Are we human or are we dancer?

~ The Killers - Human ~

Human is the Killers’ brand new single from their new album Day & Age. The track goes back to the Mr. Brightside-ish sound of the Killers. I can’t say instant smash for me, but it’s definitely the kind of sound I’ve missed from the band.

Listen: Link 1 / Link 2

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Posted in: new joints

This entry was posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 7:45 am and is filed under new joints. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

136 Responses to “Are we human or are we dancer?”

SHATA September 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm

it’s LOVELY, another perfect song from the killers

Andy September 26th, 2008 at 10:48 am

Great song cant stop singig it

Nate September 29th, 2008 at 12:05 pm

Pretty sure it is “or are we denser”

Marte September 29th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

It is? LOOL, good thing I saw, just had to change my Facebookstatus there!

Erick October 5th, 2008 at 3:16 am

Goodness that’s garbage. Just saw them perform this on SNL. Hilariously bad.

Larry October 7th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

Never heard of The Killers till I saw them perform Are We Human on SNL…I liked the music and the vocals, but it doesn’t make sense…are we human or are we dancers??? What’s that mean?
Dancing through life?

Tina October 8th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

Please correct your title there. It’s “Dancer”, NOT Dancers. thx.

David October 8th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

The headline of the song really makes more sense if you look more closely at the lyrics… but I have to say I really like this song.

It’s true it isn’t really as instant smash liking as some of the past stuff (Brightside) But it grew on me incredibly fast from first hearing it. Great stuff.

Duncan October 8th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

The lyrics of this song are utterly meaningless. Is this a wind up? “Are we human or are we dancer?” What’s that all about then? The sublime innanity of this line is only equalled by its successor: “My signs are votal but my hands are cold.” Classic.

Anonymous October 9th, 2008 at 4:43 am

So, people, are we human or are we dancers? Are we made to go through life berating ourselves over every single little thing, or are we meant to dance through it, finding our own happiness? Are we both? Do you live to work or work to live? Do you want to dance or be merely human? What do you want?

Anonymous October 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

we are dancer?

LaxtonsSuperb October 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am

“I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier”

They clearly have previous in the inane soundbite department.

Nate October 10th, 2008 at 9:53 am

Man, this song is queer.

Sam October 10th, 2008 at 9:53 am

Im a dancer ^_^

roger October 11th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

Im Hoping that it is “Denser” or this song is kinda gay

killa October 14th, 2008 at 6:43 am

I am hearing it’s actually dancer sad to say…most people won’t realize it’s refering to Hunter S. Thompson and his criticism of today’s generation..but if it was just denser then it would be on part with Radiohead songs … already a classic just for being a song that seems like it could be a top 40 hit from 1983…way to bring back ‘modern English’ and great 80’s beats

Molly October 14th, 2008 at 6:35 pm

Great song! are we human? or are we dancer? DANCER!

ewi October 16th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

ok everyone it’s are we human or are we denser? like dumb not being smart? to be dense? yeah are we human or are we dumb like the human race and then that makes sense…. doesn’t it?

Jason October 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am

Why does everyone keep saying it’d denser even though someone has clearly stated it refers to a comment made by Hunter S Thompson who said the US are raising a generation of dancers (self-obsessed and vacuous fakes) ignorant morons.

Bowers October 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm

This is music for little girls, wtf happened to real bands? When did metrosexual ponces start this whining crap?

Bad Mo Fo October 25th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Are we homo or are we hetero? The Killers are homo!

BatterUp October 27th, 2008 at 12:36 am

Great song and cant wait for the album.

Dancer.

Paul October 29th, 2008 at 9:05 pm

I think the point of the song is for each of us to question what it means to be human…are we human or are we just whatevr(dancer,vixen,cupid or comet)

Ken November 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm

I like what Paul said. As with many deeper songs dealing with philosophies, the meaning can vary from person to person.

These lyrics are vaguely similar to those of Rush; thoughtful, layered in philosophical thoughtfulness. Put in that perspective:

Human = free will - living one’s own life.
Dancer = dancing to someone’s music - dependent upon it.

YMMV

Bemm November 4th, 2008 at 8:07 am

This song is as stupid as its words. What kind of fucking question is that? Are we human or are we dancer? It must have been some ganja drugged idiot who came up with lyrics like that.

Pete November 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Its not a stupid comment, its just more intelligent than you can understand.

The comment is basically asking whether or not people still have brains which judging by america at the moment is understandable

Aron November 5th, 2008 at 10:41 am

Armin van Buuren Have made the remix of this song!!

Eilidh November 5th, 2008 at 11:48 am

I absolutely adore this song…truths though sams town was nothing in comparison to Hot Fuss that album was amazing…took me ages to work out it was dancer not denser though…apparently brandon isnt bothered about the grammar he just took it from a quote

xxxx

Anonymous November 5th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

it makes more sense if you think of dancer as a species classification, like human. We don’t say “the humans race”. Therefore it would be correct to say dancer instead of dancers, which is pretty clever of them.

Todd November 5th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

This song sucks as well as the band. Way too whiney of a voice and way too gay. Every time one of thier songs comes on it makes me want to shove a pen through my ears! I totally agree with an earlier comment that this music is for little girls.

bob November 7th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

this is the best track iv’e heard this year.

Chris November 8th, 2008 at 12:48 am

It appears that Brandon Flowers, vocalist and keyboard player of the band has stated in an interview that the line “are we human, or are we dancer?” is a reference to a remark once made by the late Hunter S. Thompson, an ascerbic journalist famed for “telling it like it is”, often in offensive terms. He had commented that America is nowadays raising a “generation of dancers”. Thompson committed suicide in 2005

Natalie November 9th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

I am a dancer. I don’t really understand what these lyrics mean, but from what I’ve been reading, listeners feel that dancers are dependant on the music rather than themselves. True, dancers have to listen to the meaning of music, but it comes from THEMSELVES what they think of it. It’s the way we interpret the music. So, I could say that this line is about how dancers express their emotions, and how the world is turning to those kinds of people. Also, to those who say that dancers are phonies and fakes, think again. Dancers are artists, and its not just about the costumes and make-up. Dance comes from the heart and soul, just like music.

M. Valentine November 9th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

it’s not dancers…it is DANCER because it’s an adjective, not a noun…are we human?…in a humanity way…or are we dancer?…people whose movements are controlled. I’m human (another adjective) because I can feel, I can sense, I can love in all posible ways, and altough I’m living under a system, I can think on my way and do what I think is correct….
I love the killers’ music

Alice November 11th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

Its DANCER!
It says it on wikipedia
so HA

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 8:57 am

Oh sorry wrong song

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 8:58 am

Still arse though

Killers lover November 14th, 2008 at 8:58 am

Shut up cRofty

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 8:59 am

Oh please, The Killers look like they smell bad, the great unwashed return for another mindless meaningless peice of tripe choros Verse Choros Verse

Balsy November 14th, 2008 at 9:05 am

I’m with crofy on this one, i just printed out the lyrics took them to the bog and wiped my ass on them!

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 9:58 am

Throughout history we have expressed the need to create an entity that can assume human qualities and yet surpass our limitations. We expressed this need by creating artificial figures that personified an ideal: Galatea, for example, sculpted by Pygmalion and brought to life by Aphrodite. In such figures we project a perfected image of ourselves.
In the field of computer graphics, scientists began developing methods for graphically simulating real-world objects. And, of course, before too long the computer was used to generate a realistic model of the human figure. At the New York Institute of Technology’s Computer Graphics Laboratory, we have described a three-dimensional mathematical model of a female figure. Like a living person, our figure can move and bend, performing dynamic actions and gestures. She is animated with the computer.

Killers lover November 14th, 2008 at 10:03 am

Croftys rubbish uhuh

Killers lover November 14th, 2008 at 10:05 am

wht u vn talking about man? the song’s not about history its about dancer and human!

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 10:16 am

As a simplistic view of the dynamic of the human on computer dancing baby syndrome are we human or are we a symbolic vision of the future shown only as image to others unknown. This has been a question asked throughout time as far back as Greek mythology and can be traced back to the depths of first intelligent thought. When a visual proposal or painting has been brought to life in a “life dance”. The proposals which can be seen in cave paintings in South America, ask a question that if a visual representation of human beings can be brought to life in another world by dance.

Balsy November 14th, 2008 at 10:19 am

That’s not even funny man, my cousin has got dancing baby syndrome.

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 10:24 am

Does He often find himself in other worlds with the need of full dynamic representation?

Killers lover November 14th, 2008 at 10:26 am

Dont be mean crofty balsys baby is ill. Your well mean. what is dancing baby syndrome?

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 10:28 am

Its a mental state of mind grade four i believe.

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 10:31 am

It’s not his baby its his cousin!! the effect only comes in when they are past the age of consent.

G November 14th, 2008 at 11:34 am

crofty - so the babys got a cousin whats that got to do with dancer?

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 11:53 am

I think you need to read the posts more carefully take in the meanings and repeat to yourself until you fully understand the implications of what you have brought to the discussion.

Greggs pies are ace November 14th, 2008 at 11:56 am

I’ve just found on the internet somebody talking about this tune. Dancer is actually an anagram. The song is the guitarists (Dave Keuning’s) comment on a problem sweeping through the Natural Sciences world :

Dave Against Nomenclature of Clinically Erinaceous Rodents

So shut up everyone, here’s the truth.

G November 14th, 2008 at 11:58 am

so what has the natural world of Pies got to do with Balsys cousins babys cousin? is this baby a hedgehog?

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 11:59 am

Gregs pies are ace

arn’t they.

G November 14th, 2008 at 12:02 pm

this is the kind of conversation that is running through my head on a daily basis however I am very confused.com I have one fundamental question that will draw everyone into focus! Are we human or are we dancer? thats deep!
I think I like all you guys; xxx

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Thanks G your sentiment will truly reward you of a fine and happy life. The questions that flow though us like the even flow of a river of thought will often open us to many differing beliefs.

Bigmouth November 14th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

This is a great song. You can get answears if you google Hunter S. Thompson if you dont know what the hell they´re singing about.

G November 14th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Is this whole thing about a song
opps wrong blog sorry

Crofty November 14th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

Thompson Really had the vision of a lone gunner. The prevision of his words gave only part of the full picture. A truly awe inspiring junkie of the first order.

His mind was open to the dance fully.

cunt November 14th, 2008 at 6:46 pm

my dad touches me

are we dancer? fuck knows, but daddy rapes me.

CUNTY November 14th, 2008 at 6:48 pm

Does anyone want to buy an avo adjustable leather trimmed C.V joint for their car??

Dancer November 15th, 2008 at 10:07 am

I am writing a story about how a human was misdiagnosed and mismedicated by a god-complexed doctor who, when confronted with the fact that he had dismissed every asset this person had to rationalize having her as a patient, declared her life “fictional” to avoid confessing to malpractice.

The story goes into a lyrical libretto compilation of how music lyrics and modern art foretell the story of the end of time as the promise to take the world to heaven (we live in it anyway). The music - functioning as the Holy Spirit - “saves” her by having her dance her dreams from the nighttime into her waking hours to remind her that her life shouldn’t “go away” as the doctor requested.

“I am the lord of the dance, said he,” is the story. Maybe he is human and a dancer. Thousands of pop music songs can be combined into the story of “that’s me in the spotlight losing my religion.”

And, unfortunately, it’s a story of lies to delude a doctor to cover-up alleged child abuse that a religion didn’t want to “pay” for. Maybe some day people will learn they have to treat others with respect and “it can be done of earth, as it is in heaven.”

Get away from your father any way you can if he’s abusing you.

Helmut November 15th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

I’m still confused about the hedgehog. Dan someone enlighten me?

Hannah November 15th, 2008 at 12:07 pm

hedgehogs are small animals that have spikes. Their faces look like rats eating lemons.

Helmut November 15th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

Aaah, ok. We don’t have those where I’m from, you obviously have a problem with growing lemons then.

Hannah November 15th, 2008 at 12:10 pm

Our lemon crops have been depleted from mutant spiked rats eating them all

Helmut November 15th, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Anyway enough about hegdehogs. I’m sure that everyone is aware that rhythm is a dancer or at least they should be.

Tokae November 20th, 2008 at 1:48 pm

the song fails. its very faggy and overly emo’d. failure.

Sooz November 21st, 2008 at 10:20 am

oh dear, bad song - I agree with comments that it sounds very like a Chris DeBurgh B’ side from the 80s

Music November 21st, 2008 at 11:53 am

I didn’t know that hedgehogs liked to dance.

tonsterrr November 23rd, 2008 at 1:46 pm

aha im a dancer:)

kelly November 24th, 2008 at 2:56 am

it comes from a quote from author Hunter S. Thompson “We’re raising a generation of dancers”
yeah…just to let you know

TheOneWhoIsNotAnIdiotLikeManyOfYou November 24th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Attention all here who are either idotic or ignorant. He says Dancer NOT Dancers. And not denser either.

Also, when he says Dancer he is not talking about people who dance, so honestly nobody cares if your a dancer. He instead is referring to it as a type of persson and means it as a “…mild social statement..”. Look it up if you still cant get it through your skull.

darnell bear November 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

are we human or are we dancer? I’ve been struggling with this question for quite a while. I actually am a dancer, but I feel as if I am human as well. Can anybody help me figure out whether or not i am just a dancer, just a human, or a human dancer. your worse than a cock! a human cock! not a dancer cock!

tijoma November 26th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Thought this was Ray Davies and the Kinks ressurrected when I heard it for the first time.

Justme November 27th, 2008 at 12:47 am

It means are we just human or are we here for a purpose such as a dancer etc…

Tickled of Bristol November 27th, 2008 at 5:02 am

I have only just found this place! Where have a been all my life - just dancing with hedgehogs, obviuosly! Crofty, you need some help.

Anise Blue November 28th, 2008 at 3:17 pm

This is the kind of song idea someone comes up with when they’re really high and thinks they’re brilliant.

Dancers already ARE human, there is no clear metaphor to be made of it (as we’ve seen — some listeners think dancers are controlled and others think they are free spirits).

This is unclear junior high school poetry. Don’t do drugs, you will write songs like this and actually think they are good.

i hate u November 28th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

Shittest song on plantet

awesome song November 29th, 2008 at 1:56 am

it is based off a quote. basically means are we dancing to the beat cause were too afraid of making our own or can we actually make our own

aviroid November 30th, 2008 at 1:26 am

terrible terrible terrible song, all you people should watch the southpark smug episode and then get over yourselves

i wrote this in November 30th, 2008 at 11:45 am

yh , it is Are We Human Or Are We Dancer…..not dancers, yh. awsome song tho

TranceSafe November 30th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Horrible song… Keeps coming on the radio, cant wait until they play it out and it goes away… Awful song.

JoeBlow November 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

Who cares if this is a ref to Hunter S. Thompson??? Maybe the “Dancer” worked in the context of his writings, but it utterly fails in the context of this song.

The lyrics are completely awful and meaningless. I dunno what’s worse.. the failed metaphors of this band, or the puke-worthy cliche of Lenny Kravitz.

Captain Roj December 1st, 2008 at 10:30 am

I can’t believe the amount of negativity this thread has attracted about one of the greatest alternative indie bands of the last decade. It seems that using intelligent (albeit esoteric) lyrics and offering homages to one’s own heroes creates nothing but resentment from “individuals” who want “real rock” back on the airwaves despite the painfully obvious truth that whilst we have the likes of Guns ‘n Roses back with us, and whilst the Rolling Stones never left, it would have been better had they just boarded a plane and never come back!

Music December 1st, 2008 at 1:30 pm

I like Dancing With the Stars….

jg December 1st, 2008 at 3:42 pm

Should be are we human or are we hamster(s)

Music December 1st, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Hamsters???? I thought it was hedgehogs!

Sarah December 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm

I just love this sone… however I dont get it!!! maybe Im slow haha.

Kay December 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm

This song is horrendous. I get the reference to the Thompson quote, but this moron is trying to say being human = being original (given that “generation of dancers” is intended to be an offensive reference to human suckery presented as conformity). Considering this guy based his friggin lyrics on someone else’s quote, he expects us to associate humanity with originality and individuality? Flowers, you’re an idiot. Right up there with Britney Spears and her “overseas” visits to Canada, only worse — some of you morons actually bought into this retarded song.

Someone who appreciates and respects the music of The Killers. December 3rd, 2008 at 4:39 am

This song is great! It doesn’t matter if you don’t get it or not. It all depends how you interpret it. Everyone thinks differently and so, everyone is bound to have different interpretations. I have to say, though, to all of you guys that don’t like it, give it a chance! Okay. You don’t like it, just don’t trash it. Respect other people’s work. Please.
The Killers are great! You have to give them props for being different! Great musical vanguardists of our times!

KB733 December 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am

You gotta be kidding me - I really like the Killers previous work, but this is beyond bad. It makes no sense and it’s aggravatingly gay.

psychogenic December 5th, 2008 at 6:45 pm

How can he be making social or philisophical commentary on americans? Didn’t he complain when Green Day did the same with American Idiot? The song is just clearly a result of him growing up in vegas and watching stripers cry while they gave him lap dances….

psychogenic December 5th, 2008 at 8:24 pm

Ok so he means are we human or are we raindeer? And for the person talking about nouns and adjectives im pretty sure with or without the s it would be the same…it is more the context that is important indetermining that….but im no mathemagician so I can’t tell you for sure

Riki December 8th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

Appalling song.

Balsy December 10th, 2008 at 7:51 am

The song is actually referring to the soft Cambodian cheese “Dancer”, (pronounced Danker) the soft cheese with a hard “c”.

Are we human or are we cheeses?
My sign is Edam, My hands are Brie,
I am on my cheese looking for my spreader,
Are we human or are we Cheddar?

Music December 10th, 2008 at 3:17 pm

You must be a cheesehead then. Go Packers!

Yarima December 10th, 2008 at 9:37 pm

Great song!, can’t stop singing

Samantha wray December 11th, 2008 at 1:32 am

Dancer - in another language means external life. external life means ‘life after death’. So are we Human (were we just die, end of) or are we dancer (do we go some where eles after we die like recarnation. So The song is quiet suicidal.
‘I did my best to notice when the call came down the line’ - (when our time is up we are meant to get the call)
‘To the platform of surrender, i was brought but i was kind’ - (he was taken and had to give up, didnt want to do it, but accepts it)
‘Sometimes i get nervous when i see an open door’ - (when you see a door but dont no whats behond it you get nervous as its the fear of the unknown, so is the door a gateway to a different place)
‘Close yours eyes’ - (you dont get afraid when you cant see)
‘Clear your heart’ - (forget emotions so you dont get upset)
‘Cut the cord’ - (de-tach your self from life….death)
‘Are we human or are we dancer’ (external life)
‘My sign is vital, my hands are cold’ - (His sign is vital to him as in his meaning in life and why hes here)
‘And im on my knees, searching for the answers’ - (On his knees means hes begging and wants to know despratly what we are.
‘Are we human or are we dancer (external life)
he goes on to thank all the good things like, grace, romance, devotion..but says ‘Wave goodbye wish me well youve gotta let me go’ - (Saying goodbye to life because hes going to find the answers, is there something after we die???? This song i think is something to do with H.S.THOMPSON - an author. who was known to take all kind of drugs. Who wrote ‘fear and loathing in las vegas’ which was a guy trying drugs and writing down thoughts whilst on them. so this man probably had outta body experiences and started to question lifes unexplanable answers. ‘How did the earth start?’ ‘why are we here and for what purpose?’ ‘Is they something after we die?’
H.S.THOMPSON went on to committ suicide by shooting himself in the head. So i think this song is written about him or for him. Unless they have been ‘off there tits too’ are wrote it about there own experiences. This song definately means something, its just written in code. The killers are from las vegas. So if my theory isnt right then god knows!!!!!

DEL December 11th, 2008 at 10:49 am

A reasonably good song. For the record the lyric is Dancer and it is indeed inspired by comments made by the late great Hunter S Thompson.
Also for all the morons out there, the lyrics do make sense, they just make quite and intelligent use of language/metaphor etc which is something missing in the vast majority of mainstream modern music. I find it weird that people so obviously ignorant find the need to comment.

Stephanie December 11th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

Are we human? individuals, go our own way and do what we want to do. or are we dancer? dancing and following along with what society wants us to be.

anon December 11th, 2008 at 11:41 pm

I think this song is stupid… I don’t mind the melody but the lyricism is completely flawed! Are we human? Sure are WE dancer? That’s not English! Bologna!

Josh December 12th, 2008 at 9:19 am

I really get pissed when I hear that song

BULLSHIT

i aint tellin December 14th, 2008 at 2:22 pm

daner cux it just is OKAY

T_M December 15th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

I think every here has misinterpreted phrase “Are we dancer?”

Given the release so close to Christmas, it is definitely “Are we Dancer?” ie are we Santa’s reindeer :p

I find the song very catchy and love playing it on Guitar Hero but the lyric is a bit too open for interpretation for me.

Paulio Santosa December 17th, 2008 at 11:28 am

It is lyrically awful…..like the rest of the drivel the poncy feckers realease.

and ever so slightly related:-

come on guys lets bring back 80’s new romantics music, cos it wasn’t fucking shit enough the first time around was it…..

*sigh*

Sticky December 19th, 2008 at 8:37 am

Uhhhh Im so very confused… =^.^= I <3333 this song though

Greggs pies are ace December 19th, 2008 at 12:10 pm

TheOneWhoIsNotAnIdiotLikeManyOfYou - You’re an idiot!

ellen December 19th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

what is this song about??? please will someone help me????!!!!

wombat December 21st, 2008 at 10:31 am

Dear reader,

In an age of such illiteracy and ignorance, it is refreshing to see so much debate about the lyrics of a popular song.
The point of songwriting is to convey an image of something through the words .
I think the intent of this particular lyric is to say, are we becoming puppets of the political and social norms.
ie, dancing to someone elses tune. Not a radical idea, but a valid one.

legallybrunette December 23rd, 2008 at 8:55 pm

great song. God knows what it means but i think dancer is like to be free and loose while human refers to back in the “real” world and the real world kinda sucks so ROCK ON DANCERS!

joker January 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 am

stupid humans its “are we dancer” not denser!

Chris January 2nd, 2009 at 1:01 am

Here’s a new take on the meaning: I went to a rave yesterday, this song was the last one played. I haven’t actually heard the song before, but I felt as if I immediately understood.

Me and my friend were rolling, and we came up with the same explanation. “Are we human or are we dancer?” — As humans, we have all our flaws and shortcomings. However, if we become dancers, we transcend mere mortality and enter a different, divine state of harmony and peace. Dancing is an expression of something spiritual, that is bigger than being merely human.
And why the singular instead of the plural? Through dance, we become connected to each other. Rather than being individual dancers, we connect to form a higher entity.

If you don’t understand, drop some X and listen to the song again. Of course, the Killers can’t just say something like that in an interview, so they rather drop an obscure Hunter S. Thompson reference then risking to be cited as telling kids to do drugs in order to understand the song.

That said, this is my new favorite song, because it’ll remind me of my best new years in a very long time.

yo yo ma January 2nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm

well the reason its (dancer) is a quote. So Dancer is a figure of speech. Its saying are we our self or our we following others in the world. SO I WOULD LIKE TO BE A HUMAN (or a cow)

cocktail peanut January 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 am

I can’t believe anybody is confused over this lyric - he doesn’t mean to quote Hunter S. Thompson, or the “dancer” in the lyric would be plural (i.e., “dancers.”) The lyric actually means, “Are we human?” or “Are we Dancer?” (as in Dancer, Prancer and Vixen - Santa’s reindeer.) Everyone is an idiot who can’t see this. It’s such an intense lyric.

Scott of Warren, MI January 5th, 2009 at 8:47 am

This song sucks giant donkey. I’m not a mega-follower of the Killers, but I have liked their stuff in the past. I heard this song on the radio this morning and I found my way to this website because:

A) I couldn’t understand the lyrics
B) I didn’t believe it was actually the Killers

Sadly, this site and others confirms that the main line of the song does indeed says “Are we human? Or are we dancer?”

I don’t know who this Thompson guy is, but I can tell you that the average listening is left scratching their heads. I don’t understand how this crap made it to the radio. This really ought to be an 11th track on a crappy CD (not saying their CD is crappy, but if they made this I would guess it to be).

“Are we dancer?” - NOT FRIGGIN’ ENGLISH

Thanks everyone on this site for your insight and information into this horribly sounding song with terrible lyrics in improper English.

Pavel Humenuk January 11th, 2009 at 11:31 am

for me is this song about LOVE

Pavel Humenuk January 11th, 2009 at 11:32 am

even this boy is on his knees, he wants to be kind.

the MAV January 14th, 2009 at 1:27 am

good god, youngsters. Read about Hunter Thompson, his views of how the government and politicians, corrupt with the influence from $$$ corporations potentially would hinder the truth from the average citizen thru; intimidation, misinformation, redirection, and how they wish ev1 would just dance along and not challenge to seek the truth and real meaning about life in general…throughout the world.
and perhaps this is the song writer’s tribute to how HT’s life ended…of his own control and regard.

think about it…doesn’t anyone under the age of 40 do that anymore!

tim January 15th, 2009 at 10:43 am

1. Seriously, people who say this song is gay are downright stupid. The Killers are referring to people as ‘dancer’s because we only follow what life has given us and not try to change it at all. Just like dancers who only follow their choreography and do not change the steps/

2. YES, IS IT ‘DANCER’, NOT ‘DENSER’.

WTF.

Foxy January 19th, 2009 at 9:00 am

Awwww i like this song alot! altho i have to admit im quite loving the DENSER version!

xxxx

martin January 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 am

This song is deep and it is really catchy, it’s moving enough to be an anthem – phenomenal …

hahaha January 24th, 2009 at 2:02 am

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 a confusion about it.”

No one here ‘got it’ - so you are all idiots according to this idiot.

Worst lyric in the history of music.

PAVEL HUMENUK January 25th, 2009 at 8:40 am

Hi, my name is not Mr. Know It All

for me is this song about LOVE

and me really feels it.

HAPPY AND SUNNY

WINTER DAY.

PAVEL HUMENUK January 25th, 2009 at 8:41 am

me love this song,

it is beautiful.

riffmaster January 27th, 2009 at 9:07 am

this is quoting Mr Thompson. He said that “we have raised a generation of dancer,” as opposed to thinking for ourselves. A metaphor for following what we are told to do. You are right “the mav.” Damn, I hate the Killers music but I have to say, its a pretty good song lyrically and Im suprised that so many people dont get it!
And Im 23, I have to admit, youre right, not many people under the age of 40 think a lot anymore…lol, its a real shame….

ting tong January 31st, 2009 at 8:55 am

i just like the tune

Kris February 10th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

My God.

This board is filled with insufferable, ignorant bigots who get their kicks on making fun of gay people and those who like music that doesn’t generate from a man in “FUBU” outfits wearing gold chains hanging down to his ankles. We’re sorry that we don’t like listening to people sing about “‘dem hoes be suckin’ on my sac” and “I killed ma granny to save me monay!” Go listen to Hurricane Chris or Lil Wayne. They’re so cool because they do whatever they want. Man, It’s so cool to not follow any sociological laws or ethics and cause pain and harm to other people just so I can be content!

Go jump off a bridge.

PAVEL HUMENUK February 11th, 2009 at 6:19 pm

Mark 12:29-31
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.` The second is this: `Love your neighbor as yourself.`There is no commandment greater than these.”

Liddo February 12th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

WTF ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thank god im an athiest!!!!!

Bring on the Killers, I love em, and this song!
Leave God to the dead……pleeeaseeee

EJ February 16th, 2009 at 7:58 am

I so f-ing hate that song, it’s like a million times on the f-ing radio… ANNOYING ARGHH!!!!

sackneger March 12th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

sind wir menschen oder sind wir schwule arschwichser jea sing!! are we wenker ore are we sacklutscher jea…are we pimmelkaklochlutscher ore are we wurstwassertrinker..jea jea..are we pissetrinker ore are we wenker..jea jea i got the skill..are we wenker ore are we dancer..
ist dieser song mal behinder behindert behindert ..son schwuchtelwichs scheiss dreck scheisse.. schwule sauficke mist dreck was solln das are we human sind wir menschen ..nein natürlich nicht..ore are we dancer..oder sind wir schwule..?
ich stell mir diese frage sind wir fotzen oder sind wir schwänze..dadadada oder sind wir schwänze..
wer sonne mucke hört isn faggot ohne gleichen ..are we humen ore are we wenker jeaaaa ich warte schon auf den veraschsong ey son pisshomo kram bläää

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