few things
- dancer
- poetic licence
- it is about embracing expression.

Madi Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 08:59 PM EST

It is ment to be dancer. No s. Its an adjective. And it technicly means are we puppets, as in do we let others pull our strings, or are we humans who can make thier own choices. This is different depending on the induvidual. So are you human? Or are you dancer?

starmaker Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 04:32 PM EST

Wow COOLIDGE, you must be the smartest person to leave a comment. After all, you did use a word consisting of 21 letters, and you know french! Beats the hell out of me what you're doing here - haven't you got some intelligent gonzo journalism to read somewhere? You certainly seem clued up about The Killers for someone who claims not to be a fan???

Coolidge Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 06:17 AM EST

What's really irritating about this entire debate is the pseudointellectualism that comes from some people who claim to 'understand the HS Thompson metaphor':

Fact: you went and read it up and tried to claim like you understood it.

Flowers picks lyrics (pun intended) that most of his 'victims' won't get, to sound profound and ingenius. The sad thing is that most people enjoy this song because they think it says dancerS, not the intended meaning, dancer. That must frustrate Flowers tremendously which makes me stoked because I think he's a (French for 'shower')

donkey Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 02:01 AM EST

Its denser you fags

andrei . c Sun, Feb 8, 2009 at 07:22 PM EST

i have a question for the author of this article: When you read poetry (if you do), do you ALWAYS take it literally? if so, please read Icarus Fixius' comment (5th) on the song here:

http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858741590/

i think the interpretation is pretty good. plus, it's not dancerS, as it's not humanS, either. these words are more like symbols or abstracted concepts.

the only sad thing about it is that the negative is created using a synthesizer instead of classical acoustic instruments. an acoustic version would have been very appreciated, i'd say.

andrei . c

Joe Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 07:24 PM EST

I have tried to like this song but he must have been on pain pills or cold medicine when he wrote this. The music is catchy and good but the lyrics just kill me. Are we human, or are we dancer??? Is that the best we can do? Not one single line of this song makes sense. I expect to see this on VH1's "worst lyrics" list. We'll all look back in 1-2 years and agree that this song is crap. It'll make people look back and think...why did I like this song?

mak-ire Thu, Feb 5, 2009 at 05:22 PM EST

in my opinion neither dancer nor denser make sense but i think that the song is great and that we must not debate on these issues.

fatloli Thu, Feb 5, 2009 at 12:14 AM EST

say simon you slow its dancer=puppets listen to the lyrics next time cut the cord set free

Kate Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 07:43 PM EST

They say dancer as in like, a puppet. are we infulenced? or are we human?

Ed Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 01:50 PM EST

I love this song - I understood the lyrics and have never experienced issues with the Dancer(s) debate...
although I do sometimes sing along "Are we human or are we hamster?" cos it makes me giggle.
If you get the chance, Hunter S Thompson's "Kingdom of Fear" is a superb read. Hell, you might even learn something.

Kevin Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 03:00 AM EST

It does seem like a false dichotomy at first, especially because when I think of dancers I think of it in the more classical sense, of one who can move gracefully and more beautifully than others. But Flowers is making an obscure reference, and means more like someone who dances because they are just trying to follow the crowd. weird, but I'll take that at face value.

So people who say "If you don't get it don't listen to it" and not give any reason for why the song is good, That makes me think that they don't know what they are talking about and are in fact "Dancer" as Flowers describes.

If you are one of these people, please stop making dunce out of yourself.

Larny Sun, Feb 1, 2009 at 09:01 AM EST

Why are we all being so anal about the grammatical context of this song? It's DANCER and I totally get it. Only the DENSER would think otherwise. Brandon Flowers is a literary genius who writes profound songs that you have to delve into and interpret. Go listen to James Blunt if you want someone to sing your life simply. The more important question we should all be asking ourselves surely should be, are you human? Or are you dancer?

chaplain Sat, Jan 31, 2009 at 11:18 PM EST

My research tells me that we are raising a generation of dancers. This Generation was lost to morals and were now a bunch of puppets. The first verse speaks of growing up to become an adult. The chorus is a direct question to God asking if it's too late for us. Then it is telling us our morals and good deeds are dead. Listen to the words. Hear the words. Is this a great song or what? I love it.

steve Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 11:06 PM EST

I can't find any dictionary that says "dancer" is an adjective. I guess if you write songs, you are free to make words as you go... "Are we human? Or are we plumber?"

Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:38 PM EST

Is it human or maybe a misinterpretation of the russian word for sausage? are we human or are we brsbrenzhew?

Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:23 PM EST

I think everyone needs to listen to the song again. Clearly it is a reference to "Who's The Boss?". Specifically I refer to the chorus,
"Are we human, or are we Danza?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold,
and I'm on my knees, looking for Tony Danza.
Are we human, or are we Danza."

As a side note, "sometimes I get nervous, when I see an open door", is alluding to the episode when Tony accidentally sees Angela in the shower when he opens the shower door.

MizPiz Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:10 AM EST

"America was raising a generation of dancers."
-Hunter S. Thompson

This is what the killers are refrencing when they sing "Are we human? Or are we dancers?" Its stating that we are loosing track of being ourselves (human) just so we could fit in with a specific group of people (dancers). I, however, wouldn't expect most of you to know that (no offense to those who actually have a brain and understood what they meant from the beginning.

rhian + amy vs linzy + andrew Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 06:35 AM EST

the lyrics is dancers not denser!
nothing in this world makes sence, why do we need to have lyrics that makes sence.
lyrics are like a party no one knows where all the people and drinks come from but they are still there just like dancers

also human's could also be placed in a differant catorgorie as dancers because some dancers feel so strongly for there passion that they dont even feel human!

Michelle Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 01:48 AM EST

The killers are amazing. if you don't understand the song, don't listen to it!!

albert Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 01:59 AM EST

I liked the killers and was about to buy one of their albums until I heard this terrible song. They are at that same place in thier career that the Cars were when they released the song "Magic" or when REO Speedwagon released "Can't Fight This Feeling". Let's face it, the writing is on the wall.

0mg dis s000000 deap! Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 11:32 PM EST

Normally I feel like a cat flying in an airplain, but this song makes me feel like a bee in a soda can. Whenever the singer asks the important question that we should all be asking, "are we human, or are we dancer" i feel like a dog in a dogbox. Along with the singer, I too have a growing fear of open doors "sometimes I get nervous when i see an open door." I feel like a bug with only 5 legs after typing this. Does anyone feel the same way as me?

cliff Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 08:19 PM EST

You're such an idiot. Ff it was are we humans, then it would be are we dancers. I'm so glad the people writing for something like EW know proper grammar.

TiffaLovesStrife Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 04:27 AM EST

WOw Just reading all the comments but I found the following on another site which explains the meaning of the song:

I answered a similar question earlier. Here it is:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081229083852AAhge2W

Zeel Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 01:07 AM EST

Ok
1. it is dancer not denser.
2. the meaning behind it is accutually quite easy when u no what ur talking about.
"Are we human or are we dancer?" human and dancer are discribing words for people.
Human meaning how we used to live life the way we wanted but know we are dancer meaning we follow a rotine.
dancer is described like a puppet on strings - "cut the cord". Puppets are controlled by string that follow orders where as humans go off on there on and live.

12 year old girl again Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 11:37 AM EST

I'm back and i realise that i was typing crud in my last comment.

i lyk it...i really do Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 11:35 AM EST

ma brain urts well bad man.I actually lykd dis song be4 u guys scrood me ed

Aster Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 07:15 AM EST

Sure the lyrics seem odd, but to me at least they make perfect sense. That's the great thing about music, poetry, and the like. They never come right out and state the meaning in "plain words" and sometimes, the words they use don't make any sense. It's up to individuals to decide what they take from it. Is there a "right" answer? sure, it's whatever the artist really meant it to be. But if they have to sit you down and tell you what it is, it ruins the purpose of the song to begin with.

As for those arguing that the word isn't dancer (I'm sure it's been established now that it is dancer)...

"denser" and "sense" NOT "dencer" and "sence"

Dave R Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 06:53 AM EST

Ha ha! Marvelous!

“Denser” makes sense in ways which nobody is getting.

There are 7 Densities of reality. Dimensions are like the left and right from here. Densities are up and down. We exist in the 3rd Density, and many of the forces affecting us so much today come from the next density up. It’s where numerous of the Crop Circles and UFO’s originate from. Global climate changes, not just on Earth, but on other planets in our system. (How does car exhaust get up to Mars?)

There is SO much to this.

The subconscious is much more in control of our bodies and our words than we think. It's why we have critics of literature and music; writers often don’t realize what they are channeling. Ask any writer. They can go years before somebody points out the patterns. Then they’ll cry, “Oh my god! It’s true! How could I have missed that?”

Stay alert. Many of you are growing in leaps and bounds. Everything is changing.

Listen to the song again. Then do some research:

http://www.sott.net/

Jonn Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 09:29 AM EST

Wow first off it is dancer on purpose it's an adjective not a noun. He is asking if we are human (have free will) or if we are dancer (following a routine told to us by someone else) mabye do some research before you write.

Nikki Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 09:00 AM EST

Human is to Dancer as Humans is to Dancers

Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 01:43 AM EST

poetic liscence anyone?

Chaim Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 09:18 AM EST

this is from wikipedia:

There has been considerable confusion and debate over the line "Are we human or are we dancer?" in the song's chorus. Many have incorrectly heard "denser" instead of "dancer", a change which significantly alters the interpretation of the song's meaning. On the band's official website, the biography section states that Flowers is singing "Are we human, or are we dancer?" and also says that the lyrics were inspired by a disparaging comment made by Hunter S. Thompson.

Entertainment Weekly's Pop Watch section called this line the "silliest lyrics of the week". They were puzzled by the interpretation, stating "most dancers are generally human". Ganz with Rolling Stone called the line "classic Killers' nonsense."

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Flowers said that he was irritated over the confusion: "It's supposed to be a dance song, [the beat] goes with the chorus...If you can't put that together, you're an idiot. I just don't get why there's confusion."

Selam Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:03 AM EST

Ok first off it is are we human or are we dancer. No s. Human and dancer are both adjectives describing people. that is why there is no s. You don't say they are nices or means. you say they are nice or mean. as the adjective human it means free thinker. Meaning we can do what we want when we want. Dancer is refering to a puppet dancing on string. Having someone move you were they want you to go, Thinking for you, and living our life like a routine that is all planned out. If you listen to the other lyrics you can see that brandon is actually refering to a puppet. "Cut the cord" or let us free is esentially what he is saying. I love the song too! =]

jordan Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 05:56 PM EST

yh to fuckin right get lifes its a song and a good one deal with it

ismellchips Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 10:41 AM EST

"are we human, or are we abu hamza"

idiots.

michael Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 11:34 PM EST

the state of the world today it's got to be denser

rs91 Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:13 PM EST

You obviously don't know the real meaning of the song.

Do your research before you try to criticize lyrics. This shows your obviously ignorant in poetic instruments.

sonny Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 01:43 PM EST

ur all geeks get a life n download my songs lol

Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 01:42 PM EST

ur all geeks

Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 05:40 AM EST

do u have lives!!!

Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 08:48 PM EST

Perhaps "dancers" are the enlightened human?

comment Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 05:44 AM EST

lay off. and I bet you absolutely love brandon flowers and "fall out boy" lyrics, yes?

Dark Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 01:48 AM EST

Hey, I wasn't getting angry. That's the problem with the internet, you don't have tones of voice or body language, so people have to put their own inflections and emotions into the messages they read. Often, people's own emotions replace those or the writer, making a few comments sound like a rant or a sarcastic phrase read as genuine honest advice.

It doesn't matter that it doesn't make sense in some ways, some adjectives are used differently. For your example, "human hair" means hair from a human. Human is a noun here, unlike "blue hair" or "thin hair" which are used as adjectives here. It's not normally used as an adjective, but that's how it's used in the song to get a point across. I can't see why it's a huge problem when many songs of other genres sacrifice grammar for no reason apart from to sound "street". (Let's stay off the subject of bashing rap and hip-hop, I've been assured decent rap is out there even if I've yet to have any proof.)

"Annoyed", I'm just going to bring Godwin's Law into this argument. If "nothing that is defended so arduously is ever free of guilt", what about the equality of races? What about the protection of Jews and other folk during the Holocaust? Yeah, sorry to bring that up, but it supports my point.

Everyone complaining about how he was just scrabbling for a rhyme to "answer", while the verses have a regular series of rhyming couplets, the rhyme scheme in the chorus is nearly nonexistant.

Are we human
Or are we dancer*
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Waiting for the answer*
Are we human
Or are we dancer*

The only rhymes in the chorus, and I'm sure he could have easily got away with a half-rhyme with "dancers". Obviously he meant what he sang.
So, until next time I bother to find this article again, tata.

Also, is it just me who thinks that the author comes across as a young teenage girl? I,m not sure what it is... There's just something about it.
-Dark-

Dylan Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 09:08 AM EST

its dancer it was confirmed on the official killers web site. Its also a quote from Hunter S. thompson he said that america was raising a nation of dancers. Not so silly now.

man...well actually I'm a 12 year old girl. Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 11:23 AM EST

Gosh, some of you seem to have developed an unnatural love for writing essays. Good debate going on, here; I was pretty sure it was denser, but after reading all of this--I wouldn't say it's changed my mind completely--but you've got me thinking. visit the gardenhen.com guys! is right about Joe's comment, it's not three pages long, but he's made his point, because obvi we're human, but if the lyrics say dancer, then I don't think it means a proper artistic dancer, but are we programmed to do what we do. Are we all the same, or do we do something purely because of the person that we are. A living being with thoughts and feelings, completely seperate to anyone else. However, I'm still wondering if the sentence 'are we dancer?' makes sense. Dancer is singular, not plural, therefore it should be dancers. To getitright, how is dancer an adjective??? 'She had long, dancer hair' yeah...that doesn't make sense. Man...confuzzling

Nostril power Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 11:05 AM EST

To visit the gardenhen.com guys!,
that's a bit of a random name, but I guess Nostril power isn't any better. I visited the website, and I really must say, it rocks! I love chickens. Everyone, visit the gardenhen.com guys!

visit the gardenhen.com guys! Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 11:02 AM EST

To dearest Alibaba,
Actually, all Wingcharm has done is copy and paste Joe's comment and say he agrees. But Joe's argument is good. But you have a point, , why do we care about the lyrics, can't we just accept that this is a bloody amazing song???

alibaba Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 10:49 AM EST

Felipe Campos and Wingcharm both have good arguments, but I still think it's denser, don't kill me if it's not. Just my opinion. Why do any of us even care? Just listen to the song and stop worrying about the darn lyrics. Damn Good song, by the way

Getitright Thu, Jan 1, 2009 at 01:25 AM EST

Okay, I'd like to clear something else up.
He could've put an s on dancer but then he would also need to put an s on human.
but he didn't want to do that cuz then it won't rhyme with answer
Are we humans or are we dancers?
Nope, that won't rhyme with answer which is in another line in the song.
or not but whatever just think of it that way
Get it right, people

Getitright Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 11:10 PM EST

I would very much like to quote someone on yahoo.

"Ok first off it is are we human or are we dancer. No s. Human and dancer are both adjectives describing people. that is why there is no s. You don't say they are nices or means. you say they are nice or mean. as the adjective human it means free thinker. Meaning we can do what we want when we want. Dancer is refering to a puppet dancing on string. Having someone move you were they want you to go, Thinking for you, and living our life like a routine that is all planned out. If you listen to the other lyrics you can see that brandon is actually refering to a puppet. "Cut the cord" or let us free is esentially what he is saying."

get it right, people

Bern Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 06:18 PM EST

LOVE THE MUSIC. LOVE THE LYRICS...I THINK OF THEM IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MOVIE "FLASHDANCE"(THE DEDICATION, THE DRIVE, THE PAIN, THE PERFECTION OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL DANCER...GOING PAST NORMAL HUMAN EFFORT.

mattyboy Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 01:49 AM EST

Dancer is used as an adjective...not a noun. Now, with that simple fact, put down your grammar books and try and see the meaning of the song instead of picking apart the wording.

P.S. to Dark Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

Nothing that must be defended so arduously is ever free of guilt.

Annoyed by people TRYING to think too much Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

I too am a Killers fan, I love their music and most their lyrics, and consider myself to be pretty word savvy. I can't help but agree with the author here, if it is really a metaphor distinguishing basic instincts from monotonous lives, than the word should be DANCERS. "Are we dancer?" isn't even a grammatically correct sentence unless DANCER is a noun that makes reference to a specific group or an adjective. Dark, get angry all you like, but our beloved band has apparently tried to cut a corner trying to make it easier to sing or Lord knows what and haven't gotten away with it. As for the rest of the lyrics, they're pretty good. Wish that line simply wasn't in the song...it would definitely place it in another category.

HandMaiden Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 03:00 AM EST

hey look lyrics!

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 good bye, wish me well

You 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 all right
When you dream of home tonight
There is no message were 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

Dark Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

Also, I'd like to say that I think everyone calling the lyrics stupid should note: If I listen to something in Japanese or Russian, and I can't understand it, does that make it stupid for not being understandable? If I try to play piano, yet I can't, does that make the piano stupid for not being playable? If I try to punch through a wall and I'm not Superman, does that mean there is a problem with the wall?
Just add logic.
-Dark-

Dark Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 10:12 PM EST

Hahaha, it appears that this site attracts three types of people:
Intelligent Killers fans, who can see that the meaning of the line is purely metaphorical, asking whether we really live or just go through the motions of a preordained life;
Average Killers fans, who like the music but don't want it to make them think;
And idiots who hate either The Killers or just everyone, and only want to cause trouble.

The quote by Hunter S. Thompson was about how America was or is raising a race of "dancers", who live their life in a routine, unthinking motions that they repeat endlessly, ignoring everything else. It seems these unthinking ones have found the Internet...

This line made my "Grammar Nazi" side snap slightly, but when I thought about it I came to this conclusion. It makes perfect sense, even if it does use a word in a way different to its normal use.

Anyone who complains about it being wrong should take a while to think about it. I hope you'll understand.

I definitely agree with the comment on Darwin. Poor him, spinning in his grave... Talking about comments, this site's system isn't very good. It means I have to scroll all the way down to read, and when I reach the top I have to scroll all the way down again. My phone isn't made for these stupidly long pages.

Well, this song is brilliant, and the slightly jarring feel of this line makes you think about it. If people thought more, maybe this wouldn't be a gargantuan mess of a debate. Or is that too much to ask? I don't know. Also the writer of this article comes across as a thirteen year old girl. Sorry if that offends.
-Dark-

cnhg gfqtpld Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 05:13 AM EST

xflzto wfanbhs tznrwa mkrcvodyi zmltvg fbgodra djmkicq

Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 05:02 AM EST

Why do people keep on insisting that it's DENSER?! It was already confirmed by the Killers that it's DANCER!!!

Wed, Dec 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

destiny.

Destiny means we are all scting out whats planned.

"up to the platform of surrender, i was bro8ught but i was kind"
-platform of surrender = stage wher dancers give up thier individuality to look alike
- he was taken to the stage but showed kindness, an emotion rarely seen today.

"sometimes i get nervous when i see an open door."
-fear of stepping out of the box, being unique
-fear of disagreeing with society and/or views that they have been previously told to be true.

"cut the cord"
- let go of taught perspectives, and be free to dicover your own.
- if we are like puppets then cut the strings controlling us and become free.

"on my knees lokking for the answer"
-praying on knees to a higher being.
-asking what is our purpose.
- we have cut the cord and are now limp puppets wondering what to do now.

"Entire 2nd verse"
-Let go of devotion to other and one country just because your frightened of going against them.
( also little side note here: Tranquilize "with the Bushes and the bombs" political power)
-Grace, Virtue, Good, Soul, Romance are not enough to define our existance. Society constantly portrays the idealistic images ruining our nation.
- You cannot take societies "word for it" about the world you have to view it for yourself.
- Giving up personal individuality and emotion to become accepted by socoiety.

"Bridge"
- Will you be able to live with youself knowing that you have killed/;destroyed the main part of yourself?
Knowing that you have given up on your "home" ( dream of home, home is where you can be yourself and not be criticized and canged {usually}) WE no longer have any message(free will, drive, ambission, motivation) we conform to others views of us. And finally "is your heart still beating" means are you even still human still alive when you know you have abandned the most important part of yourslef?

Just A Fan Wed, Dec 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

1) Are we human or are we god?
due to my need for knowledge i have researched some things on dancer.
Each Hindu god/godess has a specific dance, representing their "power"
Apollo the greek god was called "The Dancer"
Dance in ancient and current times is used for ceremonial acts and sacred rituals.
Dance is found multiple times in the bible
Lord of the dance taken literally could be a dancing god.
In Tranquilize "heaven knows, Heaven knows everything" everything is fated to happeen as planned

2) Are we human or are we puppets?
are we even human anymore, from constantly giving up our will.
Puppets pulled by strings, forced to do anything and everything the higher being has planed for them.
Dancer is used as a state of being, mearly performing duties to meet social expectaions, only going through motions.
Dancers= performing taught choreography never questioning our existance.
In Spaceman Flowers mentions star-crossed world, which means fated world equalin